Five Caribbean island nations — Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia — have been allowing citizenship to foreigners who buy homes or make investments and donations starting from $200,000 upwards. The schemes have been around for years, but are seeing a surge in interest from buyers from countries like the US, Ukraine and China. It comes with benefits such as visa-free entry to 150 nations, including the UK and the Schengen area of Europe. Here is how the scheme known as Caribbean citizenship-by-investment (CBI) works:<h2>Investment options in the CBI scheme of Caribbean islands</h2>House or property purchase is one way to get dual citizenship in these islands. Other methods are donations to national development funds starting at $200,000. In Antigua, a $260,000 donation to the University of the West Indies could earn a citizenship.<h2>Visa-free travel, tax benefits and more in the Caribbean Islands&nbsp;</h2>Passports from these countries allow the holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to up to 150 countries. The islands do not have many of the taxes, such as on capital gains, inheritance, and in some cases, income. Buyers can retain their original citizenship, according to a report in BBC.<h2>US buyers are lapping up the Caribbean Islands citizenship scheme</h2>The BBC report cited Nadia Dyson, a real estate agent and owner of Luxury Locations in Antigua, as saying that up to 70 per cent of the current buyers of property in these islands seek citizenship and most of them are from the US. “This time last year, it was all lifestyle buyers and a few CBI. Now they’re all saying ‘I want a house with citizenship.’ We’ve never sold so many before,” the report quoted her as saying.&nbsp;<h2>Carribean Island investment: Some buyers are relocating full-time</h2>The report cited Investment migration firm Henley &amp; Partners as saying that applicants from Ukraine, Turkey, Nigeria, and China sought the scheme last year. Overall, Caribbean CBI applications have increased by 12 per cent since late 2024, it said.<h2>Why are people opting to live in the Carribean islands? Political instability at home, travel freedom</h2>Political instability, violence and antisemitism at home are factors behind the surge, the BBC cited Dominic Volek from Henley &amp; Partners as saying. “Around 10-15 per cent actually relocate. For most it’s an insurance policy… Having a second citizenship is a good back-up plan,” he was quoted as saying.For the businesspeople, the ease of travel and the political neutrality of Caribbean passports are other reasons.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-us-will-sell-5-million-gold-cards-to-foreigners-8757236/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-us-will-sell-5-million-gold-cards-to-foreigners-8757236/embed</a><h2>Controversies and criticism of the Caribbean island citizenship by investment</h2>The CBI programmes, mostly introduced in 2012, are not without controversy. There were protests in Antigua over allegations of ‘selling the identity’ of the nation to people who knew nothing of the islands. Other concerns include the possible misuse of the tax and travel benefits by criminals. Recently, the European Union has threatened to revoke visa-free access for Caribbean passport holders over potential security risks, with assessments ongoing since 2022.But there are advocates to the programme, like the prime ministers of Dominica and St Lucia. &nbsp;Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne said CBI funds prevented a national bankruptcy over the past decade.&nbsp;

The schemes have been in place for several years, but are seeing a surge in interest from buyers from countries like the US, Ukraine and China. What are the benefits and how does on apply?

Five Caribbean island nations — Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia — have been allowing citizenship to foreigners who buy homes or make investments and donations starting from $200,000 upwards. The schemes have been around for years, but are seeing a surge in interest from buyers from countries like the US, Ukraine and China. It comes with benefits such as visa-free entry to 150 nations, including the UK and the Schengen area of Europe. Here is how the scheme known as Caribbean citizenship-by-investment (CBI) works: Investment options in the CBI scheme of Caribbean islands House or property purchase is one way to get dual citizenship in these islands. Other methods are donations to national development funds starting at $200,000. In Antigua, a $260,000 donation to the University of the West Indies could earn a citizenship. Visa-free travel, tax benefits and more in the Caribbean Islands Passports from these countries allow the holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to up to 150 countries. The islands do not have many of the taxes, such as on capital gains, inheritance, and in some cases, income. Buyers can retain their original citizenship, according to a report in BBC. US buyers are lapping up the Caribbean Islands citizenship scheme The BBC report cited Nadia Dyson, a real estate agent and owner of Luxury Locations in Antigua, as saying that up to 70 per cent of the current buyers of property in these islands seek citizenship and most of them are from the US. “This time last year, it was all lifestyle buyers and a few CBI. Now they’re all saying ‘I want a house with citizenship.’ We’ve never sold so many before,” the report quoted her as saying. Carribean Island investment: Some buyers are relocating full-time The report cited Investment migration firm Henley & Partners as saying that applicants from Ukraine, Turkey, Nigeria, and China sought the scheme last year. Overall, Caribbean CBI applications have increased by 12 per cent since late 2024, it said. Why are people opting to live in the Carribean islands? Political instability at home, travel freedom Political instability, violence and antisemitism at home are factors behind the surge, the BBC cited Dominic Volek from Henley & Partners as saying. “Around 10-15 per cent actually relocate. For most it’s an insurance policy… Having a second citizenship is a good back-up plan,” he was quoted as saying. For the businesspeople, the ease of travel and the political neutrality of Caribbean passports are other reasons. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-us-will-sell-5-million-gold-cards-to-foreigners-8757236/embed Controversies and criticism of the Caribbean island citizenship by investment The CBI programmes, mostly introduced in 2012, are not without controversy. There were protests in Antigua over allegations of ‘selling the identity’ of the nation to people who knew nothing of the islands. Other concerns include the possible misuse of the tax and travel benefits by criminals. Recently, the European Union has threatened to revoke visa-free access for Caribbean passport holders over potential security risks, with assessments ongoing since 2022. But there are advocates to the programme, like the prime ministers of Dominica and St Lucia. Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne said CBI funds prevented a national bankruptcy over the past decade.

The schemes have been in place for several years, but are seeing a surge in interest from buyers from countries like the US, Ukraine and China. What are the benefits and how does on apply?

Buy a home in one of these 5 islands and get citizenship and visa-free travel to 150 countries including UK

With rising concerns about privacy, especially while travelling, hidden cameras in hotel rooms and vacation rentals have become a serious worry for many. Here are five key places to check if you’re concerned about being secretly recorded.

With rising concerns about privacy, especially while travelling, hidden cameras in hotel rooms and vacation rentals have become a serious worry for many. Here are five key places to check if you’re concerned about being secretly recorded.

Worried about hidden cameras in hotel rooms? 5 sneaky spots you should always inspect

In a significant boost for Indian globetrotters, the Philippines has officially announced visa-free entry for Indian nationals starting June 8, 2025, for tourism purposes. The decision comes as part of the country’s strategy to expand its tourism base and tap into one of the world's fastest-growing outbound travel markets.The initiative follows a 12 per cent increase in Indian tourist arrivals to the Philippines in 2024, with nearly 80,000 Indian visitors making their way to the archipelago. Although Indian travellers still account for a small slice of the 5 million total tourist arrivals last year, Philippine authorities are betting big on India’s booming travel demand.<h2>Visa-free entry explained</h2>The new visa-free regime for Indians has categories based on eligibility, offering either a 14-day or 30-day stay without requiring a visa.Category 1: 14-day visa-free stayIndian passport holders can now enter the Philippines for up to 14 days without a visa, provided they meet the following requirements:Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stayConfirmed hotel bookings in the PhilippinesA return or onward&nbsp;travel ticketProof of sufficient financial means for the tripNo prior immigration violations in the PhilippinesThis category targets tourists visiting for short vacations and leisure travel.Category 2: 30-day visa-free stayIndian citizens who hold valid visas or permanent residency in specific countries are eligible for 30 days of visa-free travel. Qualifying nations include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore and Schengen Area countries.Eligible travellers must present:A valid visa or residence permit from the above countriesA clean immigration historyConfirmed travel itinerary, including return or onward ticketsIn parallel, the existing e-visa platform remains operational for those seeking longer stays or alternate visa types.<h2>India’s outbound travel boom</h2>The Philippines’ visa-free move is not a coincidence; it aligns with a boom in Indian outbound tourism. In 2024 alone, more than 30 million Indians travelled abroad, with that number projected to climb even higher in 2025.According to data from India’s Ministry of Tourism, 5.09 million Indians had already travelled overseas in the first two months of 2025, indicating a 6 per cent year-on-year increase.A recent report by Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel found that 84 per cent of Indian travellers plan to increase their travel frequency and spend 20-50 per cent more on holidays this year.The shift is driven by rising incomes, a growing middle class (now at 31 per cent and set to hit 60 per cent by 2047), and a strong cultural shift toward experiential travel.This rise has led many countries to compete for Indian tourists, with nations like Japan, South Africa, Dubai, and Thailand simplifying visa processes or offering visa-on-arrival options.According to the report, 44 per cent of respondents are more likely to visit countries offering simplified visa processes like e-visas or visa-on-arrival options such as Thailand, Malaysia, the UAE, and Sri Lanka, while countries that issue long-term visas, like Australia, Japan, and the US, are also witnessing an uptick.Vietnam saw a 231 per cent surge in Indian arrivals since launching its e-visa in 2015. Now, the Philippines is stepping up with its own simplified visa policy.By 2040, the number of international tourist departures from India could hit 90 million, not far from the 104 million Chinese tourists who travelled in 2019. However, research suggests that Chinese holidaymakers are increasingly deciding to travel at home, which means that Indian tourists may soon overtake them.<h2>Philippines: A rising star on Indian itineraries?</h2>With Southeast Asia becoming increasingly popular among Indian tourists, the Philippines’ new policy appears tailor-made to capture a larger share of this growing market.In a study of travel trends in India, online travel platform Booking.com found that Indian tourists typically book their trip at the last minute. It suggests that Indians spend just 30 days planning a holiday on average, compared with 63 days for Americans and 90 days for Brits.Time-consuming visa requirements do not fit in the last-minute planning of Indians, and hence they opt for easier and more welcoming destinations instead.Adding further momentum, Air India announced new non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila, starting October 1, 2025. The service will operate five times a week, providing direct and convenient access to the Philippines from India, a first for the two nations.According to official data, the contribution of the travel and tourism sector in the island nation’s economy saw a remarkable increase of 25 per cent year-on-year, soaring 7.1 per cent above the previous 2019 peak.Travel and tourism represented more than one fifth (21.3 per cent) of the country’s economy in 2024, underscoring the sector’s critical role in supporting the nation and its local communities.This growth is a testament to the government’s efforts in enhancing tourism infrastructure, with efforts underway to upgrade regional airports to alleviate congestion at Manila's main airport and make travel more accessible.With over 7,000 islands, white-sand beaches, and tropical destinations, the Philippines offers Indian tourists the appeal of Southeast Asia without the visa headaches. Coupled with friendly locals, a low cost of living, and increasing flight connectivity, the Philippines could soon find itself on more Indian bucket lists.The introduction of a digital nomad visa, announced by President Bongbong Marcos, will further diversify the types of Indian travellers visiting the Philippines, from short-term tourists to long-stay professionals and remote workers.

The initiative follows a 12 per cent increase in Indian tourist arrivals to the Philippines in 2024, with nearly 80,000 Indian visitors making their way to the Philippines. 

In a significant boost for Indian globetrotters, the Philippines has officially announced visa-free entry for Indian nationals starting June 8, 2025, for tourism purposes. The decision comes as part of the country’s strategy to expand its tourism base and tap into one of the world's fastest-growing outbound travel markets. The initiative follows a 12 per cent increase in Indian tourist arrivals to the Philippines in 2024, with nearly 80,000 Indian visitors making their way to the archipelago. Although Indian travellers still account for a small slice of the 5 million total tourist arrivals last year, Philippine authorities are betting big on India’s booming travel demand. Visa-free entry explained The new visa-free regime for Indians has categories based on eligibility, offering either a 14-day or 30-day stay without requiring a visa. Category 1: 14-day visa-free stay Indian passport holders can now enter the Philippines for up to 14 days without a visa, provided they meet the following requirements: Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay Confirmed hotel bookings in the Philippines A return or onward travel ticket Proof of sufficient financial means for the trip No prior immigration violations in the Philippines This category targets tourists visiting for short vacations and leisure travel. Category 2: 30-day visa-free stay Indian citizens who hold valid visas or permanent residency in specific countries are eligible for 30 days of visa-free travel. Qualifying nations include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore and Schengen Area countries. Eligible travellers must present: A valid visa or residence permit from the above countries A clean immigration history Confirmed travel itinerary, including return or onward tickets In parallel, the existing e-visa platform remains operational for those seeking longer stays or alternate visa types. India’s outbound travel boom The Philippines’ visa-free move is not a coincidence; it aligns with a boom in Indian outbound tourism. In 2024 alone, more than 30 million Indians travelled abroad, with that number projected to climb even higher in 2025. According to data from India’s Ministry of Tourism, 5.09 million Indians had already travelled overseas in the first two months of 2025, indicating a 6 per cent year-on-year increase. A recent report by Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel found that 84 per cent of Indian travellers plan to increase their travel frequency and spend 20-50 per cent more on holidays this year. The shift is driven by rising incomes, a growing middle class (now at 31 per cent and set to hit 60 per cent by 2047), and a strong cultural shift toward experiential travel. This rise has led many countries to compete for Indian tourists, with nations like Japan, South Africa, Dubai, and Thailand simplifying visa processes or offering visa-on-arrival options. According to the report, 44 per cent of respondents are more likely to visit countries offering simplified visa processes like e-visas or visa-on-arrival options such as Thailand, Malaysia, the UAE, and Sri Lanka, while countries that issue long-term visas, like Australia, Japan, and the US, are also witnessing an uptick. Vietnam saw a 231 per cent surge in Indian arrivals since launching its e-visa in 2015. Now, the Philippines is stepping up with its own simplified visa policy. By 2040, the number of international tourist departures from India could hit 90 million, not far from the 104 million Chinese tourists who travelled in 2019. However, research suggests that Chinese holidaymakers are increasingly deciding to travel at home, which means that Indian tourists may soon overtake them. Philippines: A rising star on Indian itineraries? With Southeast Asia becoming increasingly popular among Indian tourists, the Philippines’ new policy appears tailor-made to capture a larger share of this growing market. In a study of travel trends in India, online travel platform Booking.com found that Indian tourists typically book their trip at the last minute. It suggests that Indians spend just 30 days planning a holiday on average, compared with 63 days for Americans and 90 days for Brits. Time-consuming visa requirements do not fit in the last-minute planning of Indians, and hence they opt for easier and more welcoming destinations instead. Adding further momentum, Air India announced new non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila, starting October 1, 2025. The service will operate five times a week, providing direct and convenient access to the Philippines from India, a first for the two nations. According to official data, the contribution of the travel and tourism sector in the island nation’s economy saw a remarkable increase of 25 per cent year-on-year, soaring 7.1 per cent above the previous 2019 peak. Travel and tourism represented more than one fifth (21.3 per cent) of the country’s economy in 2024, underscoring the sector’s critical role in supporting the nation and its local communities. This growth is a testament to the government’s efforts in enhancing tourism infrastructure, with efforts underway to upgrade regional airports to alleviate congestion at Manila's main airport and make travel more accessible. With over 7,000 islands, white-sand beaches, and tropical destinations, the Philippines offers Indian tourists the appeal of Southeast Asia without the visa headaches. Coupled with friendly locals, a low cost of living, and increasing flight connectivity, the Philippines could soon find itself on more Indian bucket lists. The introduction of a digital nomad visa, announced by President Bongbong Marcos, will further diversify the types of Indian travellers visiting the Philippines, from short-term tourists to long-stay professionals and remote workers.

The initiative follows a 12 per cent increase in Indian tourist arrivals to the Philippines in 2024, with nearly 80,000 Indian visitors making their way to the Philippines.&nbsp;

Philippines eyes India’s fast‑growing outbound market with visa‑free access

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) President, Jyoti Mayal told WION that there has been a surge in travel inquiries for Lakshadweep while there are none for Maldives right now. Mayal also noted that Maldives' Tour Operators and Travel Associations, in a letter to the organisation, have distanced themselves from the remarks by the sitting minister of Maldives.&nbsp;

Mayal spoke to WION in detail and addressed concerns within the Maldives travel industry while also spotlighting opportunities in domestic tourism. Notably, Mariyam Shiuna, a sitting Maldives minister, made some derogatory comments about India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he visited Lakshadweep.&nbsp;

"Maldives Tour Operators and Travel Associations are reaching out to TAAI because we have a MoU with the Associations and the Ministry of Tourism there for working together. They are saying that this was not the opinion of everyone and this is an individual opinion."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/lakshadweep-emerges-as-the-new-jewel-in-indian-beachgoers-wishlist-678226">Lakshadweep emerges as the new jewel in Indian beachgoers' wishlist</a>

With many Indian tourists calling for a boycott of Maldives as a travel destination, Mayal said that it is the common man of Maldives who is paying the price of the row that erupted&nbsp;after derogatory remarks made by a sitting minister.&nbsp;

Highlighting the impact of political statements, Mayal stated, "When something like this happens, when some politician speaks, it is always the common man that gets affected. Everyone wants good business. Who does not want business from other countries so that they can prosper?"&nbsp;

"When we go ahead and go very vocal about it that we will not support Maldives, which is also very rightly so, because the views have come from a sitting minister. So obviously we will react and the common man bears the brunt and not the ministers."&nbsp;

<h2>India's domestic tourism market emerging&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Mayal said that India does not solely rely on Maldives for tourism.&nbsp;

She pointed out that India has been actively promoting domestic destinations, particularly in the post-COVID era, with emerging markets and improved infrastructure.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-leader-demands-ouster-of-president-muizzu-amid-india-row-678224">Maldives leader demands ouster of President Muizzu over strained ties with India</a>

"Especially post-COVID we have been selling domestic destinations a lot and it has become an emerging market and our infrastructure has got the best... I think from many others. We have last-mile connectivity, good hotels coming up, Bed and Breakfast coming up, and trains and flights have come in."

"The only thing where we are lacking right now is inbound tourism, but even those numbers will come up once the government realises what they have to put into it," she added while indicating a positive outlook for the tourism sector within India.

<h2>Lakshadweep as a travel destination&nbsp;</h2>

While Mayal spoke on the growing interest in Lakshadweep she also mentioned the existing connectivity challenges.

"One has to understand that the connectivity is not so great right now. With one flight.. and you need permits to visit the islands. One does not need a permit to visit Andaman and Nicobar island but Lakhshwadeep has always been a protected area. For instance, Taj is opening two resorts there. So all the hotel chains are going to look into it. Airlines are looking at it now. If the PM wants us to do this, who is going to stop us?"

However, with the Prime Minister's visit to the region, she is anticipating that there will now be increased investment and development.

"If Lakshadweep&nbsp;is what they want to bring as an emerging, beautiful, and high-end destination, it is the right time to do it. We have anyway missed out on a lot of opportunities when our infrastructure was not good. But as it is getting better and better, there is an opportunity on how we can promote our own country," she said.&nbsp;

Mayal said that the peak season for Maldives tourism is from September to April.&nbsp;

She noted that while sentiments were hurt due to the derogatory comments, immediate cancellations were unlikely due to substantial cancellation charges and difficulties in obtaining refunds, just as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"During Covid, people were struggling to get refunds so people are not going to waste their money now," she added.&nbsp;

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			<td headers="view-title-table-column">Watch |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/maldives-india-row-maldives-mp-urges-parliament-summoning-for-foreign-suspended-ministers-678173" hreflang="en">Maldives-India Row: Maldives MP urges parliament summoning for foreign &amp; suspended ministers</a></td>
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Responding to a question, Mayal concurred that it will take some time to understand if the number of Indian tourists to Maldives falls.&nbsp;

"So yes, our sentiments are hurt because we have been abused in a certain manner. So obviously one feels upset about it. So no further inquiries are coming in right now for Maldives. Because people are looking at how this will affect a normal traveller. They are all sceptical about it right now," she underscored in light of the controversy.

&nbsp;

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) President, Jyoti Mayal told WION that there has been a surge in travel inquiries for Lakshadweep while there are none for Maldives right now.

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) President, Jyoti Mayal told WION that there has been a surge in travel inquiries for Lakshadweep while there are none for Maldives right now. Mayal also noted that Maldives' Tour Operators and Travel Associations, in a letter to the organisation, have distanced themselves from the remarks by the sitting minister of Maldives. Mayal spoke to WION in detail and addressed concerns within the Maldives travel industry while also spotlighting opportunities in domestic tourism. Notably, Mariyam Shiuna, a sitting Maldives minister, made some derogatory comments about India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he visited Lakshadweep. "Maldives Tour Operators and Travel Associations are reaching out to TAAI because we have a MoU with the Associations and the Ministry of Tourism there for working together. They are saying that this was not the opinion of everyone and this is an individual opinion." Also Read | Lakshadweep emerges as the new jewel in Indian beachgoers' wishlist With many Indian tourists calling for a boycott of Maldives as a travel destination, Mayal said that it is the common man of Maldives who is paying the price of the row that erupted after derogatory remarks made by a sitting minister. Highlighting the impact of political statements, Mayal stated, "When something like this happens, when some politician speaks, it is always the common man that gets affected. Everyone wants good business. Who does not want business from other countries so that they can prosper?" "When we go ahead and go very vocal about it that we will not support Maldives, which is also very rightly so, because the views have come from a sitting minister. So obviously we will react and the common man bears the brunt and not the ministers." India's domestic tourism market emerging Mayal said that India does not solely rely on Maldives for tourism. She pointed out that India has been actively promoting domestic destinations, particularly in the post-COVID era, with emerging markets and improved infrastructure. Also Read | Maldives leader demands ouster of President Muizzu over strained ties with India "Especially post-COVID we have been selling domestic destinations a lot and it has become an emerging market and our infrastructure has got the best... I think from many others. We have last-mile connectivity, good hotels coming up, Bed and Breakfast coming up, and trains and flights have come in." "The only thing where we are lacking right now is inbound tourism, but even those numbers will come up once the government realises what they have to put into it," she added while indicating a positive outlook for the tourism sector within India. Lakshadweep as a travel destination While Mayal spoke on the growing interest in Lakshadweep she also mentioned the existing connectivity challenges. "One has to understand that the connectivity is not so great right now. With one flight.. and you need permits to visit the islands. One does not need a permit to visit Andaman and Nicobar island but Lakhshwadeep has always been a protected area. For instance, Taj is opening two resorts there. So all the hotel chains are going to look into it. Airlines are looking at it now. If the PM wants us to do this, who is going to stop us?" However, with the Prime Minister's visit to the region, she is anticipating that there will now be increased investment and development. "If Lakshadweep is what they want to bring as an emerging, beautiful, and high-end destination, it is the right time to do it. We have anyway missed out on a lot of opportunities when our infrastructure was not good. But as it is getting better and better, there is an opportunity on how we can promote our own country," she said. Mayal said that the peak season for Maldives tourism is from September to April. She noted that while sentiments were hurt due to the derogatory comments, immediate cancellations were unlikely due to substantial cancellation charges and difficulties in obtaining refunds, just as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. "During Covid, people were struggling to get refunds so people are not going to waste their money now," she added. Watch | Maldives-India Row: Maldives MP urges parliament summoning for foreign & suspended ministers × Responding to a question, Mayal concurred that it will take some time to understand if the number of Indian tourists to Maldives falls. "So yes, our sentiments are hurt because we have been abused in a certain manner. So obviously one feels upset about it. So no further inquiries are coming in right now for Maldives. Because people are looking at how this will affect a normal traveller. They are all sceptical about it right now," she underscored in light of the controversy.

Inquiries for Lakshadweep surging, none for Maldives: TAAI President Jyoti Mayal to WION

The stage is set, and the curtains are drawn as Airbnb, known for its unique and welcoming accommodations, takes the spotlight. In a world where travel has become a cherished experience of the 21st century, it appears that travelers are now navigating uncharted waters.

With travelers feeling the pinch due to a surge in living costs, the return to office routines, and fierce competition in the hotel industry, Airbnb finds itself in a transformative phase. The outlook for the fourth quarter anticipates revenue in the range of $2.13 billion to $2.17 billion, a slight dip from analysts' average estimate of $2.18 billion. This subtle shift indicates that travelers are recalibrating their expectations and preferences.

The exhilarating summer, often labeled as the era of "revenge travel," has begun to wane as travelers set boundaries. During this period, travelers displayed a willingness to pay a premium for flights and accommodations, unlocking their pent-up wanderlust post-Covid restrictions. But the tide is changing.

As we sail into the unknown, Airbnb's third-quarter results offer a ray of hope. With revenue exceeding expectations, recording an 18% increase from the previous year, amounting to $3.4 billion, and an impressive 113.2 million nights and experiences booked, an increase of 14 per cent, travelers continue to explore the world, undeterred by the challenges they face.

A significant shift is witnessed as travelers return to urban landscapes, relinquishing the comforts of rural domestic stays embraced during the pandemic. In the third quarter, high-density urban nights booked increased by 15 per cent&nbsp;compared to the previous year. International travel is also regaining momentum, with cross-border nights booked growing by 17 per cent. The Asia Pacific region has emerged as a resilient beacon, fully recovering to pre-pandemic levels, offering a glimpse of the global tourism revival.

While the cost of accommodations remains pivotal to Airbnb's success and its competitive edge against hotels, the platform introduces tools to help hosts set competitive pricing. In September, the average nightly price for a one-bedroom listing on Airbnb was $120, marking a slight 1 per cent&nbsp;increment from the previous year. In contrast, hotel prices surged by 10 per cent, averaging $153. These statistics reflect the delicate balance travelers strike between affordability and comfort.

Nevertheless, Airbnb faces the shadows of regulatory challenges, especially in destinations like New York City and Canada. These hurdles are poised to influence supply and room-night growth in the near term. New York City's recent regulatory framework, demanding hosts to meet specific criteria and adhere to stringent building standards, has significantly impacted Airbnb's operations. This change is perceived as a "de facto ban" and has led to the removal of thousands of listings. Before the shift in regulations, New York contributed about 1% to Airbnb's global revenue. Meanwhile, Canada contemplates measures to curb the use of short-term rental platforms in response to soaring rental costs.

In summary, although "increased regulatory restrictions" may pose short-term challenges, Airbnb's active listings exhibited a 19 per cent&nbsp;growth in the third quarter, compared to the previous year. Over the current year, Airbnb has added nearly 1 million active listings, reflecting its adaptability in the face of evolving challenges.

In this ever-evolving narrative, Airbnb's earnings report deciphers the state of the tourism industry. It serves as a compass for travelers, businesses, and policymakers to navigate through the shifting dynamics of the travel landscape. The journey is marked by surprises, lessons, and, most importantly, the unrelenting spirit of exploration and discovery.

The stage is set, and the curtains are drawn as Airbnb, known for its unique and welcoming accommodations, takes the spotlight. In a world where travel has become a cherished experience of the 21st century, it appears that travelers are now navigating uncharted waters.

The stage is set, and the curtains are drawn as Airbnb, known for its unique and welcoming accommodations, takes the spotlight. In a world where travel has become a cherished experience of the 21st century, it appears that travelers are now navigating uncharted waters. With travelers feeling the pinch due to a surge in living costs, the return to office routines, and fierce competition in the hotel industry, Airbnb finds itself in a transformative phase. The outlook for the fourth quarter anticipates revenue in the range of $2.13 billion to $2.17 billion, a slight dip from analysts' average estimate of $2.18 billion. This subtle shift indicates that travelers are recalibrating their expectations and preferences. The exhilarating summer, often labeled as the era of "revenge travel," has begun to wane as travelers set boundaries. During this period, travelers displayed a willingness to pay a premium for flights and accommodations, unlocking their pent-up wanderlust post-Covid restrictions. But the tide is changing. As we sail into the unknown, Airbnb's third-quarter results offer a ray of hope. With revenue exceeding expectations, recording an 18% increase from the previous year, amounting to $3.4 billion, and an impressive 113.2 million nights and experiences booked, an increase of 14 per cent, travelers continue to explore the world, undeterred by the challenges they face. A significant shift is witnessed as travelers return to urban landscapes, relinquishing the comforts of rural domestic stays embraced during the pandemic. In the third quarter, high-density urban nights booked increased by 15 per cent compared to the previous year. International travel is also regaining momentum, with cross-border nights booked growing by 17 per cent. The Asia Pacific region has emerged as a resilient beacon, fully recovering to pre-pandemic levels, offering a glimpse of the global tourism revival. While the cost of accommodations remains pivotal to Airbnb's success and its competitive edge against hotels, the platform introduces tools to help hosts set competitive pricing. In September, the average nightly price for a one-bedroom listing on Airbnb was $120, marking a slight 1 per cent increment from the previous year. In contrast, hotel prices surged by 10 per cent, averaging $153. These statistics reflect the delicate balance travelers strike between affordability and comfort. Nevertheless, Airbnb faces the shadows of regulatory challenges, especially in destinations like New York City and Canada. These hurdles are poised to influence supply and room-night growth in the near term. New York City's recent regulatory framework, demanding hosts to meet specific criteria and adhere to stringent building standards, has significantly impacted Airbnb's operations. This change is perceived as a "de facto ban" and has led to the removal of thousands of listings. Before the shift in regulations, New York contributed about 1% to Airbnb's global revenue. Meanwhile, Canada contemplates measures to curb the use of short-term rental platforms in response to soaring rental costs. In summary, although "increased regulatory restrictions" may pose short-term challenges, Airbnb's active listings exhibited a 19 per cent growth in the third quarter, compared to the previous year. Over the current year, Airbnb has added nearly 1 million active listings, reflecting its adaptability in the face of evolving challenges. In this ever-evolving narrative, Airbnb's earnings report deciphers the state of the tourism industry. It serves as a compass for travelers, businesses, and policymakers to navigate through the shifting dynamics of the travel landscape. The journey is marked by surprises, lessons, and, most importantly, the unrelenting spirit of exploration and discovery.

Decoding tourism trends through Airbnb's financial results

A recent report titled "How India Travels," jointly released by Booking.com and McKinsey &amp; Company, reveals a surge in India's travel sector. The report predicts that Indian travellers will substantially boost their spending in the coming years, positioning India as the fourth-largest global spender in travel by 2030, with an estimated expenditure of $410 billion.

This projection represents a 173 per cent increase from 2019 when Indian travellers collectively spent $150 billion, ranking India as the sixth largest global spender. In 2022, Indian travellers played a pivotal role in the recovery of the tourism industry, surpassing Asia by reaching 78 per cent of 2019 levels, while the continent achieved only 52 per cent. Furthermore, the report anticipates that the number of trips taken by Indian travellers will increase from 2.3 billion in 2019 to an impressive 5 billion in 2030.

As per the report, Indian travellers are known for their spontaneity when it comes to trip planning, with an average planning window of just 29 days, a shorter timeframe than even Japan (57 days) and the USA (63 days). Moreover, culinary convenience holds a significant place in their travel habits, with over 80 per cent of Indian travellers valuing the availability of restaurant and room service options during their stays, reflecting a desire for a hassle-free and enjoyable dining experience while on the road, making it a crucial factor in travel decisions.

In addition to their spontaneity, Indian travellers are showing a growing preference for alternative accommodation options such as hostels, campsites, vacation rentals, and chalets. They seek unique and diverse lodging experiences that go beyond traditional hotel stays, emphasising a desire for varied and unconventional travel experiences.

Furthermore, Indian travellers are increasingly drawn to off-the-beaten-path destinations and international adventures. Lesser-known cities like Varanasi, Gurugram, and Coimbatore are witnessing a surge in bookings, indicating a growing interest in exploring less touristy locales.

Alongside this, international destinations such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Nepal are gaining popularity among Indian travellers. Their choice of travel destinations is heavily influenced by media, with TV shows and Indian cinema being significant inspirations. Additionally, mega events like the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and the G20 Summit 2023 serve as compelling catalysts for their travel choices. Social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram also play a pivotal role in inspiring their travel plans, showcasing the dynamic and diverse range of sources influencing Indian travellers’ choices.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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A recent report titled "How India Travels," jointly released by Booking.com and McKinsey & Company, reveals a surge in India's travel sector. The report predicts that Indian travellers will substantially boost their spending in the coming years, positioning India as the fourth-largest global spender in travel by 2030, with an estimated expenditure of $410 billion.

A recent report titled "How India Travels," jointly released by Booking.com and McKinsey & Company, reveals a surge in India's travel sector. The report predicts that Indian travellers will substantially boost their spending in the coming years, positioning India as the fourth-largest global spender in travel by 2030, with an estimated expenditure of $410 billion. This projection represents a 173 per cent increase from 2019 when Indian travellers collectively spent $150 billion, ranking India as the sixth largest global spender. In 2022, Indian travellers played a pivotal role in the recovery of the tourism industry, surpassing Asia by reaching 78 per cent of 2019 levels, while the continent achieved only 52 per cent. Furthermore, the report anticipates that the number of trips taken by Indian travellers will increase from 2.3 billion in 2019 to an impressive 5 billion in 2030. As per the report, Indian travellers are known for their spontaneity when it comes to trip planning, with an average planning window of just 29 days, a shorter timeframe than even Japan (57 days) and the USA (63 days). Moreover, culinary convenience holds a significant place in their travel habits, with over 80 per cent of Indian travellers valuing the availability of restaurant and room service options during their stays, reflecting a desire for a hassle-free and enjoyable dining experience while on the road, making it a crucial factor in travel decisions. In addition to their spontaneity, Indian travellers are showing a growing preference for alternative accommodation options such as hostels, campsites, vacation rentals, and chalets. They seek unique and diverse lodging experiences that go beyond traditional hotel stays, emphasising a desire for varied and unconventional travel experiences. Furthermore, Indian travellers are increasingly drawn to off-the-beaten-path destinations and international adventures. Lesser-known cities like Varanasi, Gurugram, and Coimbatore are witnessing a surge in bookings, indicating a growing interest in exploring less touristy locales. Alongside this, international destinations such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Nepal are gaining popularity among Indian travellers. Their choice of travel destinations is heavily influenced by media, with TV shows and Indian cinema being significant inspirations. Additionally, mega events like the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and the G20 Summit 2023 serve as compelling catalysts for their travel choices. Social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram also play a pivotal role in inspiring their travel plans, showcasing the dynamic and diverse range of sources influencing Indian travellers’ choices. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India to become fourth largest global travel spender by 2030, driven by post-pandemic growth

With countries battered by Omicron and Deltra variants of Coronavirus, a UN agency has said that tourism arrivals around the world are not expected to return to their pre-pandemic levels until 2024.

The highly contagious Omicron variant, though mild, will “disrupt the recovery” in early 2022 after the last year witnessed four per cent growth over 2020, the World Tourism Organisation said.

“The pace of recovery remains slow and uneven across world regions due to varying degrees of mobility restrictions, vaccination rates and traveller confidence,” the UNWTO said in a press release.

The Madrid-based UN agency, however, pointed out that the tourism industry might “see better prospects" for this year after&nbsp;restrictions in the early months due to the Omicron wave.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-to-cull-thousands-of-hamsters-after-finding-traces-of-animal-to-human-covid-transmission-445851">&nbsp;Hong Kong to cull thousands of hamsters after finding traces of animal-to-human Covid transmission</a>

The agency predicts a 30 to 78 per cent rise in international arrivals this year over 2021, while remaining far below 2019 levels.

In 2021, some countries reported a marginal rise in passenger arrivals. In Europe and the Americas, foreign visitor arrivals surged by 19 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively, last year over 2020.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-wave-50000-to-300000-more-deaths-in-us-by-march-model-predicts-445852">Omicron wave: 50,000 to 300,000 more deaths in US by March, model predicts</a>

In the Middle East, however, arrivals declined by 24 per cent in 2021, while in the Asia-Pacific region they were 65 per cent below 2020 levels, and 94 per cent down on pre-pandemic levels.

“The economic contribution of tourism in 2021 (measured in tourism direct gross domestic product) is estimated at $1.9 trillion, above the $1.6 trillion in 2020, but still well below the pre-pandemic value of $3.5 trillion,” the statement noted.

(With inputs from agencies)

With countries battered by Omicron and Deltra variants of Coronavirus, a UN agency has said that tourism arrivals around the world are not expected to return to their pre-pandemic levels until 2024.

With countries battered by Omicron and Deltra variants of Coronavirus, a UN agency has said that tourism arrivals around the world are not expected to return to their pre-pandemic levels until 2024. The highly contagious Omicron variant, though mild, will “disrupt the recovery” in early 2022 after the last year witnessed four per cent growth over 2020, the World Tourism Organisation said. “The pace of recovery remains slow and uneven across world regions due to varying degrees of mobility restrictions, vaccination rates and traveller confidence,” the UNWTO said in a press release. The Madrid-based UN agency, however, pointed out that the tourism industry might “see better prospects" for this year after restrictions in the early months due to the Omicron wave. Also read | Hong Kong to cull thousands of hamsters after finding traces of animal-to-human Covid transmission The agency predicts a 30 to 78 per cent rise in international arrivals this year over 2021, while remaining far below 2019 levels. In 2021, some countries reported a marginal rise in passenger arrivals. In Europe and the Americas, foreign visitor arrivals surged by 19 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively, last year over 2020. Also read | Omicron wave: 50,000 to 300,000 more deaths in US by March, model predicts In the Middle East, however, arrivals declined by 24 per cent in 2021, while in the Asia-Pacific region they were 65 per cent below 2020 levels, and 94 per cent down on pre-pandemic levels. “The economic contribution of tourism in 2021 (measured in tourism direct gross domestic product) is estimated at $1.9 trillion, above the $1.6 trillion in 2020, but still well below the pre-pandemic value of $3.5 trillion,” the statement noted. (With inputs from agencies)

Global tourism not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024: UN agency

Located 1,000 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned. The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site

A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of 111 well-preserved tombs, many with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement.

In addition to Hegra, AlUla is also home to ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms and considered to be one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula. AlUla Old Town, a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century.

In 1983, the last family left the Old Town of AlUla, and after that, the homes and marts that once witnessed bustles of life were doomed to face perennial silence. A city that thousands of years ago was the heart of an extraordinary cosmopolitan drew its last breath with the departure of its last inhabitants. While it could be the epitaph of the Old Town of AlUla, the city refused to die.

Sounds more like a story from the Arabian Nights? It all may appear as a wild imagination, but thankfully, it is a reality.

Maraya

The word Maraya means ‘mirror’ or ‘reflection’ in Arabic, a fitting name for a structure with 9,740 sq.mt of mirrors. Maraya, AlUla's multi-purpose conference and entertainment venue, is an architectural marvel that has been designed to reflect AlUla’s beautiful landscape. It is a modern wonder in a land of ancient wonders, and is AlUla's answer to MICE, business and wedding travellers globally. Maraya emerged as the centrepiece in one of AlUla’s premier cultural festivals – Winter at Tantora. The next year, Maraya Concert Hall hosted world-class performances, VIP experiences and pop-up events, including concerts by global superstars Andrea Bocelli, Lionel Richie, Enrique Iglesias, and many others. For More information <a href="https://www.experiencealula.com/en/business-special-events/maraya?utm_source=wion.com&amp;utm_medium=paid-referral&amp;utm_campaign=article1maraya  Experience AlUla">click here.&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="c" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ccd9c187-4464-4f29-ab93-38c56b7daa14" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2863%29_8.jpg" />

While AlUla presents itself as a global cultural centre, there is much more than that in reality. The dessert hosts exquisite nature-made sculptures, sandstone mountains forming mesmerising landscapes, adventures, heritage, arts and culture. One needs to experience AlUla to truly appreciate its beauty. There’s also a sense of openness, vastness and quiet that invites visitors to wander in AlUla’s living museum. From mazes of dramatic rock formations to rolling, sand-swept dunes to a valley cloaked in palm and citrus groves to millennia-old clues in basalt lava flows, be sure to leave plenty of time in your AlUla itinerary to commune with its expansive natural offerings.

Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. WION doesn't endorse or evaluate the advertised product, service, or company nor any of the claims made.

Located 1,000 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned.

Located 1,000 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned. The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of 111 well-preserved tombs, many with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement. In addition to Hegra, AlUla is also home to ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms and considered to be one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula. AlUla Old Town, a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century. In 1983, the last family left the Old Town of AlUla, and after that, the homes and marts that once witnessed bustles of life were doomed to face perennial silence. A city that thousands of years ago was the heart of an extraordinary cosmopolitan drew its last breath with the departure of its last inhabitants. While it could be the epitaph of the Old Town of AlUla, the city refused to die. Sounds more like a story from the Arabian Nights? It all may appear as a wild imagination, but thankfully, it is a reality. Maraya The word Maraya means ‘mirror’ or ‘reflection’ in Arabic, a fitting name for a structure with 9,740 sq.mt of mirrors. Maraya, AlUla's multi-purpose conference and entertainment venue, is an architectural marvel that has been designed to reflect AlUla’s beautiful landscape. It is a modern wonder in a land of ancient wonders, and is AlUla's answer to MICE, business and wedding travellers globally. Maraya emerged as the centrepiece in one of AlUla’s premier cultural festivals – Winter at Tantora. The next year, Maraya Concert Hall hosted world-class performances, VIP experiences and pop-up events, including concerts by global superstars Andrea Bocelli, Lionel Richie, Enrique Iglesias, and many others. For More information click here. While AlUla presents itself as a global cultural centre, there is much more than that in reality. The dessert hosts exquisite nature-made sculptures, sandstone mountains forming mesmerising landscapes, adventures, heritage, arts and culture. One needs to experience AlUla to truly appreciate its beauty. There’s also a sense of openness, vastness and quiet that invites visitors to wander in AlUla’s living museum. From mazes of dramatic rock formations to rolling, sand-swept dunes to a valley cloaked in palm and citrus groves to millennia-old clues in basalt lava flows, be sure to leave plenty of time in your AlUla itinerary to commune with its expansive natural offerings. Disclaimer: This is sponsored content. WION doesn't endorse or evaluate the advertised product, service, or company nor any of the claims made.

A glimpse into AlULa: World's masterpiece

Covid-19 has hit the Travel & Tourism industry hard. After extended lockdowns, countries are starting to open up for tourism and the travel industry is now on the comeback trail. In this episode of The Future Series, we focus on what lies ahead for the travel and tourism industry with a special focus on Thailand.

The Future Series - Life After Coronavirus 2021

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

Natasha Mittal runs a travel blog and boasts of an enviable number of YouTube followers. Working at a start-up that deals with e-waste, she had realized the earth is in urgent need of good-hearted souls who can commit to minimizing carbon footprint. She practices sustainable travel and preaches the same. The good part is, she isn’t alone in her quest.&nbsp;

There are more travelers like her, despite not having a blog or a social media following, believe that the onus is on travelers who need to be cautious to make traveling as eco-friendly as possible.

A common trend that has picked up in India have the&nbsp;millennials getting jobs quite early in their career and&nbsp;investing their disposable income in unleashing their wanderlust. Their pursuit of happiness has improved the economy of tourism at offbeat destinations across India that have stayed out of reach of generic travelers for long. However, not everything is hunky dory.

With enthusiastic travelers increasing every day, there is a new menace that has popped up – our pristine lakes becoming polluted, rare flora and fauna are disappearing, nature being killed by concrete. All these indicate over-tourism. Blinded by money, dishonest merchants are seeing tourism as an opportunity to exploit the nature.

And this is where young travelers like Mittal are leading a silent movement. This breed of travelers believes in conservation of nature for our future generations and are changing the way people used to travel.

Here are a few steps that they are adapting:

Minimizing carbon footprints: One step at a time

Traveler Mayank Kanj who is planning a trekking expedition Spiti Valley next February said, “The first step is carrying your own water bottle. There are plenty of packaged bottles available, but there aren’t enough recycle bins along the roads. Even if you dump it in a bin, chances are it might end up in a pristine mountain river due to systematic flaws. When the bottle gets empty, you can always fill it from a nearby spring or café.”

If you doubt the hygiene quality, buy a packaged one, refill your own and discard the bottle at a big dhaba. Since these big restaurants need tons of licenses to operate, they tend to recycle to ensure they aren’t penalized.

The next in the list is to stop buying chips and biscuits from roadside dhabas. Instead carry the chips, biscuits, chocolates before you start from your home and pack those in your re-usable boxes. So, you don’t leave things behind. It might be a bit heavy on your shoulder but easy on the mother nature.

When ordering food and beverage during your journey at eateries, say no to reusable plates and cutleries. In case they don’t have, at least don’t use plastic cutleries and straws and you can create a huge impact over years.

Prefer homestays

Apart from personalized services, local culture and a comfortable yet traditional accommodation, staying at a homestay helps in conserving the ecology. Suresh Sharma who runs a homestay at Fagu near Shimla said,” When hotels run commercially, they source everything right from vegetables to furniture from big traders or brands who give them a wholesale price. But for homestay owners like me who have four rooms, I have to buy everything local because I don’t qualify for bulk purchases.”

And this makes all the difference. You might not be directly buying local but just by staying at a homestay, you are definitely being vocal for local.

Ask hotels about eco friendly steps

Hotels are increasingly becoming cautious about their carbon footprint. Sarovar Hotels and Resorts for example has stopped using plastic-packaged water bottles across properties in India. Many renowned groups are following the suit.

At places where you don’t find a homestay, ask the hotels what ecological measures they have taken. Some might say recycling on wastewater, recycling plastic and some might have started an organic farm fed by the wastewater.

“When you as a customer start asking the hotels about environmental measures, they start realizing the importance. Ask whether they have wastewater recycling pit, if they re-use plastic, where do they dump their waste! Once you start asking them questions, they will feel obligated. Also, hotel booking sites need to be specific. For hotels who follow the norms of minimizing carbon footprint needs to be provided a badge of honour, which makes them different from the crowd,” said Asad Hussain, president of a hotel owners’ association in North Sikkim.

Hire local guides

While Google Maps and other online resources are amazing, nothing beats local knowledge at offbeat regions be it the Himalayas or the Arabian Sea. When you hire a local guide, you support them and their community. Nobody loves a place more than one who is born there. These locals then stay at their villages and don’t migrate to big cities in search of job and thereby preserve the serenity of the place.

The new age breed of travelers like Mittal and others follow all the above checklists to ensure their expedition doesn’t exploit the environment. Also, they believe not to explore Bollywood hyped destinations and playing loud music at mountains and forest as a part of their traveling discipline.

They are dreamers but they aren’t the only one! 
&nbsp;

Natasha Mittal runs a travel blog and boasts of an enviable number of YouTube followers. Working at a start-up that deals with e-waste, she had realized the earth is in urgent need of good-hearted souls who can commit to minimizing carbon footprint.

Natasha Mittal runs a travel blog and boasts of an enviable number of YouTube followers. Working at a start-up that deals with e-waste, she had realized the earth is in urgent need of good-hearted souls who can commit to minimizing carbon footprint. She practices sustainable travel and preaches the same. The good part is, she isn’t alone in her quest. There are more travelers like her, despite not having a blog or a social media following, believe that the onus is on travelers who need to be cautious to make traveling as eco-friendly as possible. A common trend that has picked up in India have the millennials getting jobs quite early in their career and investing their disposable income in unleashing their wanderlust. Their pursuit of happiness has improved the economy of tourism at offbeat destinations across India that have stayed out of reach of generic travelers for long. However, not everything is hunky dory. With enthusiastic travelers increasing every day, there is a new menace that has popped up – our pristine lakes becoming polluted, rare flora and fauna are disappearing, nature being killed by concrete. All these indicate over-tourism. Blinded by money, dishonest merchants are seeing tourism as an opportunity to exploit the nature. And this is where young travelers like Mittal are leading a silent movement. This breed of travelers believes in conservation of nature for our future generations and are changing the way people used to travel. Here are a few steps that they are adapting: Minimizing carbon footprints: One step at a time Traveler Mayank Kanj who is planning a trekking expedition Spiti Valley next February said, “The first step is carrying your own water bottle. There are plenty of packaged bottles available, but there aren’t enough recycle bins along the roads. Even if you dump it in a bin, chances are it might end up in a pristine mountain river due to systematic flaws. When the bottle gets empty, you can always fill it from a nearby spring or café.” If you doubt the hygiene quality, buy a packaged one, refill your own and discard the bottle at a big dhaba. Since these big restaurants need tons of licenses to operate, they tend to recycle to ensure they aren’t penalized. The next in the list is to stop buying chips and biscuits from roadside dhabas. Instead carry the chips, biscuits, chocolates before you start from your home and pack those in your re-usable boxes. So, you don’t leave things behind. It might be a bit heavy on your shoulder but easy on the mother nature. When ordering food and beverage during your journey at eateries, say no to reusable plates and cutleries. In case they don’t have, at least don’t use plastic cutleries and straws and you can create a huge impact over years. Prefer homestays Apart from personalized services, local culture and a comfortable yet traditional accommodation, staying at a homestay helps in conserving the ecology. Suresh Sharma who runs a homestay at Fagu near Shimla said,” When hotels run commercially, they source everything right from vegetables to furniture from big traders or brands who give them a wholesale price. But for homestay owners like me who have four rooms, I have to buy everything local because I don’t qualify for bulk purchases.” And this makes all the difference. You might not be directly buying local but just by staying at a homestay, you are definitely being vocal for local. Ask hotels about eco friendly steps Hotels are increasingly becoming cautious about their carbon footprint. Sarovar Hotels and Resorts for example has stopped using plastic-packaged water bottles across properties in India. Many renowned groups are following the suit. At places where you don’t find a homestay, ask the hotels what ecological measures they have taken. Some might say recycling on wastewater, recycling plastic and some might have started an organic farm fed by the wastewater. “When you as a customer start asking the hotels about environmental measures, they start realizing the importance. Ask whether they have wastewater recycling pit, if they re-use plastic, where do they dump their waste! Once you start asking them questions, they will feel obligated. Also, hotel booking sites need to be specific. For hotels who follow the norms of minimizing carbon footprint needs to be provided a badge of honour, which makes them different from the crowd,” said Asad Hussain, president of a hotel owners’ association in North Sikkim. Hire local guides While Google Maps and other online resources are amazing, nothing beats local knowledge at offbeat regions be it the Himalayas or the Arabian Sea. When you hire a local guide, you support them and their community. Nobody loves a place more than one who is born there. These locals then stay at their villages and don’t migrate to big cities in search of job and thereby preserve the serenity of the place. The new age breed of travelers like Mittal and others follow all the above checklists to ensure their expedition doesn’t exploit the environment. Also, they believe not to explore Bollywood hyped destinations and playing loud music at mountains and forest as a part of their traveling discipline. They are dreamers but they aren’t the only one!

Responsible tourism is the new normal: Millennials travelers are leading the revolution

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

In this video, watch WION's special series- Hard Reset.

Hard Reset: Travel & tourism in a post-COVID world