Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has stated it is important to take all necessary measures to ensure the peak season continues well. He made the remarks in response to a ban imposed on the entry of travellers from seven countries in the African region as a precautionary measure against the new variant of COVID-19, Omicron.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Mausoom backed the decision of the government, noting it is necessary for the country to take. In this regard, the minister said the biggest impact of the ban will be on travellers from the South African market. The minister expressed the loss of one tourist arrival is also of concern revealing about 1,500 travellers from South Africa arrive in the Maldives per month. However, the minister said it is necessary to take every measure possible to ensure the next peak season continues to be prosperous.
He highlighted the commitment of the Maldivian tourism industry stakeholders in implementing the measures taken by the government.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a new outbreak of COVID-19 in South Africa. As a first precautionary measure against the new variant, travellers from South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini have been banned from entering the Maldives.
In an announcement, Maldives said that those who travelled to these countries 14 days prior to their arrival and those who transited in one of these countries for more than 12 hours will not be allowed to enter the Maldives.