Maldives to offer tourists vaccine on arrival
Move is aimed at reviving nation’s struggling tourism industry
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Maldives plans to offer tourists the opportunity to get vaccinated on arrival as part of its drive to lure back holidaymakers.
The archipelago’s tourism minister announced the move would kickstart a new “3V” initiative inviting travellers to “visit, vaccinate, and vacation”.
Abdulla Mausoom told CNBC it would provide a “more convenient” way for people to holiday in the island nation, which is heavily reliant on tourism to bolster its economy – 67 per cent of GDP comes from the travel industry.
He could not give a timeline for the new vaccination on arrival programme, stating that the country’s first priority was to ensure its own population had received both vaccine doses.
However, Mr Mausoom added that the country’s Health Protection Agency would “very soon” be announcing restriction-free travel for visitors who’ve already been fully vaccinated.
An impressive 90 per cent of the Maldives’ frontline tourism workers have had their first jab, according to Mr Mausoom, alongside around 53 per cent of the islands’ entire population.
It follows various other attempts to tempt visitors to return to the Maldives during the pandemic.
In September, it announced it was launching a loyalty programme.
Dubbed Maldives Border Miles, the scheme, launched by the Maldives’ Minister of Tourism during a virtual ceremony, rewards frequent holidaymakers to the island nation.
As of 1 December, travellers can earn points depending on the frequency and duration of their visits, and earn extra credit if it’s a special occasion.
There are three tiers on the reward system: Aida (bronze), Antara (silver) and Abaarana (gold).
The website states: “Maldives Border Miles is a three-tiered loyalty programme focused on tourism promotion.
“Tourists enrolled to this programme will earn points for each border crossing. Additional points are rewarded for the visits on special occasions.
“Once the tourist reaches to a tally of a specific amount of points, privileges are rewarded with amazing benefits. As they move up the tiers, privileges are enhanced, and benefits are made exclusive.”
The Independent has contacted the Maldives tourism board for more information.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments