Minister of Tourism, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has revealed that around 800 Ukrainian tourists are currently stranded in the Maldives amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
Tourism Minister Dr. Mausoom said that around 800 Ukrainian tourists were in Maldives when the war between Ukraine and Russia started last Thursday. However, the exact figures are not yet clear but efforts are underway to locate the tourists and provide necessary assistance via the travel agencies, he added.
Moreover, the ministry plans to discuss with travel agencies and resorts, and hotels to provide a discounted rate to the tourists and also extend their visas without any further charges, according to Tourism Minister Dr. Mausoom.
Resort Life’s CEO Mohamed Shaaz Waleed also called on all relevant authorities to assist the Ukrainian and Russian tourists stranded in the Maldives. Ukraine and Russia are among the top source markets for Maldives since the border re-opened and it is time to return the favor, Shaaz added.
Russia started a military operation against Ukraine last week after tensions escalated between the two countries.