In an interview on Monday, Maldivian tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal asked Indians to visit the Maldives in big numbers, since the country's economy is heavily reliant on tourism.

His request sparked a trail of reactions from Indians on social media.

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Requesting GOI to ban all the flights to Maldives from India. Instead, divert them to Lakshadweep.. <a href="https://t.co/JvvNmzs0E5">pic.twitter.com/JvvNmzs0E5</a>
— Crish Bhatia 🇮🇳 (@bhatiacrish___) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhatiacrish___/status/1787719161214390440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"We have a history. So, when we needed anything, the Indian government was very helpful. Our newly elected government also wants to work together (with India). We always promote peace and a friendly environment. Our people and the government will give a warm welcome to Indian arrivals," Faisal had told news agency PTI in an interview.

"I want to tell Indians to please be a part of Maldives' tourism. Our economy depends on tourism," the minister had said.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottMaldives?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottMaldives</a> <a href="https://t.co/V1koYYYJ2l">pic.twitter.com/V1koYYYJ2l</a>
— Atim Gujar 🇮🇳 (@atimgujar240480) <a href="https://twitter.com/atimgujar240480/status/1787864488969965713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Due to a diplomatic impasse between the two nations, which resulted in a large-scale cancellation of airline and hotel reservations, the number of Indian tourists visiting Maldives dropped drastically.

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They wanted India out so now they can live with the consequences. Better to spend your hard earned money in a country that respects you.
— Hitz (@Hitzedude) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hitzedude/status/1787986018936721905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The diplomatic stalemate between India and the Maldives began after three Maldivian officials made negative comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had shared images and videos from his visit to the Lakshadweep Islands on his X account.&nbsp;

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Without saying sorry to our P. M. How can he urge us
— Garatala Varun (@VarunGaratala) <a href="https://twitter.com/VarunGaratala/status/1788030103890665781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidM3IOHQJW3Lh7" /><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/indian-tourist-arrivals-to-maldives-drop-by-over-50pc-713328" target="_blank">Indian tourist arrivals to Maldives&nbsp;drop&nbsp;by over 50&nbsp;per cent</a>

While the ministers were suspended by the Mohamed Muizzu administration, Indians protested the Maldives' tourism industry. &nbsp;

Mariyam Shiuna, Maldives’ deputy minister of youth empowerment, information and arts called PM Modi a "clown" and "puppet of Israel."

These comments sparked a widespread social media backlash.

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Bend it Like Modiji 🤣🤣 
 
Looking at their deteriorating economy, Maldives Tourism Minster has urged India that their country is DEPENDENT on tourism, hence requests people of India to come to Maldives. <a href="https://t.co/9wQu0vTq52">pic.twitter.com/9wQu0vTq52</a>
— Sheetal Chopra 🇮🇳 (@SheetalPronamo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SheetalPronamo/status/1787704581272793570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

According to Maldivian media reports, the number of tourist visits from India decreased by 42% in the first four months of 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023.&nbsp;

Relations between India and the Maldives were further strained when Mohamed Muizzu, shortly after assuming office, demanded the withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel who managed the three aviation planes that India had gifted the Maldives.

Back from his visit to China in January of this year, Muizzu said, "We may be a small nation, but that doesn't give you the license to bully us. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

In an interview on Monday, Maldivian tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal asked Indians to visit the Maldives in big numbers, since the country's economy is heavily reliant on tourism.

In an interview on Monday, Maldivian tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal asked Indians to visit the Maldives in big numbers, since the country's economy is heavily reliant on tourism. His request sparked a trail of reactions from Indians on social media. Requesting GOI to ban all the flights to Maldives from India. Instead, divert them to Lakshadweep.. pic.twitter.com/JvvNmzs0E5 — Crish Bhatia 🇮🇳 (@bhatiacrish___) May 7, 2024 × "We have a history. So, when we needed anything, the Indian government was very helpful. Our newly elected government also wants to work together (with India). We always promote peace and a friendly environment. Our people and the government will give a warm welcome to Indian arrivals," Faisal had told news agency PTI in an interview. "I want to tell Indians to please be a part of Maldives' tourism. Our economy depends on tourism," the minister had said. #BoycottMaldives pic.twitter.com/V1koYYYJ2l — Atim Gujar 🇮🇳 (@atimgujar240480) May 7, 2024 × Due to a diplomatic impasse between the two nations, which resulted in a large-scale cancellation of airline and hotel reservations, the number of Indian tourists visiting Maldives dropped drastically. They wanted India out so now they can live with the consequences. Better to spend your hard earned money in a country that respects you. — Hitz (@Hitzedude) May 7, 2024 × The diplomatic stalemate between India and the Maldives began after three Maldivian officials made negative comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had shared images and videos from his visit to the Lakshadweep Islands on his X account. Without saying sorry to our P. M. How can he urge us — Garatala Varun (@VarunGaratala) May 8, 2024 × Also read: Indian tourist arrivals to Maldives drop by over 50 per cent While the ministers were suspended by the Mohamed Muizzu administration, Indians protested the Maldives' tourism industry. Mariyam Shiuna, Maldives’ deputy minister of youth empowerment, information and arts called PM Modi a "clown" and "puppet of Israel." These comments sparked a widespread social media backlash. Bend it Like Modiji 🤣🤣 Looking at their deteriorating economy, Maldives Tourism Minster has urged India that their country is DEPENDENT on tourism, hence requests people of India to come to Maldives. pic.twitter.com/9wQu0vTq52 — Sheetal Chopra 🇮🇳 (@SheetalPronamo) May 7, 2024 × According to Maldivian media reports, the number of tourist visits from India decreased by 42% in the first four months of 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. Relations between India and the Maldives were further strained when Mohamed Muizzu, shortly after assuming office, demanded the withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel who managed the three aviation planes that India had gifted the Maldives. Back from his visit to China in January of this year, Muizzu said, "We may be a small nation, but that doesn't give you the license to bully us. (With inputs from agencies)

'Without saying sorry to our PM...': Indians troll minister who asked them to visit Maldives

In an apparent attempt to entice Indian tourists back to the Maldives, a prominent tourism organization has announced that it will organize road shows in important Indian towns. Watch to know more.

Sharp decline in Indian tourism to Maldives, latter urges Indians to 'please be part of its tourism'

According to the March 2024 data released by Maldives government, Indian tourist arrivals to Maldives have plummeted by over 50% compared to the same month in the previous year in March. Watch in for more details!

Indian tourist numbers slump in Maldives

Maldives' new high commissioner to India Ibrahim Shaheeb has pitched for stronger connectivity between the two countries and more tourists from India in his first interview since presenting his credentials in November of this year. Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, high commissioner Shaheeb said, "Connectivity has always been a priority, and the relationship has continued because of connectivity."&nbsp;

Several direct flights link Indian cities to the national capital of Maldives Malé and the focus is to connect southern India to the country with ferries.&nbsp;

On tourists from India, the high commissioner pointed out, "To see the love, to be in the Maldives for Indians, that is something very heartwarming for me and it makes my work very easy, to convince people that Maldives is a destination where they can go."&nbsp;

He highlighted that, "It is not only the high-end market we are catering to now, we have started to cater to the lower-end market as well."&nbsp;

Indians were the number one travelers to the country in 2022 for the third year in a row. This year, they accounted for 15% of the tourists. An Indian was the 1.6 millionth tourist to the country this year and was welcomed with much fanfare. The country has kept a target of 1.6 million tourists for 2022. The High commissioner also spoke on issues like the usage of national currencies for trade, action against elements calling for attack on the Indian mission and India's infrastructure support for the country.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India-Maldives ties?

High Commissioner Shaheeb: When we talk about the close relationship we have between the two countries, I would like to point out that the relationship is not only about just high level, it is deeply rooted with people as well. We had interactions way before our independence as well.&nbsp;

Interaction between the people is very symbolic for us and that relationship still continues. When you talk about close relationships at a high level, I would like to point out the visit of PM Modi in 2018 for the inauguration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, that was a very welcome and a good gesture to start building a relationship.&nbsp;

I would also like to point out, PM Modi visited the Maldives in 2019 after his re-election in his 2nd term. This was his first foreign visit. Our president visited India very recently, in August this year. That visit has shown a close relationship at the highest level and the relationship continues down the line as well.&nbsp;

We can see that relationships are time-tested. During the pandemic both countries worked very closely to fulfill the needs of the people and the society. I would like to point out and thank the Govt of India. Indian govt assisted Maldivians who were stranded in Wuhan when the pandemic started, Indian govt also assisted in the transportation of essential drugs to Maldives, the govt has continued to provide financial assistance, air travel bubble has been made between the two&nbsp;countries, gifting of vaccines. These are some of the things I can name, the list goes on but these things have helped build a relationship and give us new momentum on the relationship which I intend to continue during my time as well.&nbsp;

WION: What will be your focus during your tenure?

High Commissioner Shaheeb: My focus will be building upon the relationship that both leaders have started. One of the areas would be to boost trade between the two countries.&nbsp;

During the recent visit of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, business interaction took place between the two countries. I intend to expand that relationship and continue the B2B interaction because initial steps have been taken and we are moving forward. I intend to introduce Maldivian cuisines into the Indian market. I believe this could be another avenue where we could promote trade between the two&nbsp;countries. Tourism is another area I will focus on.&nbsp;

As you know, during the pandemic, Maldives was able to gain the trust of international travelers because of the travel bubble we had with India. Indian tourists came in. They constitute major number of tourist market&nbsp;in Maldives but it also gave confidence to the international travellers to travel to Maldives. We are very grateful for that. I intend to expand that, increasing travel from India to Maldives. As you know, it is not only about Indians travelling to Maldives, Maldivians travel a lot to India as well for essential or advanced medical treatment, for tourism, for education, so these are the areas we will be looking at during my term here.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India's infrastructure projects in Maldives?

High Commissioner Shaheeb: India is supporting one of the largest infrastructure projects, the greater Malé connectivity project. It links Malé to Thilafushi and within that 4 islands are connected, Malé city, Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.&nbsp;

This project is geared to be one of the biggest projects which will bring a lot of economic benefits to the Maldives. We are grateful to the Indian govt for giving us both a line of credit and grant assistance for this project. Apart from that there is another project that is going on which we call a high-impact development project. 25 projects that are ongoing, some of the projects have completed and others are in the final stages of completion. These projects have directly impacted the community and the development of the community. People have received these projects well. We hope to continue these projects because it has a direct impact on the community. People are looking forward to these projects.&nbsp;

WION: Connectivity is another key area, Maldivians come regularly to India as you pointed and vice versa. What are the projects in the pipeline when it comes to connectivity, especially southern India?

High Commissioner Shaheeb: Connectivity has always been a priority, and the relationship has continued because of connectivity. As you know direct flights fly between Malé to Delhi and Malé to Bangalore, Kochi, Trivandrum, Mumbai and other cities.&nbsp;

This air connectivity has helped "people to people" travel as well as businesses at the same time, southern India -- Kerala and Tamil Nadu, a sea ferry project was started. We are trying our best to restore and continue the project.&nbsp;

Hopefully we will be able to increase that connectivity as well but having said that I would like to point out, India is one of the biggest trading partners of Maldives which mainly comes through sea as well. We will continue to expand connectivity during my time as well.&nbsp;

WION: India has been focusing on usage of national currencies, what is status like between India and Maldives when it comes to usage of national currencies?&nbsp;

High Commissioner Shaheeb: As you know, during PM Modi's 2018 visit, an MoU was signed between India and the Maldives for recognition of RuPay, the implementation stages are in the process, and I believe it is in the final stages.&nbsp;

Once both financial institutions make final amendments to regulations, we will be able to implement it. Once it is implemented, I am sure that travel will increase, trade will increase and it will be beneficial to both sides as well. Apart from that, we will continue to find ways in which we can increase trade, travel between two countries through exchange of these financial mechanisms.&nbsp;

WION: Use of RuPay card has been agreed on but on usage of national currencies, have both sides held talks?

High Commissioner Shaheeb: Well, discussions have been going on and we continue to explore ways in which we can cooperate. I am sure I will continue the discussion in the years ahead.

WION: In Maldives, we saw elements calling for an attack on the Indian High Commission. This raises concern. We saw action by the Maldives police and also statements by Maldives foreign ministry and political parties, your reaction?

High Commissioner Shaheeb: From the Maldivian point of view, safety and security of diplomats and diplomatic missions is a high priority. We will not tolerate any sort of incitement into these things, and as you rightly said, we have taken necessary actions and the perpetrators will be brought to justice. Police have arrested the person who tried to incite&nbsp;violence, we will continue to monitor and provide safety for all diplomats. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Indians like to go to Maldives, Indian celebrities have been regularly posting pictures on Instagram, how do you view this love or popularity for Maldives in India?

High Commissioner Shaheeb: This is a good sign of our relationship that we have had over the years. It is only very recently we see so many Indian tourists travelling to the Maldives.&nbsp;

I am very delighted to be here at a time when India is the number one tourist market for Maldives.&nbsp;

To see the love, to be in Maldives for Indians, is something very heartwarming for me and it makes my work very easy, to convince people that Maldives is a destination where they can go and it is very close by as well.&nbsp;

If you think of Delhi, it is just a four-hour flight away. There are direct flights to Male as well, so connectivity is very convenient now and at the same time, for me to convince people that Maldives is affordable is something I want to promote. A lot of the time when I meet people they say, nice place but it is expensive.&nbsp;

I would like to point out, Maldives has places where everyone can afford to go, it is not only the high-end market we are catering to now, we have started to cater to the lower-end market as well. Very recently, the government has introduced homestays as well, these are avenues where everyone can visit the Maldives and see&nbsp;beauty of it. I very proudly say, pictures can be deceiving and it is only when you travel to the Maldives and see by yourself, you see the beauty of it.

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&nbsp;

Maldives' new high commissioner to India Ibrahim Shaheeb has pitched for stronger connectivity between the two countries and more tourists from India in his first interview since presenting his credentials in November of this year.

Maldives' new high commissioner to India Ibrahim Shaheeb has pitched for stronger connectivity between the two countries and more tourists from India in his first interview since presenting his credentials in November of this year. Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, high commissioner Shaheeb said, "Connectivity has always been a priority, and the relationship has continued because of connectivity." Several direct flights link Indian cities to the national capital of Maldives Malé and the focus is to connect southern India to the country with ferries. On tourists from India, the high commissioner pointed out, "To see the love, to be in the Maldives for Indians, that is something very heartwarming for me and it makes my work very easy, to convince people that Maldives is a destination where they can go." He highlighted that, "It is not only the high-end market we are catering to now, we have started to cater to the lower-end market as well." Indians were the number one travelers to the country in 2022 for the third year in a row. This year, they accounted for 15% of the tourists. An Indian was the 1.6 millionth tourist to the country this year and was welcomed with much fanfare. The country has kept a target of 1.6 million tourists for 2022. The High commissioner also spoke on issues like the usage of national currencies for trade, action against elements calling for attack on the Indian mission and India's infrastructure support for the country. WION: How do you see India-Maldives ties? High Commissioner Shaheeb: When we talk about the close relationship we have between the two countries, I would like to point out that the relationship is not only about just high level, it is deeply rooted with people as well. We had interactions way before our independence as well. Interaction between the people is very symbolic for us and that relationship still continues. When you talk about close relationships at a high level, I would like to point out the visit of PM Modi in 2018 for the inauguration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, that was a very welcome and a good gesture to start building a relationship. I would also like to point out, PM Modi visited the Maldives in 2019 after his re-election in his 2nd term. This was his first foreign visit. Our president visited India very recently, in August this year. That visit has shown a close relationship at the highest level and the relationship continues down the line as well. We can see that relationships are time-tested. During the pandemic both countries worked very closely to fulfill the needs of the people and the society. I would like to point out and thank the Govt of India. Indian govt assisted Maldivians who were stranded in Wuhan when the pandemic started, Indian govt also assisted in the transportation of essential drugs to Maldives, the govt has continued to provide financial assistance, air travel bubble has been made between the two countries, gifting of vaccines. These are some of the things I can name, the list goes on but these things have helped build a relationship and give us new momentum on the relationship which I intend to continue during my time as well. WION: What will be your focus during your tenure? High Commissioner Shaheeb: My focus will be building upon the relationship that both leaders have started. One of the areas would be to boost trade between the two countries. During the recent visit of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, business interaction took place between the two countries. I intend to expand that relationship and continue the B2B interaction because initial steps have been taken and we are moving forward. I intend to introduce Maldivian cuisines into the Indian market. I believe this could be another avenue where we could promote trade between the two countries. Tourism is another area I will focus on. As you know, during the pandemic, Maldives was able to gain the trust of international travelers because of the travel bubble we had with India. Indian tourists came in. They constitute major number of tourist market in Maldives but it also gave confidence to the international travellers to travel to Maldives. We are very grateful for that. I intend to expand that, increasing travel from India to Maldives. As you know, it is not only about Indians travelling to Maldives, Maldivians travel a lot to India as well for essential or advanced medical treatment, for tourism, for education, so these are the areas we will be looking at during my term here. WION: How do you see India's infrastructure projects in Maldives? High Commissioner Shaheeb: India is supporting one of the largest infrastructure projects, the greater Malé connectivity project. It links Malé to Thilafushi and within that 4 islands are connected, Malé city, Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. This project is geared to be one of the biggest projects which will bring a lot of economic benefits to the Maldives. We are grateful to the Indian govt for giving us both a line of credit and grant assistance for this project. Apart from that there is another project that is going on which we call a high-impact development project. 25 projects that are ongoing, some of the projects have completed and others are in the final stages of completion. These projects have directly impacted the community and the development of the community. People have received these projects well. We hope to continue these projects because it has a direct impact on the community. People are looking forward to these projects. WION: Connectivity is another key area, Maldivians come regularly to India as you pointed and vice versa. What are the projects in the pipeline when it comes to connectivity, especially southern India? High Commissioner Shaheeb: Connectivity has always been a priority, and the relationship has continued because of connectivity. As you know direct flights fly between Malé to Delhi and Malé to Bangalore, Kochi, Trivandrum, Mumbai and other cities. This air connectivity has helped "people to people" travel as well as businesses at the same time, southern India -- Kerala and Tamil Nadu, a sea ferry project was started. We are trying our best to restore and continue the project. Hopefully we will be able to increase that connectivity as well but having said that I would like to point out, India is one of the biggest trading partners of Maldives which mainly comes through sea as well. We will continue to expand connectivity during my time as well. WION: India has been focusing on usage of national currencies, what is status like between India and Maldives when it comes to usage of national currencies? High Commissioner Shaheeb: As you know, during PM Modi's 2018 visit, an MoU was signed between India and the Maldives for recognition of RuPay, the implementation stages are in the process, and I believe it is in the final stages. Once both financial institutions make final amendments to regulations, we will be able to implement it. Once it is implemented, I am sure that travel will increase, trade will increase and it will be beneficial to both sides as well. Apart from that, we will continue to find ways in which we can increase trade, travel between two countries through exchange of these financial mechanisms. WION: Use of RuPay card has been agreed on but on usage of national currencies, have both sides held talks? High Commissioner Shaheeb: Well, discussions have been going on and we continue to explore ways in which we can cooperate. I am sure I will continue the discussion in the years ahead. WION: In Maldives, we saw elements calling for an attack on the Indian High Commission. This raises concern. We saw action by the Maldives police and also statements by Maldives foreign ministry and political parties, your reaction? High Commissioner Shaheeb: From the Maldivian point of view, safety and security of diplomats and diplomatic missions is a high priority. We will not tolerate any sort of incitement into these things, and as you rightly said, we have taken necessary actions and the perpetrators will be brought to justice. Police have arrested the person who tried to incite violence, we will continue to monitor and provide safety for all diplomats. WION: Indians like to go to Maldives, Indian celebrities have been regularly posting pictures on Instagram, how do you view this love or popularity for Maldives in India? High Commissioner Shaheeb: This is a good sign of our relationship that we have had over the years. It is only very recently we see so many Indian tourists travelling to the Maldives. I am very delighted to be here at a time when India is the number one tourist market for Maldives. To see the love, to be in Maldives for Indians, is something very heartwarming for me and it makes my work very easy, to convince people that Maldives is a destination where they can go and it is very close by as well. If you think of Delhi, it is just a four-hour flight away. There are direct flights to Male as well, so connectivity is very convenient now and at the same time, for me to convince people that Maldives is affordable is something I want to promote. A lot of the time when I meet people they say, nice place but it is expensive. I would like to point out, Maldives has places where everyone can afford to go, it is not only the high-end market we are catering to now, we have started to cater to the lower-end market as well. Very recently, the government has introduced homestays as well, these are avenues where everyone can visit the Maldives and see beauty of it. I very proudly say, pictures can be deceiving and it is only when you travel to the Maldives and see by yourself, you see the beauty of it. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Maldives envoy Ibrahim Shaheeb bats for more connectivity & tourists from India

Maldives&nbsp;Foreign Secretary&nbsp;Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed said on Wednesday that when lockdowns were&nbsp;imposed all across the globe, his country had to close its&nbsp;borders and had no visitors.

Speaking at the&nbsp;WION Global summit in Dubai on Wednesday, he said that Maldives, being a ''tourism-dependent country, became a no-income country overnight," as a result of the global lockdowns.

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"We are mainly a tourism-dependent country. We had to close our borders and had no visitors. Our only source of income was curtailed, so we became a no-income country overnight," says <a href="https://twitter.com/aghafoormohamed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aghafoormohamed</a>, Foreign Secretary, Maldives 
 
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The Maldives opened its borders to international tourists on&nbsp;July 15 and lifted&nbsp;quarantine restrictions for tourists. Tourists can travel straight from the airport to their respective resorts without entering&nbsp;Male, thereby providing a safe corridor.&nbsp;

Nearly half the country’s 160 plus resorts have started functioning as did guesthouse industry comprising more than 800 guest houses in inhabited islands for budget-travellers.

Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed said that Maldives was able to survive the pandemic due to its ''friendships, and partnerships with the rest of the world.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-global-summit-live-digital-revolution-the-world-goes-online-372686" hreflang="en">WION Global Summit LIVE: Digital Revolution — The world goes online</a>

Expressing hope for the recovery of Maldives,&nbsp;Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed said that the country had&nbsp;500,000 tourist arrivals this year to date which is quite encouraging.''

Amid the pandemic last year, New Delhi reached out to Male with supplies of medicines, food and sent a 14- member rapid response team consisting of doctors and paramedics. In April 2020, India launched operation Sanjeevani with an Indian Air Force plane airlifting 6.2 tonnes of essential medical supplies to the country. Under Mission Sagar of the Indian Navy, India reached out to five Indian ocean countries including the Maldives. Indian Navy Ship Kesari delivered 600 tonnes of food items to the Indian Ocean island country.

The pandemic had a major impact on the country's tourism-driven economy. In September 2020, India extended urgent financial assistance of US$ 250 million to the Maldives through investment by SBI in the Government of Maldives bonds. That was the first assistance package of such a magnitude announced by the Indian government&nbsp;to any country to deal with the COVID pandemic.

India had sent 100,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine, manufactured by the&nbsp;Serum Institute of India to the Maldives as a gift.

The Maldives, with a population of 500,000, will be benefitting&nbsp;from the supplies from India. The government of Maldives has proposed to purchase 300,000 doses of vaccine from the Serum Institute of India. The vaccine given by India will be used to inoculate frontline healthcare workers, the elderly, and those with co-morbidities.

Maldives Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed said on Wednesday that when lockdowns were imposed all across the globe, his country had to close its borders and had no visitors.

Maldives Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed said on Wednesday that when lockdowns were imposed all across the globe, his country had to close its borders and had no visitors. Speaking at the WION Global summit in Dubai on Wednesday, he said that Maldives, being a ''tourism-dependent country, became a no-income country overnight," as a result of the global lockdowns. "We are mainly a tourism-dependent country. We had to close our borders and had no visitors. Our only source of income was curtailed, so we became a no-income country overnight," says @aghafoormohamed, Foreign Secretary, Maldives Follow LIVE updates: https://t.co/s2VXujmIBS pic.twitter.com/FHZ37WxRzZ — WION (@WIONews) March 24, 2021 × The Maldives opened its borders to international tourists on July 15 and lifted quarantine restrictions for tourists. Tourists can travel straight from the airport to their respective resorts without entering Male, thereby providing a safe corridor. Nearly half the country’s 160 plus resorts have started functioning as did guesthouse industry comprising more than 800 guest houses in inhabited islands for budget-travellers. Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed said that Maldives was able to survive the pandemic due to its ''friendships, and partnerships with the rest of the world.'' WION Global Summit LIVE: Digital Revolution — The world goes online Expressing hope for the recovery of Maldives, Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed said that the country had 500,000 tourist arrivals this year to date which is quite encouraging.'' Amid the pandemic last year, New Delhi reached out to Male with supplies of medicines, food and sent a 14- member rapid response team consisting of doctors and paramedics. In April 2020, India launched operation Sanjeevani with an Indian Air Force plane airlifting 6.2 tonnes of essential medical supplies to the country. Under Mission Sagar of the Indian Navy, India reached out to five Indian ocean countries including the Maldives. Indian Navy Ship Kesari delivered 600 tonnes of food items to the Indian Ocean island country. The pandemic had a major impact on the country's tourism-driven economy. In September 2020, India extended urgent financial assistance of US$ 250 million to the Maldives through investment by SBI in the Government of Maldives bonds. That was the first assistance package of such a magnitude announced by the Indian government to any country to deal with the COVID pandemic. India had sent 100,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India to the Maldives as a gift. The Maldives, with a population of 500,000, will be benefitting from the supplies from India. The government of Maldives has proposed to purchase 300,000 doses of vaccine from the Serum Institute of India. The vaccine given by India will be used to inoculate frontline healthcare workers, the elderly, and those with co-morbidities.

Maldives became no-income country overnight, says Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed

Till the 1970s, Maldives was fed by sporadic tourism, mostly from the boats calling into islands while sailing through the Indian Ocean. It was only in 1972, the country’s tourism industry witnessed coming up of two resorts with 280 guest accommodation. During the 80s, the number of resorts increased to 55. At present, there are more than 160 resorts in the island country with white sand, sun and the sea.&nbsp; 
 
While the destination is known for leisure vacationing, it has also got a decent number of honeymooners and a fair number of divers that add the flavour of diversity to country’s tourism. India counts as one of the highest market sources to Maldives’ tourism. In 2019, 167,000 Indian tourists went to Maldives, which is a rise of more than 100 per cent over 2018. Improved flight connectivity from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi and Karnataka, and, a visa-free regime is among the several reasons that led to an increase in Indian tourists. 
 
However, more tourists mean further exploitation of the nature. But not for this country. Thanks to the government’s concrete measures, Maldives has been able to keep a check. And not just that, the resorts have come forward to minimize carbon footprints. What makes the strategy remarkable is the fact that the resorts are also engaging with the tourists and turning conservation into tourist activities thus conveying the message globally. So in a way, the hotel industry, which is generally called out for exploiting the nature is turning out to be custodians of the country's prosperity and protectors of marine assets.&nbsp; 
 
A learning lesson! 
 
Maldives is home to around 250 species of corals and 41 islands that have unique wetland ecosystems. To preserve its shores and enhance its increasing blue economy, Maldives’ Ministry of Environment is implementing the Coastal Protection Projects with support from the World Bank. The projects focus on protecting coral reef and coastal wetlands, which are rich in biodiversity and have immense recreational value and act as bulwarks against coastal erosion. 
 
The Indian touch 
 
With support from the Indian Government, Maldives has also implemented a coastal protection project at Alifu Atholhu Uthuruburi Rasdhoo. The project will provide the necessary coastal protection to an area of a length of 214 meters, facing severe coastal erosion. This area was used as a landfill previously, and with coastal erosion waste buried there has risen to the surface, contaminating the water resources and polluting the beach area. The project scope will also include beach replenishment consisting of cleaning up of waste debris and replacement of sand, and the construction of a groyne field. 
 
No mass fishing 
 
Marine life is the heartbeat of the island country. And to save the fish, the government has put a ban on mass fishing. Instead the fishermen use spears to hunt yellow fin tuna. Maldives being one of the largest exporters of tuna, this practice ensures the commercial activity stays within sustainable safety net. 
 
Sustainable indulgence 
 
While the earlier efforts made by the government works in the public front, the resorts also share the responsibility. Heritance Aarah, Maldives’ first resort to get Leed Certification for its green architecture. Maldives suffers from a unique problem. Though it produces negligible greenhouse emission, the sea is affected due to pollution from adjoining areas. And to minimize that, Heritance Resort has built a framework to create a healthy, highly efficient, cost saving green buildings. It saves around 30% of energy compared to conventional hotels of the same scale. The hot water requirement is generated through heat recovery generator. Even with water all around, it has developed a robust rainwater harvesting and saves all the water wasted in the desalination process through reverse osmosis. While these are at the infrastructure level, the resort works in demonstrating the native lives of Maldivians for tourists by creating a local village. The hotel plans to invite local school students to aware them about sustainable lives that locals earlier led and how the future generation can preserve the same.

<img alt="m" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b9438c03-7739-433f-a5c5-6a59427ec37c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Maldives%20%281%29.jpg" /> 
&nbsp; 
Plastic recycling&nbsp; 
 
Pollution from plastic is a major issue that is looms large around ocean. We have seen pathetic photos of turtles getting choked from plastic bottles. To address that, Furaveri Island Resort &amp; Spa has its own water bottling plant. It recycles glass bottles and serves to the guest rooms and restaurants. The resort is also planning to bring in glass bottles for guests to carry during excursion.&nbsp; 
 
Another international chain, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island have collaborated with environmental network Parley for the Oceans. The plastic waste is collected and made into tote bags, which the guests can carry as souvenirs.&nbsp; 
 
Keeping up with the Corals 
 
In the last few years, rising sea temperature has resulted in bleaching of the coral reef around the world. And Maldives is no exception. Plenty of marine animals feed on corals and use the coral bed as their homes. At such a critical crisis, resorts like Anantara Dhigu and Seaside Finolhu are offering their guests a unique activity – Coral Restoration. The guests can enjoy going down into the ocean and planting corals. They can commemorate their anniversaries and birthdays through this and the resort shares photos of grown up corals every year as a gift. This is done by placing coral frames under the ocean. In a few years, these corals under suitable environment generally tend to regrow and spread out.&nbsp;

<img alt="m" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1e103794-8122-4574-9716-7564329a507e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Maldives.jpg" />

Surgery on turtles 
 
No matter how critical the method be, guests can engage in this activity and share the responsibility. Many resorts including Coco Collection Baa Atoll have come up with ‘Save a Turtle’ through Oliver Ridley Project in Maldives. There is a full-functional marine turtle rescue centre, which operates on turtles that often choke from plastic and other hazardous elements.&nbsp; 
 
Coco Bodu Hithi Resort offers its guests to adopt a turtle. Guests on an immersive expedition through snorkelling are briefed about the plastic perils turtles face. They can now adapt a turtle and help it recover and go back to the sea by sharing the fund.&nbsp;

Till the 1970s, Maldives was fed by sporadic tourism, mostly from the boats calling into islands while sailing through the Indian Ocean. It was only in 1972, the country’s tourism industry witnessed coming up of two resorts with 280 guest accommodation.

Till the 1970s, Maldives was fed by sporadic tourism, mostly from the boats calling into islands while sailing through the Indian Ocean. It was only in 1972, the country’s tourism industry witnessed coming up of two resorts with 280 guest accommodation. During the 80s, the number of resorts increased to 55. At present, there are more than 160 resorts in the island country with white sand, sun and the sea. While the destination is known for leisure vacationing, it has also got a decent number of honeymooners and a fair number of divers that add the flavour of diversity to country’s tourism. India counts as one of the highest market sources to Maldives’ tourism. In 2019, 167,000 Indian tourists went to Maldives, which is a rise of more than 100 per cent over 2018. Improved flight connectivity from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi and Karnataka, and, a visa-free regime is among the several reasons that led to an increase in Indian tourists. However, more tourists mean further exploitation of the nature. But not for this country. Thanks to the government’s concrete measures, Maldives has been able to keep a check. And not just that, the resorts have come forward to minimize carbon footprints. What makes the strategy remarkable is the fact that the resorts are also engaging with the tourists and turning conservation into tourist activities thus conveying the message globally. So in a way, the hotel industry, which is generally called out for exploiting the nature is turning out to be custodians of the country's prosperity and protectors of marine assets. A learning lesson! Maldives is home to around 250 species of corals and 41 islands that have unique wetland ecosystems. To preserve its shores and enhance its increasing blue economy, Maldives’ Ministry of Environment is implementing the Coastal Protection Projects with support from the World Bank. The projects focus on protecting coral reef and coastal wetlands, which are rich in biodiversity and have immense recreational value and act as bulwarks against coastal erosion. The Indian touch With support from the Indian Government, Maldives has also implemented a coastal protection project at Alifu Atholhu Uthuruburi Rasdhoo. The project will provide the necessary coastal protection to an area of a length of 214 meters, facing severe coastal erosion. This area was used as a landfill previously, and with coastal erosion waste buried there has risen to the surface, contaminating the water resources and polluting the beach area. The project scope will also include beach replenishment consisting of cleaning up of waste debris and replacement of sand, and the construction of a groyne field. No mass fishing Marine life is the heartbeat of the island country. And to save the fish, the government has put a ban on mass fishing. Instead the fishermen use spears to hunt yellow fin tuna. Maldives being one of the largest exporters of tuna, this practice ensures the commercial activity stays within sustainable safety net. Sustainable indulgence While the earlier efforts made by the government works in the public front, the resorts also share the responsibility. Heritance Aarah, Maldives’ first resort to get Leed Certification for its green architecture. Maldives suffers from a unique problem. Though it produces negligible greenhouse emission, the sea is affected due to pollution from adjoining areas. And to minimize that, Heritance Resort has built a framework to create a healthy, highly efficient, cost saving green buildings. It saves around 30% of energy compared to conventional hotels of the same scale. The hot water requirement is generated through heat recovery generator. Even with water all around, it has developed a robust rainwater harvesting and saves all the water wasted in the desalination process through reverse osmosis. While these are at the infrastructure level, the resort works in demonstrating the native lives of Maldivians for tourists by creating a local village. The hotel plans to invite local school students to aware them about sustainable lives that locals earlier led and how the future generation can preserve the same. Plastic recycling Pollution from plastic is a major issue that is looms large around ocean. We have seen pathetic photos of turtles getting choked from plastic bottles. To address that, Furaveri Island Resort & Spa has its own water bottling plant. It recycles glass bottles and serves to the guest rooms and restaurants. The resort is also planning to bring in glass bottles for guests to carry during excursion. Another international chain, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island have collaborated with environmental network Parley for the Oceans. The plastic waste is collected and made into tote bags, which the guests can carry as souvenirs. Keeping up with the Corals In the last few years, rising sea temperature has resulted in bleaching of the coral reef around the world. And Maldives is no exception. Plenty of marine animals feed on corals and use the coral bed as their homes. At such a critical crisis, resorts like Anantara Dhigu and Seaside Finolhu are offering their guests a unique activity – Coral Restoration. The guests can enjoy going down into the ocean and planting corals. They can commemorate their anniversaries and birthdays through this and the resort shares photos of grown up corals every year as a gift. This is done by placing coral frames under the ocean. In a few years, these corals under suitable environment generally tend to regrow and spread out. Surgery on turtles No matter how critical the method be, guests can engage in this activity and share the responsibility. Many resorts including Coco Collection Baa Atoll have come up with ‘Save a Turtle’ through Oliver Ridley Project in Maldives. There is a full-functional marine turtle rescue centre, which operates on turtles that often choke from plastic and other hazardous elements. Coco Bodu Hithi Resort offers its guests to adopt a turtle. Guests on an immersive expedition through snorkelling are briefed about the plastic perils turtles face. They can now adapt a turtle and help it recover and go back to the sea by sharing the fund.

The Sustainable Maldives: A learning lesson for tourist destinations across the world

As I lay on a hammock over the white sand that looked like icing sugar, the sommelier of Heritance Aarah Resort walked up to me and offered some of his famous signature cocktails that would go so sparklingly well with the pristine sunset view. In the mood for some kiwi and lime as base, I asked Steve to surprise me. A gentle ocean breeze lulled me to a sunset siesta as I heard the coconut leaves rustling and murmuring along with the light roaring of the waves. Before me, the peacock hues of the Indian ocean were slowly turning shades of pink, as if a painter had dipped his brush in the azure water.&nbsp; 
 
Travelers like me were itching for a beach vacation ever since the worldwide lockdown started in March due to the pandemic. So when the Maldives Tourism Board announced that tourists no longer need to go for a 14-day quarantine in the island country and can prefer to stay for a week and even hop resorts, I was game!&nbsp; 
 
One fine morning in October, I found myself on an Air India flight from Trivandrum to Male, the only flight that was operating from India then on a weekly frequency.&nbsp; 
 
Flying in the New Normal 
 
While I have been taking domestic flights since September, I made my post-lockdown debut of flying international only in October. 
 
One needs a mandatory Covid Negative (RT-PCR test) report done from an ICMR https://www.icmr.gov.in/ listed laboratories. To get a visa on arrival at Male Airport in Maldives, I made sure the sample was collected not before 96 hours from my first port of journey. The same process is required when you would need to enter India from an international destination.&nbsp; 
 
With the negative report in my hand, I had to web check in 24 hours before the flight and upload the test report on Maldives Government’s designated website detailing out my travel itinerary for smooth process of Visa on Arrival.&nbsp;

<img alt="m" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54fe6695-61ba-4526-9453-3d8161a0a66d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2826%29_14.jpg" /> 
 
I boarded the flight to find myself on a window side on the left for better view of the ocean when landing. Forty minutes whisked away munching on the airline provided dry fruits and sipping on fruit juice, and the flight started descending. As I aerially surveyed the navy-blue sea turning turquoise, the flight landed at Velana International Airport in Male. The visa process was smooth with a smiling immigration officer wishing us a great vacation.&nbsp; 
 
Sunny Side of Life 
 
After a scenic seaplane ride that flies only at 12000 feet above the sea-level thus giving a great glimpse of the ocean and islands, we found ourselves at Heritance Aarah Resort. The seaplane lands at a jetty right at the entrance of the resort and a buggy through a wooden bridge over the ocean takes you to the reception area. There is a Covid Assistance Desk at the jetty, where the incoming luggage from the plane got sanitized, thermal screening done, and hands sanitized.&nbsp; 
 
While the staffs are mandated to wear masks all the time, it’s up to the tourists as they all have tested negative in the last four days. We threw away our masks in the air like the graduates do with their caps. The sunny side of life is real with a true ‘mask free’ vacation. 
 
This resort oozes luxury with a Maldivian traditional vigour. Ocean Villa, our home for the next four days was a traditional Maldivian thatched roof cottage over the shimmering lagoon, overlooking an infinite horizon. The resort architecture anyway offers social distancing with all facilities set apart. From the glass-bottomed bedrooms, we could spot tons of manta rays, baby sharks, clown fish and more. There was a staircase leading directly to the water, which one could enjoy privately.&nbsp; 
 
We booked ourselves on an all-inclusive package. This package includes an assigned butler, all meals including breakfast, alcohols in room, mini bar and access to all facilities except the water activities. The meal selection was crafted to give us the ultimate experience.&nbsp; 
 
We began our day with a breakfast at Ranlu. Keeping in mind the social distancing norms, all meals are to be ordered from ala carte. The lunch will be at the same restaurant and often we would cherish the sunset with a drink from Pool Bar with an infinity pool. The mixologist Steve Fernandes, a Sri Lankan descendent understood the art of mixology so well that we would wait for the evening for the magic to happen. For a traditional Maldivian meal, we also had a lavish meal at Ambula where the chefs conduct a workshop on Dhivehi cuisine, predominantly consisting of tuna fish and coconut.&nbsp;

<img alt="M" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72474a30-bec6-42ad-acc9-24476f729157" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2825%29_22.jpg" /> 
 
Rediscovering Maldives 
 
Maldives follows the unique concept of one island one resort, which really came handy during the pandemic. So, each island has only one resort without any other office buildings or markets. Basically, you get to enjoy the whole island on your own.&nbsp; 
 
After a luxurious stay at Heritance, our next destination was Kandima Maldives. While the earlier one was responsible luxury, Kandima on the other hand is more of a peppy cool hospitality on offer. A Manta Air seaplane flew us there.&nbsp; 
 
While the cottage here is Aqua Villa, meaning a modern concrete cottage with a jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. Having said that we would swim all day right under our cottage simply because the water level lower.&nbsp; 
 
It’s here, where we booked ourselves for an activity driven stay. Being one of the largest islands in Maldives, Kandima has a vast expanse to explore. The next morning, we headed on a boat for a snorkeling session. The boat takes you to the middle of the ocean where water depth is more than hundred feet. Armoured in life jackets, swimming fins and a snorkel, we dived in. The initial experience was scary with water pressure making me claustrophobic, but our instructor helped us overcome the fear. The thumb rule is never to imagine that the water level is too deep under you. For the next 60 minutes, we witnessed a parallel world underwater with turtles, sharks, and a thousand variety of fish swimming around you. And how could you miss the majestic coral reef gorgeously tinted in brown, green and red. We returned happy like a therapy session underwater. The evening was scheduled for a sunset cruise, where you ride a boat to catch the best view of the sea meeting the infinity of the sky. With snacks and drinks, we relished the sun going down turning the sky into a festival of Holi.&nbsp;

<img alt="m" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a39e0d09-960c-4f81-8702-fd894a8f6487" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2827%29_23.jpg" /> 
 
We had a slice of every activity the resort offered. Besides we also availed cycling, evening yoga and a spa session where you could hear the roar of the ocean while the expert masseuse wearing masks take you to a new dimension of comfort. It wasn’t just any stay. 
 
The resort General Manager is an Indian born, Neeraj Seth, who took us to a secret patch on the ocean. It required us to walk in water, the level ranging from knee to chin. And we reached the sand patch, which popped out of water with waves breaking on it.&nbsp; 
 
On our last evening at the island, the resort had arranged for a Chinese dinner on the beach. The place was lit up with Chinese ball lights and the set up looked straight out of a fairytale. As we relished on seafood, we made a promise to return to the island nation again. While Maldives’ sand, sea and the sun make the place a heaven on earth, the warmth of the local people make the experience unforgettable.&nbsp; 
 
Hasta la Vista, Maldives! 
&nbsp;

Quick Tips: 
 
Is it safe to travel to Maldives? 
 
Absolutely yes. Because testing is mandatory before arrival. And you get to stay in a separated island far from locals.&nbsp; 
 
Is Maldives Visa on Arrival now?

Visa on Arrival for Indian passport holders. No fee is levied for the visa. However, now you need a Covid Negative test report as well. 
&nbsp; 
Places to stay: 
 
Kandima Maldives, Kudahuvadhoo &nbsp;- Seaplane Transfer. 
 
Anantara Dhigu, Dhigufinolhu – Yacht and Boat Transfer 
 
Heritance Aarah, Raa Atoll – Seaplane Transfer

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer does not represent the views of the WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

As I lay on a hammock over the white sand that looked like icing sugar, the sommelier of Heritance Aarah Resort walked up to me and offered some of his famous signature cocktails that would go so sparklingly well with the pristine sunset view.

As I lay on a hammock over the white sand that looked like icing sugar, the sommelier of Heritance Aarah Resort walked up to me and offered some of his famous signature cocktails that would go so sparklingly well with the pristine sunset view. In the mood for some kiwi and lime as base, I asked Steve to surprise me. A gentle ocean breeze lulled me to a sunset siesta as I heard the coconut leaves rustling and murmuring along with the light roaring of the waves. Before me, the peacock hues of the Indian ocean were slowly turning shades of pink, as if a painter had dipped his brush in the azure water. Travelers like me were itching for a beach vacation ever since the worldwide lockdown started in March due to the pandemic. So when the Maldives Tourism Board announced that tourists no longer need to go for a 14-day quarantine in the island country and can prefer to stay for a week and even hop resorts, I was game! One fine morning in October, I found myself on an Air India flight from Trivandrum to Male, the only flight that was operating from India then on a weekly frequency. Flying in the New Normal While I have been taking domestic flights since September, I made my post-lockdown debut of flying international only in October. One needs a mandatory Covid Negative (RT-PCR test) report done from an ICMR https://www.icmr.gov.in/ listed laboratories. To get a visa on arrival at Male Airport in Maldives, I made sure the sample was collected not before 96 hours from my first port of journey. The same process is required when you would need to enter India from an international destination. With the negative report in my hand, I had to web check in 24 hours before the flight and upload the test report on Maldives Government’s designated website detailing out my travel itinerary for smooth process of Visa on Arrival. I boarded the flight to find myself on a window side on the left for better view of the ocean when landing. Forty minutes whisked away munching on the airline provided dry fruits and sipping on fruit juice, and the flight started descending. As I aerially surveyed the navy-blue sea turning turquoise, the flight landed at Velana International Airport in Male. The visa process was smooth with a smiling immigration officer wishing us a great vacation. Sunny Side of Life After a scenic seaplane ride that flies only at 12000 feet above the sea-level thus giving a great glimpse of the ocean and islands, we found ourselves at Heritance Aarah Resort. The seaplane lands at a jetty right at the entrance of the resort and a buggy through a wooden bridge over the ocean takes you to the reception area. There is a Covid Assistance Desk at the jetty, where the incoming luggage from the plane got sanitized, thermal screening done, and hands sanitized. While the staffs are mandated to wear masks all the time, it’s up to the tourists as they all have tested negative in the last four days. We threw away our masks in the air like the graduates do with their caps. The sunny side of life is real with a true ‘mask free’ vacation. This resort oozes luxury with a Maldivian traditional vigour. Ocean Villa, our home for the next four days was a traditional Maldivian thatched roof cottage over the shimmering lagoon, overlooking an infinite horizon. The resort architecture anyway offers social distancing with all facilities set apart. From the glass-bottomed bedrooms, we could spot tons of manta rays, baby sharks, clown fish and more. There was a staircase leading directly to the water, which one could enjoy privately. We booked ourselves on an all-inclusive package. This package includes an assigned butler, all meals including breakfast, alcohols in room, mini bar and access to all facilities except the water activities. The meal selection was crafted to give us the ultimate experience. We began our day with a breakfast at Ranlu. Keeping in mind the social distancing norms, all meals are to be ordered from ala carte. The lunch will be at the same restaurant and often we would cherish the sunset with a drink from Pool Bar with an infinity pool. The mixologist Steve Fernandes, a Sri Lankan descendent understood the art of mixology so well that we would wait for the evening for the magic to happen. For a traditional Maldivian meal, we also had a lavish meal at Ambula where the chefs conduct a workshop on Dhivehi cuisine, predominantly consisting of tuna fish and coconut. Rediscovering Maldives Maldives follows the unique concept of one island one resort, which really came handy during the pandemic. So, each island has only one resort without any other office buildings or markets. Basically, you get to enjoy the whole island on your own. After a luxurious stay at Heritance, our next destination was Kandima Maldives. While the earlier one was responsible luxury, Kandima on the other hand is more of a peppy cool hospitality on offer. A Manta Air seaplane flew us there. While the cottage here is Aqua Villa, meaning a modern concrete cottage with a jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. Having said that we would swim all day right under our cottage simply because the water level lower. It’s here, where we booked ourselves for an activity driven stay. Being one of the largest islands in Maldives, Kandima has a vast expanse to explore. The next morning, we headed on a boat for a snorkeling session. The boat takes you to the middle of the ocean where water depth is more than hundred feet. Armoured in life jackets, swimming fins and a snorkel, we dived in. The initial experience was scary with water pressure making me claustrophobic, but our instructor helped us overcome the fear. The thumb rule is never to imagine that the water level is too deep under you. For the next 60 minutes, we witnessed a parallel world underwater with turtles, sharks, and a thousand variety of fish swimming around you. And how could you miss the majestic coral reef gorgeously tinted in brown, green and red. We returned happy like a therapy session underwater. The evening was scheduled for a sunset cruise, where you ride a boat to catch the best view of the sea meeting the infinity of the sky. With snacks and drinks, we relished the sun going down turning the sky into a festival of Holi. We had a slice of every activity the resort offered. Besides we also availed cycling, evening yoga and a spa session where you could hear the roar of the ocean while the expert masseuse wearing masks take you to a new dimension of comfort. It wasn’t just any stay. The resort General Manager is an Indian born, Neeraj Seth, who took us to a secret patch on the ocean. It required us to walk in water, the level ranging from knee to chin. And we reached the sand patch, which popped out of water with waves breaking on it. On our last evening at the island, the resort had arranged for a Chinese dinner on the beach. The place was lit up with Chinese ball lights and the set up looked straight out of a fairytale. As we relished on seafood, we made a promise to return to the island nation again. While Maldives’ sand, sea and the sun make the place a heaven on earth, the warmth of the local people make the experience unforgettable. Hasta la Vista, Maldives! Quick Tips: Is it safe to travel to Maldives? Absolutely yes. Because testing is mandatory before arrival. And you get to stay in a separated island far from locals. Is Maldives Visa on Arrival now? Visa on Arrival for Indian passport holders. No fee is levied for the visa. However, now you need a Covid Negative test report as well. Places to stay: Kandima Maldives, Kudahuvadhoo - Seaplane Transfer. Anantara Dhigu, Dhigufinolhu – Yacht and Boat Transfer Heritance Aarah, Raa Atoll – Seaplane Transfer (Disclaimer: The views of the writer does not represent the views of the WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

A week in Paradise: How Maldives is reopening for tourists

Famed as an upmarket tourist destination of white beaches and turquoise waters, the island nation of the Maldives is troubled by political turmoil and rising sea levels. The country is a collection of 26 atolls made up of 1,192 tiny islands scattered 800 kilometres (550 miles) across the equator.

Only 200 islands are inhabited with the country&#39;s population put at 3,40,000 in the last census but estimated at around 4,17,000 in 2016 by the World Bank.

Its 298 square kilometres (115 square miles) are home to about three per cent of the world&#39;s coral reefs.

Tourism is the principal income earner, providing 41 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2016 and nearly 20 per cent of jobs, the World Travel and Tourism Council says.

The archipelago&#39;s beauty drew around 1.28 million tourists in 2016, a four-per cent rise over the previous year, according to UN&#39;s World Tourism Organization data.

It is a destination especially prized among honeymooners, such as Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes who visited in 2006. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom ruled with an iron fist for 30 years until 2008, when he lost the first multi-party polls to human rights activist Mohamed Nasheed.

Nasheed was forced to resign in 2012 after a police mutiny and demonstrations that he said were part of a coup plot.

In disputed elections the following year, he was defeated by Gayoom&#39;s half brother, Abdulla Yameen, the current president.

In 2015, Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years in jail on a terrorism charge widely criticised as politically motivated.

In 2016, he was granted prison leave for medical treatment in London, where he secured political asylum with the help of high-profile human rights lawyer Amal Clooney.

While Nasheed continues to push for change from exile, Yameen declared a state of emergency on February 6 after judges ordered the release of his opponents. Eighty per cent of the Maldives is less than a metre above sea level, making it one of the countries most threatened by rising sea levels linked to climate warming.

In 2009, Nasheed held a cabinet meeting underwater to raise awareness of the risk, also warning his people could become climate refugees. Situated along Indian Ocean trading routes and about 650 kilometres southwest of Sri Lanka, the Maldives has been colonised several times.

Once a Buddhist kingdom, it converted to Islam around the 12th century.

Portuguese explorers occupied the main island of Mahe in the 16th century. The territory then became protectorates of the Dutch and the British before complete independence on 1965.

Sunni Islam today remains the state religion, all other religions being banned. The Maldives follows a moderate version of Islam while banning alcohol, except in tourist hotels, and homosexuality.

It also flogs women found guilty of &quot;fornication&quot;, says Amnesty International, which is critical of the human rights situation that it says includes restrictions on peaceful protests and expression.

The Maldives left the Commonwealth in 2016 in a row over criticism of its rights record.

There are fears of radicalisation with the arrival of Middle East preachers and via radical websites.

Nearly 60 Maldivians are known to have travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight with foreign jihadists, and some are believed to have returned.

In travel advice issued this year, the United States urged increased caution due to the possibility of a terror attack.

It is a destination especially prized among honeymooners, such as Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes who visited in 2006.

Famed as an upmarket tourist destination of white beaches and turquoise waters, the island nation of the Maldives is troubled by political turmoil and rising sea levels. The country is a collection of 26 atolls made up of 1,192 tiny islands scattered 800 kilometres (550 miles) across the equator. Only 200 islands are inhabited with the country's population put at 3,40,000 in the last census but estimated at around 4,17,000 in 2016 by the World Bank. Its 298 square kilometres (115 square miles) are home to about three per cent of the world's coral reefs. Tourism is the principal income earner, providing 41 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2016 and nearly 20 per cent of jobs, the World Travel and Tourism Council says. The archipelago's beauty drew around 1.28 million tourists in 2016, a four-per cent rise over the previous year, according to UN's World Tourism Organization data. It is a destination especially prized among honeymooners, such as Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes who visited in 2006. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom ruled with an iron fist for 30 years until 2008, when he lost the first multi-party polls to human rights activist Mohamed Nasheed. Nasheed was forced to resign in 2012 after a police mutiny and demonstrations that he said were part of a coup plot. In disputed elections the following year, he was defeated by Gayoom's half brother, Abdulla Yameen, the current president. In 2015, Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years in jail on a terrorism charge widely criticised as politically motivated. In 2016, he was granted prison leave for medical treatment in London, where he secured political asylum with the help of high-profile human rights lawyer Amal Clooney. While Nasheed continues to push for change from exile, Yameen declared a state of emergency on February 6 after judges ordered the release of his opponents. Eighty per cent of the Maldives is less than a metre above sea level, making it one of the countries most threatened by rising sea levels linked to climate warming. In 2009, Nasheed held a cabinet meeting underwater to raise awareness of the risk, also warning his people could become climate refugees. Situated along Indian Ocean trading routes and about 650 kilometres southwest of Sri Lanka, the Maldives has been colonised several times. Once a Buddhist kingdom, it converted to Islam around the 12th century. Portuguese explorers occupied the main island of Mahe in the 16th century. The territory then became protectorates of the Dutch and the British before complete independence on 1965. Sunni Islam today remains the state religion, all other religions being banned. The Maldives follows a moderate version of Islam while banning alcohol, except in tourist hotels, and homosexuality. It also flogs women found guilty of "fornication", says Amnesty International, which is critical of the human rights situation that it says includes restrictions on peaceful protests and expression. The Maldives left the Commonwealth in 2016 in a row over criticism of its rights record. There are fears of radicalisation with the arrival of Middle East preachers and via radical websites. Nearly 60 Maldivians are known to have travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight with foreign jihadists, and some are believed to have returned. In travel advice issued this year, the United States urged increased caution due to the possibility of a terror attack.

The Maldives, a honeymoon haven in peril