Covid 19 coronavirus: Influencers find welcome in paradise, while the rest of us watch from lockdown 28 Feb, 2021 11:56 PM 7 minutes to read The Maldives in 2017. More than 300,000 tourists have visited since the country reopened its borders last summer, including several dozen influencers. Photo / Adam Dean, The New York Times The Maldives in 2017. More than 300,000 tourists have visited since the country reopened its borders last summer, including several dozen influencers. Photo / Adam Dean, The New York Times New York Times By: Mike Ives By urging travellers to visit, the Maldives is reviving its luxury resorts. It's also risking new outbreaks and courting controversy on social media.