Managing Director Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Thayyib Mohamed has expressed additional effort is required to expand the guesthouse businesses.
Speaking at the ceremony held to launch Maldives Border Miles, Thayyib Mohamed said although efforts are exerted to expand the sector, it is not enough. He added it is crucial to find new ways to promote the sector in order to overcome the challenges faced due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Further, the managing director noted the sector must work as a whole to meet the targets and to ensure Maldives is promoted as a safe destination. In this regard, he highlighted some ongoing projects to achieve the target.
After almost four months since the suspension of on-arrival tourist visas, the tourism industry reopened on July 15, 2020, with enhanced precautionary measures against COVID-19. A safe tourism guideline was issued by the Ministry of Tourism, along with a certification program to ensure the safety and hygiene standards of all tourism facilities. Resorts and liveaboards on uninhabited islands have resumed operations whereas guest houses on inhabited islands will resume operations on October 10, 2020.
With the introduction of the Maldives Border Miles program, it is expected that tourism will boost considerably as it is an added advantage in promoting the Maldives. The programme is a three-tiered loyalty program for tourists. Tourists who enrol in this program will earn points based on the number of visits and duration of stay. Additional points will be awarded for visits to celebrate special occasions.
There are three categories in this program; Aida (bronze tier), Anantara (silver tier) and Abaarana (gold tier). Each tier will be defined by a set variety of rewards, services or benefits, which increase in value as members progress.