Boating Holidays after Maldives Reopens Borders- NBAM

Sunday 14th of June 2020

Boating Holidays after Maldives Reopens Borders- NBAM

On 13th June, South Asian Travel Awards hosted the 8th episode of The South Asian Digital Travel Conversation regarding ‘Boating Holidays during the New Normal’ with panelists Ahmed Afrah, President of Maldives Boating Association; Gautama Dutta, Executive Committee Member of Indian Marine Federation; Scaria Jose, Director of Spice Routes Luxury Cruises; and Alexander Bryant, MD of Emperor Divers Fleet.

The South Asian Digital Travel Conversation is a virtual conversation organized by the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) with a full focus to discuss in-depth, to create awareness and to voice the challenges that are being faced in the Travel Trade & Hospitality Industry of the South Asian region.

Here are some of the highlights regarding the boating industry by Ahmed Afrah, President of NBAM.

Liveaboards in Maldives

Boating industry has come a long way in Maldives since its start in 1970s. We saw an exponential growth in last decade of liveaboard development. Currently, there are about 125 liveaboards catering to various needs from very small 5 cabin ones to the very top luxury 25 cabin ones. Today, Maldives has one of the biggest fleet of liveaboards in the region. Our boats are unique offering a wide range of activities and exceptional service. Liveaboards are the go to choice for divers and surfers.

The Challenges

The government has given designated island where liveaboards can dock. There are various health measures for safety of guests and staff, which would interrupt in normal operations. However, businesses will be rolling out SOP to address this problem. Another issue is related to staffing. Many resorts, guesthouses and liveaboards have sent workers abroad prior to lockdown and bringing them back will take time. However, one of the main challenges is how to give confidence for travelers to come back.

The Return

I am confident that NBAM will bounce back but it will take time. The boating industry will overcome and come back stronger and hopefully be more resilient to future events. One of the key areas of improvement was in technology implementation in business. This leads to efficiency of doing things. Further, private companies and government are looking for new ways of promotion outside traditional marketing method and new ways to promote to new markets.. Another area is safety and hygiene with the new health measures that are hopeful to be in place even after the pandemic.