Danielle Curtis, exhibition director with Arabian Travel Mart says even though demand may be pent up, visitors will still want direct flights, easy access, reasonable restrictions, low Covid cases, good vaccination rates and in some cases isolated resorts, with a natural environment including quiet beaches.

The Maldives is expecting to have its 500,000 inhabitants vaccinated by August and with less than 100,000 citizens, the Seychelles is hoping for 100% vaccination within the coming months. Both destinations have a list of approved countries and require visitors to provide a negative PCR test 72 or 96 hours respectively prior to arrival. No quarantine or proof of vaccination is required.

‘After a standard temperature check upon arrival at the hotel, guests in the Maldives can roam freely. They only need to wear a mask indoors, with similar restrictions applicable in the Seychelles,’ says Curtis.

This year’s ATM is a hybrid format with a live event on 16 to 19 May and a virtual follow up from 24 to 26 May.