Maldives targets safe tourism in three months as a Covid-19 free nation

Tourism Minister Ali Waheed has said that the government was targeting to make the Maldives a Covid-19 free country and recommence “safe tourism” within three months.

Speaking in an online session of the Economic Committee of the parliament, Minister Ali Waheed stated that Maldivians can breathe a sigh of relief if the country could take a step back from the current safety measures in place if they are implemented well enough.

“With in the next three months, the Maldives will become the first Covid free country in the Asia region, god willing. We are conducting surveys to begin safe tourism when we reach that road. “said Minister Waheed.

The Minister reiterated that the government’s first foremost priority was the safety of its citizens and that the government was taking steps to ensure that the businesses of investors do not disintegrate.

He noted that the situation in the Maldives was good, compared with some other neighboring countries and the continent of Europe, which he attributed to the stringent measures undertaken.

“No leader of any country in the world can predict when they can overcome the crisis, and until a vaccine for the virus is found the world will be in a state of anxiety where rapid decisions will be taken,” said the Minister.

He highlighted the fact that the country had targeted two million tourist arrivals and that tourist arrivals into the country had been completely halted due to the virus. The Minister stated his hope that if things go well, the country can start welcoming tourists once again in the last quarter of the year.

“We still view this situation as the edge of the storm c1loud. Until a vaccine is found, we should not lose focus and get distracted from the seriousness of the situation.” said Minister Waheed.