NEWS
W
e are hugely grateful to Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed, who kicks off our first Travel focus with a brief overview on the Maldives and answers some of the questions we should be aware of before travelling to this marvellous and much-loved destination. (Don’t miss our Maldives focus p34).
What are the biggest misconceptions travellers have before visiting The Maldives? One of the biggest misconceptions is that the Maldives is purely a luxury honeymoon destination. Indeed, the Maldives is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious and luxurious honeymoon destinations in the world. However, the Maldives is a destination that offers so much more than that. Travellers arriving in the Maldives have an option to stay at a resort, guesthouse, liveaboard or hotel. Resorts offer an unparalleled level of luxury while guesthouses allow travellers to immerse themselves in an authentic Maldivian experience. Travellers who dream about voyaging across the ocean can stay aboard a liveaboard whilst those interested in the heart and bustle of Maldivian society can stay at a hotel. There is so much more to the Maldives, one must come and see for themselves. What should travellers prepare for when travelling to The Maldives? The Maldives reopened borders for international travellers on 15th July 2020. All tourists arriving in the Maldives are granted a free 30-day visa with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility and there is no mandatory quarantine on arrival. Tourists are required to fill an online health declaration form within 24 hours prior to their departure, as well as have a negative PCR test result, conducted 96 hours prior to their departure. The procedure applies to all travellers including those who have completed the prescribed dose(s) of the COVID-19 vaccine. The guideline does not apply to children below 1 years of age.
12
SUMMER ISSUE
For a complete and up-to-date requirement for entry, visit https://imuga.immigration. gov.mv/ethd or check with your travel agent. When’s the best time to travel to The Maldives? The Maldives weather has two distinct seasons, we call them Iruvai Monsoon (dry season) and Hulhangu Monsoon (wet season). The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April (dry season). However, it is important to keep in mind that the Maldives is sunny and warm year-round, and we only experience little precipitation even during the wet season. For those wanting to get to know the islands what excursions do you recommend? There are a variety of ways travellers can experience the local islands in the Maldives. Resort islands regularly offer island hopping to nearby islands where travellers can experience an authentic Maldivian lifestyle for a holiday. However, keep in mind that this might not be offered during the pandemic due to the travel guidelines and restrictions. Undoubtedly, the best way to experience the local islands is by staying at a guesthouse or a liveaboard. Staying at a guesthouse immerses you in the heart of Maldivian lifestyle and you can truly connect deeply with the Maldivian people. On the other hand, a liveaboard allows you to voyage across the Maldivian ocean, visiting biodiversity hotspots and exploring the uniqueness of each and every individual island.
traveldinerelax.com
