Experience Paradise in Maldives: World Travel and Tourism Council Grants Safe Travels Stamp
In order to boost confidence of travellers and encourage others how travelling is not just seamless but a safe and secure experience, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) had launched the “Safe Travels Stamp”. The introduction of this stamp is a great way to improve the financial position of millions working in the hospitality and airlines industry.
The forum has recently added Maldives to the existing list of 40+ countries that have received the Safe Travels Stamp. The stamp was awarded in consideration of the island’s generous efforts to implement health and safety measures as per the WTTC Global Safe Travels rules.
Now that the island has received the stamp, all travellers can be assured that the authorities are following proper hygiene standards. After witnessing the first Covid-19 patient in March, the island saw a sudden spike when a cluster emerged in a community of migrant workers in the month of May. As of today, it has less than 2000 cases. Post strengthening safety measures, the island seems ready to welcome visitors who wish to experience paradise on Earth.
As per the new rules, every visitor has to present a negative Covid-19 test on arrival. The news was announced by Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism on Twitter — “For the safety of all, HPA Maldives has made it mandatory, with effect from 10th September, for all tourists and short term visitors to present a Negative PCR certificate on arrival in Maldives.”
The Safe Travels Stamp, endorsed by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and 200+ travel companies, will encourage people to safely explore the beauty of Maldives. With its one-island-one-resort concept and unique geography, the island is a great holiday spot for vacationing with your family and loved ones.
Even after lifting restrictions for international travel, tourist arrivals in the island have remained quite less as compared to pre-Covid levels. According to the tourism ministry, only 11,629 visitors came between July 15 and September 8. The Safe Travels Stamp is likely to boost tourism arrivals as guesthouses are prepping to resume operations from October 15. Government sources have revealed a state deficit of MVR 13 billion in the tourism industry in 2020.
The World Travel and Tourism Council permits all travel firms to apply for the ‘Safe Travels Stamp’. Tour operators, hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, short-term rentals, car rentals, attractions, outdoor shopping providers, transportation, airports and both national and regional tourist boards can also register for it.
In case you are planning some trip in near future, WTTC’s Safe Travels Stamp List will help you assess safety protocols.
