Ep 103: Destination 2022: The Maldives Hits 1 Million Visitors This Year - What Happens Next?, with Ruth Franklin

It’s more than 15 months since The Maldives reopened after the COVID-19 lockdown. Progress has been impressive with a few tribulations along the way - and the nation welcomed its 1 millionth visitor in 2021 last week.

Many countries in South East Asia have looked closely at how the Maldives managed its reopening and rebuilt its tourism sector.

So in Part 4 of our Destination 2022 series, Gary discusses the outlook for the rest of 2021 and into 2022 with Ruth Franklin, Co-founder of Secret Paradise Maldives.

Ruth explains the challenges and successes for resort and local island tourism, and some exciting home-stay plans for 2022. She outlines the key inbound markets since reopening, and others - such as China and South East Asia - that are still missing from the mix. Ruth also outlines shifts in airline routes, the value of a strong repeat visitor market and emerging patterns of travel.

Looking ahead to 2022 - which marks the 50th anniversary of tourism in the Maldives - we assess the marketing strategies being developed to broaden the inbound mix as more countries permit outbound travel.

Plus, what are Maldives Border Miles, and why do they matter?

[Click the link to find out more about Secret Paradise Maldives, which promotes local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and traditions]