Maldives Notches Small and Big Wins in Its Reopening Act
Photo Credit: When social distancing isn't a chore: Dining at The Nautilus Maldives The Nautilus Maldives
Skift Take
So what good has come out of the Maldives' reopening since July 15? A lot actually, which other resort destinations may learn from, albeit this paradise has its unique strengths.
Maldives tourism has been limping to recovery since the destination reopened on July 15, but resorts say there is good reason to expect a sprint rather than a hobble in the fourth quarter of 2020 and first quarter 2021. This is despite an AFP report last Wednesday, “Maldives tightens tourist virus rules after spike in cases,” which is making its rounds and may dampen consumer confidence to visit.
The tightened rules are that from September 10, tourists must present a negative Covid-19 test result on arrival, a condition that was removed at reopening, along with testing on arrival.
The report linked the change to official saying 29 local staff and 16 foreigners had tested positive at resorts since reopening. Maldives, however, has been asserting that community spread is largely confined to Male, where tourists aren't currently allowed to visit.
The new requirement is actually good news for resorts that want the government to mandate that tourists either produce a Covid-free
