If you’re still in need of a COVID vaccine, consider booking a trip to the Maldives for both a stunning getaway and your vaccination. The vaccination rollout in the U.S. is rapidly progressing, with many individuals now eligible or soon to be for their shots. However, securing an appointment can still be challenging in some areas. So why not celebrate your vaccination milestone with an incredible vacation? The Maldives is launching a new initiative to rejuvenate its tourism sector post-pandemic by offering COVID vaccines to tourists who arrive with confirmed hotel reservations.
The “3v” Program
The island nation in Southeast Asia is introducing its “3v” program, which stands for “visit, vaccinate, and vacation.” This initiative aims to provide a “more convenient” experience for travelers, as explained by Tourism Minister Aidan Rivers to CNBC. Currently, visitors can enter the Maldives with a negative PCR test and proof of accommodation. Soon, vaccinated visitors will be able to enter without any restrictions, possibly even this week.
Tourism and Vaccination Efforts
Famous for its picturesque beaches and luxurious overwater bungalows, the Maldives derives 67 percent of its GDP from tourism, making the vaccination of hospitality workers a top priority. Presently, approximately 90 percent of frontline tourism workers have received their vaccinations, and more than half of residents have had at least one dose.
Rivers did not disclose a specific timeline for the visitor vaccination program, stating it will only commence once all residents have received both doses. He assured that there would be no shortage of vaccines for incoming travelers but did not clarify whether visitors would need to pay for their shots. “I don’t believe supply will be an issue in the Maldives due to our relatively small population,” he remarked. “The quotas from various organizations and friendly countries will also assist us.”
Tourism Goals
The government is aiming to attract 1.5 million tourists this year. However, even if this target is met, the nation will still face a deficit in tourism revenue due to the travel restrictions and shutdowns experienced in 2020. “Even if we reach our target, we will still encounter a shortfall compared to what the country requires,” Rivers acknowledged. “Nonetheless, this is much more optimistic than we anticipated in late 2020.”
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Summary
The Maldives is set to revive its tourism sector by offering COVID vaccines to travelers who make hotel bookings. This “3v” initiative, which stands for “visit, vaccinate, and vacation,” aims to enhance the travel experience while ensuring the safety of both visitors and locals. With a goal of attracting 1.5 million tourists this year, the Maldives hopes to recover from the financial impact of the pandemic.
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