It's an idea that the MaldivesA tourist paradise with a string of islets dotted around the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. A paradise that, before the pandemic, attracted 1.7 million international visitorsThis figure represents an increase of 14.5% between 2018 and 2019. Visit France was then one of the ten largest markets with 59,000 visitors that same year.
The epidemic of Covid has come and gone in the meantime. Last year, the Maldives attracted just 555,000 travellers, a third of its 2019 performance. And as the tourism generates 28% of GDP of the country, the Maldives experienced the biggest recession in its history. It is estimated that the economy contracted by 28% last year.
In such a context, relaunching the tourism industry has become a matter of urgency for the government. The country reopened to international travellers in July. Anyone with a negative Covid PCR test and a reservation can travel to the country.
A place for vaccines and digital nomads
But the Maldives want to go even further. Visit Minister for Tourism Abdulla Mausoom has unveiled a recovery strategy. The plan is called " 3V " for "Visit, Vaccinate and Holiday. The idea: in between dips in the ocean, travellers will be able to be vaccinated against the virus. Special packages will include hotel, PCR test and vaccination.
A concept that could not only attract high-end tourists but also digital mobile workerss looking for a quiet place to do business. The country is now thinking of positioning itself in this niche, which has become very 'trendy' - particularly for island destinations where it is easier to apply health checks on external visitors. Since October, the Vakkaru Resort has been offering a work well" package including a study with ocean views...
The "3V" package will not be available immediately. According to the Minister, it will only come into force when all of the country's 515,000 inhabitants will be vaccinated. The rate of people having received an injection is currently 53%, but has already risen to over 90% for people working in tourism. And in contact with foreign visitors. The idea of a vaccination holiday should be emulated in other destinations...
