Maldives has been granted the Safe Travels Stamp by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in recognition of the efforts of the country to implement enhanced health and safety measures for travellers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a press statement released on September 15, Ministry of Tourism announced the Maldives achieved the Safe Travels Stamp for implementing health and safety measures in line with the WTTC global Safe Travels protocols. The ministry stated WTTC recognised the efforts of the Maldives to create a safe, gradual plan by rebuilding confidence among travellers and ensuring a coordinated approach in restarting the tourism industry.
The Safe Travels Stamp is endorsed by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and more than 200 travel companies. The objective of the stamp is to provide confidence to travellers and re-establish consumer confidence in travel and tourism. The stamp also helps to ensure travellers of enhanced standards of hygiene are assured they can once again experience safe travels following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Safe Travels Stamp is the world’s first ever global safety and hygiene stamp for travel and tourism, designed to address COVID-19 and similar outbreaks. Several major tourist destinations around the world have signed up to the stamp since it was launched.
Maldives reopened its borders for tourists on July 15, more than three months after borders were closed due to COVID-19. Since reopening borders, strict measures have been imposed to ensure the health and safety of tourists as well as locals. All tourist facilities are required to implement the guidelines of Health Protection Agency (HPA) in order to receive permission to resume operations. Furthermore, tourists are now required to present a negative PCR certificate on arrival to the Maldives.