MATATO- Solutions for Maldives Travel Agents

Wednesday 18th of March 2020

MATATO- Solutions for Maldives Travel Agents

Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has launched a survey to identify ways to provide improve the situation for local travel agents and tour operators amidst the economic downturn caused by the global coronavirus pandemic.

After Maldives reported its first cases of the novel coronavirus on 8th March, eleven more cases — all foreigners working or staying resorts and liveaboard vessels — have since been identified. The patients are under isolation, being treated at designated quarantine facilities.

Following the public health emergency declaration, which introduced a series of unprecedented restrictive and social distancing measures, including a 14-day ban on inter-island travel of tourists, including for excursions and between resort islands, a nationwide shut down of all guesthouses and city hotels was ordered.

Worsening the performance of tourism industry, Maldives has also closed its borders to arrivals from some of the worst-hit countries as a precaution, including mainland China, Italy, Bangladesh, Iran, Spain, the United Kingdom and Malaysia. Visitors from three regions of Germany, two regions of France and two regions of South Korea were also banned from entering the country.

MATATO stated it had already initiated negotiations with the government to secure a stimulus package for local travel agents. The survey will help the association gather data requested by the government. “We would appreciate if you would let us know how well we can meet your needs by completing the survey form. We appreciate your assistance and look forward to receiving your response.”