Maldives will officially reopen its borders for international tourists on July 15, 2020, with resorts, liveaboards and hotels located at uninhabited islands to open first, followed by guesthouses and hotels located at inhabited islands will be open from August 1.
The island country relies heavily on the tourism industry as it accounts for the largest foreign exchange earnings, making it the biggest economic contributor in the country. After a complete standstill brought on by Covid-19, the country’s tourism industry has been gearing up to restart; it is set to resume in compliance to protective measures, taking into account the safety of tourists and staff working in the industry.
The guidelines for reopening the tourism sector, “Public Health Interventions to Prevent Covid-19 Transmission in the Tourism Sector”, was also released late last month by the Ministry of Tourism, giving comprehensive information for all sectors across the tourism industry on their standard operating procedures, as well as important information to tourists.
According to the guidelines, tourists are not required to pay an additional fee, produce a certificate or test result indicative of negative status for Covid-19 prior to entry into Maldives. For tourists without symptoms, there is no requirement for quarantine either.
Travellers who have a history of contact with a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19 within the past 14 days and persons who have fever or respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, shortness of breath within the past 14 days are advised not to travel to Maldives.
A confirmed booking in a tourist establishment registered with the Ministry of Tourism, prior to travelling is mandatory. Tourists who are visiting Maldives during phase 1 of opening shall book their entire stay in one registered establishment. Stays at multiple resorts and hotels are not permitted during this period. However, exemptions will be made for transit arrangements.
All passengers should submit a health declaration card upon arrival, completed onboard the aircraft. As per border health and aviation procedure, if a passenger has fever, cough or shortness of breath on board the flight it should be informed to the Health Protection Agency.
Tourists travelling to Maldives will be provided a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival. Travel advisors should get details on https://www.tourism.gov.mv/ed information
OZEN RESERVE VITTAVELI REVEALED
ATMOSPHERE Hotels & Resorts has announced the relaunch of Vittaveli Resort as Ozen Reserve Vittaveli. Situated in South Male Atoll, Maldives, the newly rebranded resort adds to the brand’s uber-luxe offering – TheOzen Collection.
Salil Panigrahi, Founder & Managing Director of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, says “We are honoured to be chosen to manage Vittaveli. The addition of this resort to The Ozen Collection by Atmosphere will be a brand extension of our dreams into reality, offering rustic luxury blending with the Maldivian nature of sun, sand and swaying palms. Ozen Reserve Vittaveli will be launched as a luxury lifestyle resort immersed in an exotic Indian Ocean hospitality. “
Ozen Reserve Vittaveli will epitomise relaxed, ultra-luxe island living with grand spaces, access to sun-kissed ocean fronts and gourmet dine-by-design experiences. Each of the 89 villas and suites will offer guests absolute seclusion, with a private swimming pool and direct beach or lagoon access. The jewel of the crown “Royal Reserve” will offer 3,500 square metres of unmatched luxury and elegant living for a blissfully immersive stay. To complete the exotic holiday experience, guests can set off for private adventures on the resort’s 85-foot, MY Vittaveli Yacht.