Maldives becomes first-ever country to launch loyalty program to attract tourists

The Maldives has come up with an innovative new way to attract visitors in a year where travel has all but come to a halt.

The Maldivian government has introduced the Maldives Border Mile scheme which will reward frequent visitors to the Indian Ocean nation.

The three-tiered scheme was announced by the Maldives’ Minister of Tourism in a virtual ceremony this week and will launch on December 1.

The three tiers are: Aida (bronze), Antara (silver) and Abaarana (gold). Travellers will be able to earn points depending on the frequency of visits, time spent in the Maldives and will earn more credit when they are travelling for a special occasion.

So far the government hasn’t revealed what accumulating these points will get you, but it’s been speculated that it could mean exclusive benefits or discounts on your trip.

The website simply says: “Once the tourist reaches a tally of a specific amount of points, privileges are rewarded with amazing benefits. As they move up the tiers, privileges are enhanced, and benefits are made exclusive.”

The Maldives is following the direction of other island nations that rely heavily on tourism, trying to encourage visitors to return. In July, Barbados announced it wanted remote workers to come and work there for up to a year under its ‘Barbados Welcome Stamp’ scheme.

Read more

Work remotely from Barbados for up to a year under new scheme