Maldives just brought tourism up to a whole new level with their brand-new, nation-wide Maldives Border Miles Loyalty Program, the first of its kind in the world. As if you need more reasons to visit the country famous for its paradise-Esque resort islands, tourists can now earn and redeem points the more frequently they visit.
For anyone thinking of traveling to Maldives whether for the first time or as a repeat visitor, here are all the essential details you need to know about the loyalty program.
What is the Maldives Border Miles Loyalty Program?
The program rewards its members by creating an incentive system for their loyal visitors. The rewards will be based on the following:
- number of visits
- duration of stay
- visits on special holidays or occasions
- availed services from the “partners” of the program
“Partner” is defined as the tourist facilities and business entities where the benefits of the program will be available for members. List of partners can be found here.
Am I eligible to become a member?
If you’re traveling to Maldives as a tourist, you are eligible and can enroll as a member of the Maldives Border Miles. As it is a tourist loyalty program, only tourists are eligible to become a member.
How can I become a member?
You can register to the Maldives Border Miles through their official website.
Click the Sign Up Border Miles button while submitting the Traveler Health Declaration (THD). THD is mandatory and is a requirement from visitors travelling to and from Maldives.
When selecting the purpose of stay while submitting THD, select Holiday under Purpose of Stay.
How can I earn points?
Visiting Maldives or crossing the border helps you earn the maximum number of points from a single activity. Points are rewarded based on the number of visits and duration of stay (at least 3 nights).
Other ways to earn more points include:
- staying in the registered tourist facilities or partners of the program. This includes resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards.
- planning your trip to the country to coincide with their local holidays (i.e. during Eid holidays)
- celebrating your special occasions like birthdays, honeymoon, or wedding anniversary in the premises or partners of Maldives Border Miles.
- participating in activities such as surfing, diving, island hopping or watersports from the partners.
You can visit the official website of the program after enrolling as a member for more information.
What are the tiers of the program?
As most loyalty programs, the Maldives Border Miles provides benefits to members according to their tier level. Your tier level is based on the points you earn. You start earning benefits as soon as you reach the first tier. Tiers are in Dhivehi, the national language of the Maldives.
The first tier is called Aida which means “bright star.” The second tier or Antara means “attractive and prestigious,” and highest tier or Abaarana is an honorific name given to monarchs. True to these words, visitors truly are treated as honored guests.
- Reach Aida (bronze) by earning 500 points.
- Reach Antara (silver) by earning 2000 points.
- Reach Abaarana (gold), by earning 4000 points.
Members who have reached the Abaarana can get up to a 20% discount on their shopping, meals, spa treatments, and excursions offered by participating establishments. Members will receive varying discounts and complimentary services depending on the level they’ve reached.
Members can also log into their border miles account anytime to view the updates of their points tally and their loyalty status.
Is it safe?
Focus on both the passengers’ and staff’s health is definitely made a priority to support the innovation of the program.
According to Mr. Gordon Andrew Stewart, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited, to support the program, they have taken critical steps to assure that the Velana International Airport is safe for all the travelers.
They have implemented all the required health and safety measures in their airport to assure passengers of their safety, while travelling through the airport. To recognize and validate their efforts, they have attained ACI International Health Accreditation certification from the Airport Industry Association.
Where can I get more information:
For the most recent updates of the program, visit their immigration site.
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To discover the best of the island, visit the Maldives travel section of our luxury magazine.
Featured Photo: Hood Ahmed via Unsplash
