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A new travel incentive: Maldives to offer COVID-19 vaccine shots to lure tourists back

April 16, 2021
3 min read
A new travel incentive: Maldives to offer COVID-19 vaccine shots to lure tourists back
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In case lush white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters aren't enough of an incentive, the Maldives is offering visitors a new perk: vaccines on arrival.

The island nation in South Asia is believed to be the first country to offer vaccines for visitors as part of its "3V Program" -- visit, vaccinate, vacation -- to help revive tourism.

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An official start date is expected soon, but the vaccinations are seen as crucial for helping the Maldives, a bucket-list destination for many travelers, rebound after the pandemic devastated the tourism industry.

Related: Where to stay in the Maldives using points and miles

During an interview with CNBC, the country's tourism minister Abdulla Mausoom emphasized that the new vaccine program for visitors will not come at the expense of Maldives locals.

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So far, about 53% of the country's 530,000 residents have gotten their first dose of the vaccine, according to Reuters. About 90% of the frontline workers in the tourism industry there have also received at least the first shot, according to the tourism chief.

No word yet if travelers will have to pay for the vaccine, but supply doesn't appear to be a problem. The country has received vaccine donations from India, China and the World Health Organization’s Covax initiative, which aims to ensure that vaccines are fairly and equitably distributed. The Maldives has also ordered additional supplies from Singapore.

“I don’t think supply’s a problem in Maldives because our population is relatively small,” Mausoom said. “The quota we get from the various organizations and friendly nations also will help.”

Related: Maldives to become first country with its own loyalty program

Tourism is incredibly important to the country's bottom line, accounting for roughly 67% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The vaccine program is part of an effort to help the island nation achieve its modified goal of having 1.5 million visitors by the end of the year. Hitting that target would still be below pre-pandemic numbers.

The Maldives reopened to visitors last July, including travelers from the U.S., but tourism has been slow to rebound. So far in 2021, 350,000 travelers have arrived, the bulk coming from India looking to take advantage of The Maldives' limited entry requirements. Visitors still must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken with 96 hours of arrival. The country is set to make an announcement soon that vaccinated travelers will be permitted to enter without restriction.

Related: How far is too far? The murky, uncharted waters of vaccine tourism

Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
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Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
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    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

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    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
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Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

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  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
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  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
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