Day: November 21, 2024

Coco Collection, a prominent Maldivian resort brand, has been celebrated at the 2024 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, with both Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu earning accolades for their exceptional luxury hospitality.

The Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards, renowned as the ultimate authority in luxury recognition, serve as a trusted guide for sophisticated travelers and lifestyle enthusiasts worldwide, particularly in India and the Middle East.

Coco Bodu Hithi, acclaimed for its romantic ambiance, has been awarded the title of Best Luxury Honeymoon Resort in the Maldives. This recognition underscores the resort’s outstanding service and its ability to create unforgettable experiences for couples seeking a serene getaway.

The resort’s appeal to diverse guests, including Indian celebrities like Mouni Roy and Surbhi Jyoti, demonstrates its ability to curate unique and memorable stays. Signature experiences such as the Sunset Cruise and the intimate Dinner Under the Stars in a private pergola exemplify the resort’s dedication to delivering personalized luxury.

Meanwhile, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, celebrated for its eco-conscious ethos, has been named the Best Barefoot Luxury Resort in the Maldives. This award highlights the resort’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, even 25 years since its establishment.

The resort’s dedication to ecological practices has also earned it recognition at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, where it received multiple accolades in key categories that align with its advocacy for sustainable tourism.

This winter, guests can bask in the Maldivian sunshine at Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu with the exclusive Discover Coco offers, featuring discounts of up to 40% on spacious, comfortable villas. For reservations, contact [email protected] and secure an extraordinary tropical escape.

Cruise liners have ceased operations in the Maldives due to increased costs resulting from the imposition of the Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) on tourists. This change has significantly affected the operations of local agents who facilitate cruise line visits to the country.

According to regulations introduced under the previous administration, cruise tourists are required to pay TGST starting from their arrival date. Cruise operators are mandated to remit 16% of the total package price, including Maldivian destinations, as GST through local agents.

Mohamed Firaq, CEO of Inner Maldives and a representative for several cruise lines, explained that the Maldives has become a comparatively expensive destination. He provided an example to illustrate the disparity:

• A cruise liner carrying 1,500 passengers incurs approximately $80,000 in taxes to dock in the Maldives.
• In contrast, docking fees in Dubai are $28,000, while in Sri Lanka, they are $18,000.

“Cruise lines operate as businesses focused on minimizing costs. If the Maldives is significantly more expensive, operators will choose alternative destinations,” Firaq said.

In previous years, 20 to 30 cruise liners visited the Maldives annually, especially during the winter season. However, no arrivals are expected this year.

Firaq highlighted that neighboring countries, such as Sri Lanka and India, are reaping the benefits of this situation. Cruise liners are utilizing the port of Hambantota in Sri Lanka, while Cochin in India has seen increased activity.

The Maldives has also faced criticism for its high docking fees and inadequate services for cruise liners. Neighboring countries reportedly offer superior services at more competitive rates.

“This combination of high costs and subpar services has made the Maldives less appealing to cruise operators,” Firaq noted.

He attributed the issue to missteps in drafting TGST regulations. Initially, the intention was to exempt high-end yachts from TGST, but cruise liners were inadvertently included under the same rules.

Firaq stressed the urgency of amending these regulations before February 2025, as cruise itineraries for the following year are typically finalized by then.

“Taxation is not the issue, but it must be reasonable and aligned with the realities of the cruise industry and the competition from other destinations,” he concluded