If you’re seeking a COVID vaccine and an unforgettable getaway, look no further than the Maldives. With the vaccine rollout gaining traction in the U.S., many individuals are eligible for vaccination, though finding an appointment can be challenging. So why not mark this significant milestone with an incredible vacation? The Maldives is launching an initiative aimed at revitalizing its tourism sector post-pandemic by offering COVID vaccines to travelers who arrive with confirmed hotel reservations.
The Maldives, a stunning island nation in Southeast Asia, is introducing its “3v” program—short for “visit, vaccinate, and vacation.” This initiative offers a more streamlined way for tourists to experience the country, according to tourism minister Ameer Rashid, who spoke with CNBC. Currently, visitors can enter the Maldives by presenting a negative PCR test and proof of a hotel booking. Vaccinated tourists will soon be able to enter without restrictions—potentially as early as this week, Rashid noted.
Renowned for its picturesque beaches and luxurious resorts built over crystal-clear waters, tourism accounts for 67 percent of the Maldives’ GDP. This dependency on tourism has led the country to prioritize its hospitality workforce in the vaccine rollout. As it stands, 90 percent of tourism front-line workers are vaccinated, and over half of the population has received at least one vaccine dose.
Rashid did not specify a timeline for the visitor vaccination program, emphasizing that it will commence only after every resident has received both doses. He reassured that vaccine supply for tourists should not present a challenge due to the Maldives’ relatively small population and support from international organizations and friendly nations. However, it remains undecided whether tourists will need to cover the cost of their vaccines.
The Maldives aims to welcome 1.5 million tourists this year. Even if this target is met, the country anticipates a financial shortfall due to the significant travel restrictions and shutdowns experienced in 2020. “Even if we reach this year’s target, we will still have a shortfall in tourism revenue,” Rashid stated. “However, this is much better than we had anticipated in late 2020.”
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Summary:
The Maldives is set to launch a unique program offering COVID vaccinations to travelers who book hotel stays, a move aimed at revitalizing its tourism sector following the pandemic. The initiative, termed “3v” for “visit, vaccinate, and vacation,” allows visitors to enter the country with proof of a negative PCR test and a hotel reservation. With a strong emphasis on tourism, the Maldives has prioritized vaccinations for its hospitality workforce, aiming to welcome 1.5 million tourists this year despite anticipated revenue shortfalls.