Maldives fights tourism slump with faster visas and new attractions
The Maldives is taking steps to recover from a recent drop in tourism caused by disruptions in the Middle East. On March 29, the Special Committee of the Council of Ministers addressed the ongoing situation, highlighting its impact on travel. Meanwhile, the island nation is rolling out new measures to attract visitors and simplify their stay. Since early March, the Maldives has seen a 21% decline in tourist arrivals. The decrease follows disruptions at major Middle Eastern air hubs, which affected flight routes to the archipelago. Several airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai, temporarily suspended or reduced services. However, these carriers have now resumed two daily flights via reorganised air corridors.
Flight occupancy is slowly improving, suggesting a return in demand. Qatar Airways will also restore daily service from April 1, helping to rebuild regional connectivity. To ease conditions for travellers already in the country, authorities are introducing a faster visa extension process. Starting in April, tourists can extend their stay in just 48 hours with fewer required documents.
Beyond recovery efforts, the Maldives is expanding its tourism appeal. New activities like technical diving, sport fishing, and spearfishing are being promoted. The government is also considering two new visa types: a remote work visa for digital nomads and a dedicated visa for content creators. Currently, most international visitors receive a free 30-day visa on arrival without prior application. The Maldives continues to adapt to challenges caused by regional instability. With resumed flights, simplified visa rules, and new tourism offerings, the country aims to regain visitor numbers. The upcoming visa extensions and potential new visa categories could further support its recovery in the coming months.
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