A travel survey has indicated the Maldives is expected to be under the highest demand among Middle Eastern tourists this year when borders reopen following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The survey was conducted by international marketing and PR agency AVIAREPS. 94 of the most prominent travel agencies in the Middle East took part in the survey.
As per the survey, travel agents expect a return to international travel by August or September, with promotional and marketing activities expected to resume in July. The Maldives was ranked number 1 in the individual destinations with the highest perceived demand among Middle Eastern tourists looking to travel once the borders reopen. Azerbaijan was ranked second in the list, with Turkey coming third.
The AVIAREPS survey also showed the level of pre-booked cancellations was relatively low for the remaining months of the year, suggesting that many in the Middle East who had pre-booked international travel prior to May were waiting to see how the situation develops prior to cancelling. The survey also asked agencies what support they would require from tourism boards, airlines, hospitality and tour providers, with many citing updates on travel health and safety protocols to be adhered to, online and webinar training for agents regarding destination updates, as well as favourable terms and conditions for last minute cancellations.