The Maldives Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed on Sunday has confirmed over 100,000 tourist bookings to the island nation has been recently cancelled.
The massive booking cancellation comes in light of the fast spreading pandemic of COVID-19, with an alarming number reportedly found positive with the infection.
According to Minsiter Waheed, the island nation has recorded a total of 125,827 booking cancellations since 26 January 2020.
However, this is offset with a new booking total of 303,223 to the Maldives during the reviewed period.
Minister Waheed further noted the ministry along with the government of Maldives was attempting to control the economic damage expected to arise in light of the current viral pandemic resulting in limiting arrivals.
During a press conference, the cabinet minister further noted the total number of arrivals increased by 0.9% in January 2020 compared to the corresponding month in 2019.
Maldives Tourism Minister further noted the island nation's tourism industry was focused on attracting markets from unaffected or less critical countries while both China and Italy face travel bans.
