Since the start of its vaccination drive on 4 February this year, Abdullah Mausoom, the country’s tourism minister, stressed vaccinating tourism workers as they sacrificed as frontline workers in an industry crucial to the country’s economy.

As the world went into lockdown last year, the country was the worst-hit South Asia nation due to its reliance on the tourism industry. During its vaccination drive, priorities have been given to workers who come into direct contact with tourists.

According to data provided by the Ministry of Tourism, 37,134 resort workers, 306 guesthouse employees, 220 persons working on liveaboard vessels, and 70 hotel employees have been vaccinated against Covid-19 in the Maldives tourism sector by 25 March.

The industry has been recovering well now, with arrivals increasing each month. The tourism ministry is hopeful of surpassing the estimated arrival in 2021. The Maldives was one of the first countries to open its border for tourism last year in July and managed its growth trajectory since then.

The government has plans to inoculate the entire population, including foreigners living in the archipelago, by August this year.