Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed has stated this is not the right time to introduce new taxes on tourists, as countries prepare to reopen borders.
Speaking at a webinar hosted by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) on the impact of COVID-19 on international tourism, Minister Ali Waheed said as the world prepares to ease restrictions, reopen borders and opt for ways to travel again, it is very important to plan this phase substantially. The minister said countries need to be vigilant and extra careful as the world cannot afford a second wave or another surge of deaths and lockdowns. As such, he said countries need to adopt measures to ensure the situation does not worsen again, in order to minimize further damage to international tourism and global economy.
The tourism minister further stated it is not time to compromise safety or to introduce new taxes on tourists. He said it is time to adopt a new normal international travel, where borders and airports must agree to have the minimum standards required to keep the travel happening with confidence in the airlines, airports and destinations.
Noting the Maldives is preparing to open borders and shores in July, the tourism minister said guidelines are being formulated to ensure the country is a safer and more affordable destination than before. He remarked confidence is the key for a successful international tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic, adding this is what the Maldives plans to offer after reopening borders.
The government is working on formulating guidelines to be followed when tourism operations resume, including the procedure to be followed by all tourists upon arrival. The guidelines are being formulated with input from all stakeholders of the tourism industry.