According to Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) that represent the tourist agencies and operators, the island nation is currently suffering from over 1,300 daily tourist booking cancellations.
MATATO claims the close approximation of booking cancellations on a daily basis was at 1,376, which comes in light of the COVID-19 viral pandemic spreading at an alarming rate across the globe.
According to the figures from the association, the booking cancellations are expected to hit over 40,000 on a monthly basis.
While asserting on the strenuous circumstance, MATATO noted on the significant economic loss Maldives tourism and hospitality industry is expected to face due to the massive booking cancellations.
The association furthermore forecasts a staggering drop of 29.5% in the tourism activities for the year should the current trend continue for the upcoming months.
In a recent press briefing, Maldives Minister of Tourism confirmed over 125,000 booking cancellations to the island nation due to the spread of COVID-19.
While the viral pandemic is spreading at a fast pace with new cases popping up everyday, the largest economic component of Maldives; the tourism sector is expected to face a recess stretching a seven-month period accosting to approximately USD600 million in monetary losses to the state.
