Statistics published by the Ministry of Tourism reveals that the Maldives welcomed a total of 96,881 tourists during the past month. With an average of 3,460 tourists per day, February records the most number of tourist arrivals during the recovery period. 

The ministry observed record-breaking numbers throughout February. The ministry recorded the highest single-day tourist arrivals on the 21st, welcoming 5,268 arrivals. The second highest single-day arrivals were recorded on February 12, with over 4,850 arrivals. 

India has also emerged as the #1 top source market for tourist arrivals in the Maldives so far in 2021, overtaking the position previously held by Russia. The remaining top source markets include Kazakhstan, Romania, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Czech Republic and the USA. 

After temporarily closing the borders to curb the spread of COVID-19, Maldives reopened borders for all international travelers on 15th July 2020. While tourists are not required to quarantine upon arrival, tourists are required to submit an online health declaration form within 24 hours prior to departure and are required to produce a negative COVID-19 PCR test result conducted within 96 hours prior to departure.

Maldives is gaining recognition in the efforts to make the island nation a safe destination for travelers. The country received the “Safe Travels Stamp” by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), in recognition of the efforts to implement enhanced health and safety measures, in line with the WTTC global Safe Travels protocols Additionally, Velana International Airport received the ACI Airport Health Accreditation for consistent measures, which are in line with ACI’s standards in the “new normal” during the pandemic. Velana International Airport is the second airport in the Asia Pacific Region to receive the Health Accreditation.