UK and Germany remove travel advisory against Maldives

Tourism Minister Ahmed Adheeb has said that the UK and Germany have removed the travel advisories against travel to Maldives.

Speaking from London, Adheeb told the press last night that meetings have been held with the media and senior officials of German and UK tourism ministries at the ITB Berlin Fair; the result of which has been regaining their confidence that Maldives is a safe destination for tourists.

“The main message we are trying to give is that Maldives is a safe place for tourists. We are trying to gain that confidence. I have met senior officials of the government and the media and tried to give that message. The result has been good. Germany has lifted the travel advisory. UK has done the same. They are also making efforts to help tourism in Maldives,” Adheeb said.

Germany accounts for 8% of tourists arriving in Maldives, while the UK accounts for 11%.

The recent political unrest in the Maldives prompted the UK and Germany to issue warnings against travel to the Maldives.

The Minister said that most complaints received at the ITB Fair were regarding the closing down of spas and existence of religious extremism in the Maldives. He gave them details on these issues.

“After we gave the press briefing, the news in German papers turned out positive. Things are slowly falling into place,” Minister said.

Tourism Ministry said that the Maldivian delegation participating in this ITB Fair is larger than that at any tourism fair before. A press conference is scheduled today in London, where Tourism Ministry officials will talk to the UK media.