First Gold Tier under Maldives Border Miles awarded to Corbin and his daughter

The Gold Tier (Abaarana) under the Maldives Border Miles program has been awarded to one of the pioneers of Maldivian tourism, George Corbin and his daughter, Georgina Corbin.

This is the first time the Gold Tier has been awarded to a tourist. The Corbins were presented that Gold Tier by Health Minister, a pioneer of Maldivian tourism, Ahmed Naseem in a ceremony held at Velana International Airport’s VIP lounge to conclude Corbin’s official trip to the Maldives.

Minister Naseem and George Corbin first met in 1971, at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Maldives. They later worked together to introduce tourism to the Maldives.

Corbin arrived in the Maldives, with his daughter, on last Monday to participate in the celebratory activities of the golden jubilee of Maldivian tourism, marking the 50th anniversary since its inception. He played a significant role in bringing the first tourism group to the Maldives. The first group of tourists to the Maldives arrived in the country in February 16, 1972. They had described Maldives as ‘Heaven on Earth’ upon witnessing the natural beauty of Maldives.

Maldives Border Miles is the world’s first destination loyal program. Gold Tier, or Abaarana Tier is the highest tier in the three-tiered program. Members of the tier will be privy to free VIP services at Velana International Airport. Moreover, discounts and offers will be offered to members at resorts and guesthouses that have partnered with Maldives Border Miles.

Corbin’s daughter, Georgina had traveled to the Maldives with her father in 1972. She is the youngest tourist who had arrived in the Maldives, during the days of the inception of tourism.