Visit Maldives, The High Commission of Maldives in Singapore and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives in collaboration with Association of Travel Agents Singapore ( NATAS) conducts a destination webinar on 30th June 2021. Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Guesthouse Association of Maldives (GAM), Association of Travel Agents (ATA), and the National Boating Association Maldives (NBAM) took part alongside Visit Maldives in the event.

The objective of the webinar is to connect with the Singapore travel trade community to share the latest information on Maldives and to create destination awareness. Furthermore, highlighting the safety provided by the natural socially-distanced geography and stringent safety measures in place.

During the Webinar, Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed, Managing director of Visit Maldives addressed the importance of the Singapore market to Maldives and highlighted the current marketing strategies to promote the destination.

“With the blessings of a natural socially-distanced scattered geography and overwhelmingly breathtaking beauty, the Maldives is unlike any other tourist destination in the world. The scattered alluring islands and the uniquely-Maldivian ‘one-island-one-resort- concept transforms Maldives into one of the safest

destinations to travel to right now.” Stated Thoyyib Mohamed, the Managing Director of Visit Maldives, during the destination Maldives webinar..

Visit Maldives presented a destination video showcasing the alluring scenery of the Maldives, the four tourism products (resorts, guesthouse, liveaboards, hotels) and the unique experiences offered in Maldives. In addition, the different segments of Maldives tourism and marketing efforts were highlighted.

The one hour interactive session will share the latest information on the current travel protocols to the Singapore travel trade members. The webinar commenced with a welcome speech by Ms Eman Hassan, Deputy High Commissioner to Maldives followed by Introductory remarks by H.E. Ibrahim Shaheeb, High Commissioner to Maldives. Afterwards, an overview of NATAS was provided by Mr. Steven Lee, President of Natas, followed by remarks from Dr. Naushad Mohamed, Deputy Minister of Tourism. The Ministry of Tourism presented a presentation titled ‘The Maldives Tourism - Post COVID-19” detailing future plans and opportunities for the travel trade community.

The webinar connected with over 30 travel trade members in the Singapore market and provided the chance to identify future opportunities and collaborations with NATAS.

The South East Asia market is one of the most important markets to the Maldives with immense potential for growth. Visit Maldives aims to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and promote Maldives by strengthening connections with destinations in the SEA market. Therefore, the webinar with NATAS plays a crucial role in addressing urgent inquiries and strengthening Maldives’ brand presence in the Singapore market.

In 2019, over 14,990 travelers arrived from the Singapore market ranking Singapore as the 19th top source market for Maldivian tourism. The Singaporean border is currently closed for international leisure travel however, Visit Maldives aims to keep the destination presence across the market. Visit Maldives concluded Travel Meet Asia- MICE & Corporate and IMM Asia Virtual in the month of June 2021.

Maldives reopened its borders for tourists of all nationalities on 15th July 2020, with rigorous procedures in place to ensure the safety of tourists and tourism workers. Tourists are required to fill an online health declaration form within 24 hours prior to their departure, as well as have a negative PCR test result, conducted 96 hours prior to their departure

The administration of the COVID-19 vaccine was initiated on 1st February 2021 with the government of Maldives set to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to all citizens and residents of the country in the upcoming months. Visit Maldives together with the Ministry of Tourism launched the "I'm Vaccinated" campaign in order to share a positive message regarding the vaccination of staff working in the tourism sector as well as promoting the initiatives undertaken to ensure the Maldives remains one of the safest destinations in the world for travelers. The ultimate target is to make Maldives the destination with the first fully vaccinated tourism sector in the world.