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Trust will help revive tourism: Tourism Minister

Tourism Minister Ali Waheed has said attaining the trust of the tourists and ease of travel will be the key factors that would help to revive the tourism sector which has declined significantly due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minister made the remark speaking ar the East Asia and Pacific regional meeting of the United Nationals World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Minister Ali Waheed chaired the meeting that was attended by Secretary General of UNWTO, Deputy Secretary General of Malaysia’s Tourism Ministry, and 22 countries of Asia Pacific.

Minister Ali Waheed said the Maldives believes that the world tourism sector that has been harshly affected by COVID-19 pandemic can be revived by gaining trust and making easy travel arrangements for the tourists. He added that the joint efforts of the international organisations, states, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector will bring positive outcomes.

The Maldives will open its borders on July 15 and resume tourism sector, further detailed the Minister.

The 32nd meeting of UNWTO - East Asia and Pacific was initially scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was held virtually.