Visit Maldives has warmly welcomed the first visitor of 2021 at Velana International Airport this morning. The first visitor, a German national, Jochen Paul Karch, arrived on Qatar Airways (QR 674). He was greeted by officials of the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Maldives Immigration and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

Today also marks the launching of Maldives Border Miles loyalty program. Tourists can register on the program and start earning points by travelling to Maldives from 1st January 2021 onwards. Once a tourist is registered as a member of the program, they will earn points based on the duration of stay, visits to celebrate special occasions, visits on local occasions of Maldives, frequency of visits, and other aspects. The lucky first visitor was granted the first Maldives Border Miles loyalty card (Aida, Bronze tier) by the Controller General of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Hussain, which entitles him to countless benefits and rewards with each border crossing.

He was also gifted a holiday voucher of a 7-night stay at double room on a full board basis at Sun Island Resort & Spa, which was presented by the Managing Director of Maldives, Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed. Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism and MACL also presented him with special gifts. 

2020 was a challenging year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the countless trials faced, the team at Visit Maldives worked tirelessly to warrant that Maldives remains one of the safest and most preferred tourist destinations. Working together with the government, stakeholders and the tourism industry paved the way for overcoming these obstacles more efficiently, especially after the reopening of borders in July 2020. Successively, Maldives received over 550,000 tourists this year, as well as won the prestigious title of the “World’s Leading Destination'' awarded by World Travel Awards 2020. 

Today, Maldives opens a fresh chapter with new goals, visions, and accomplishments in mind. Visit Maldives will undoubtedly continue marketing the destination with increased vigor in the upcoming year. Several marketing activities have been planned which aims to increase tourist arrival numbers to pre-pandemic levels. In addition, Visit Maldives plans to reorient the perception of Maldives solely as a luxury and honeymoon destination and utilize international recognition and accolades received during 2020. Further to this, an emphasis will be given upon developing and promoting local tourism, culture and heritage of Maldives.

The Managing Director of Visit Maldives, Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed, remarked, “We are extremely pleased to greet the first visitor of 2021. After a hectic year, we are thrilled to have entered this stage where we are welcoming the first of many visitors. We want to ensure everyone that we will work hard to promote and market the destination and reach our targets for the year. Thank you everyone and we wish you a very Happy New Year!”

Visit Maldives wishes the first visitor, as well as other visitors, a very Happy New Year.