Over 3,000 tourists visited the Maldives over the past 30 days, statistics have shown.
The Maldives closed its borders to tourists on March 27 as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. After months of closure, the country reopened its borders on July 15.
While one month has passed since the border was reopened, Maldives Immigration said 3,054 tourists visited the Maldives by August 13. Athough the figures for August 14 and 15 have not been shared yet, estimated figures based on frequency of flights and number of average tourists show the total number of tourists that visited the Maldives over the past 30 days would not exceed 3,999.
Statistics publicized by Maldives Immigration on August 3rd showed that the most number of tourists that traveled to the Maldives are from United Kingdom and USA. Most are believed to be expatriates working in UAE.
A study conducted by the Maldives National University (MNU)’s research team in collaboration with Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) prior to the border reopening estimated that 10,595 tourists will visit the Maldives within a month.
The study, which focused on the impacts of COVID-19 on the tourism industry, showed that a combined total of 10,595 tourists will visit the Maldives in the worst case scenario. The Maldives government expected 800,000 tourist arrivals by the end of the year. The actual numbers failed to reach the estimated figures.
However, economic experts say the number of tourist arrivals is expected to pick up by late August, and nearer to the end of the year, although travel itenaries depend on the border status of other countries.
The number of flight movements have picked up since the border was reopened, and airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines have resumed operation to the Maldives. 30 private jets arrived in the Maldives between July 15 and August 10, out of which 10 landed at Maafaru International Airport in Noonu atoll.
