‘Can’t Keep Tourism on Stop for Months’-Ali Waheed

Tuesday 19th of May 2020

‘Can’t Keep Tourism on Stop for Months’-Ali Waheed

Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed, who took part in the Commonwealth Tourism Webinar today, released his statement regarding the ‘Tourism Industry’s Response to COVID19’.

The Minister stated that Maldives is among the worst hit island nations in terms of the economy. However, he notes that the country has done well in ‘managing the curve and avoiding catastrophe’. Currently, only the Capital Male` has the infection other islands in the country are safe for now, according to Ali Waheed.

‘We cannot keep our Tourism Industry on standstill for months. We cannot stay under lockdown for long.’ He says the country needs to come up with post lockdown strategies and focus on digitalization, automation and innovation. In order to restart, restoring travel confidence with the implementation of safety measures and coordinated reopening of national borders, airports and seaports while implementing risk assessments while maintaining balance between economic and health impacts are important.

Maldives tourism is planned to restart on the 3rd quarter of the year, on July. ‘We cannot let the virus stop us. We should come out of this together and stronger than ever,’ said Minister.