Maldives’ Touted July Reopening Shows Complexities Behind the Hoopla
Photo Credit: Naturally distanced Maldives, as shown by this three-bedroom suite at Soneva Fushi. Photo Credit: Soneva / Julia Neeson
Skift Take
Launching a reopening campaign is exciting and positive, but the ability to visit is still the great question that the paradise must sort out — with only weeks to go.
The Maldives’ "See You in July" social media marketing campaign may be a little premature. Just two weeks to go before reopening international borders, tour operators are still in the dark about key matters such as flight schedules and reciprocal travel corridors, while government regulations on safety protocols have not yet been finalized.
On the other hand, the reopening rah-rah has built up great excitement and interest from tourists to visit the Maldives, which has flaunted a dream welcome back: no mandatory quarantine, no Covid-19 immunity certificate needed, no Covid tests before or on arrival, no new visa rules, and no additional fees imposed.
A previous draft was for a special visa costing $100 for tourists staying a minimum of 14 nights, a compulsory Covid-19 test upon arrival costing $100 per test, and an immunity health certificate.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Industry players contacted by Skift said recovery is driven not just by a destinatio
