Day: March 11, 2025

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) has launched the exciting “Visit Maldives Hackathon” in collaboration with Dhiraagu, SparkHub LLP, PSM, BCC, MOTE, and NCIT. The event, open to participants aged 18 and above, was officially launched on February 27, 2025, by Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim. The hackathon aims to bring together individuals passionate about technology and sustainability in the tourism industry.

This 48-hour event, focused on addressing key challenges in Maldivian tourism, encourages innovative, tech-driven solutions that promote sustainable tourism while enhancing traveler experiences and operational efficiency. Information sessions will be held on March 13th, 19th, and April 7th, with proposal submissions due by April 11th, 2025. Selected proposals will be announced on April 13th, and the hackathon itself will take place from April 18th to 20th, 2025.

Minister Ibrahim emphasized that the ideas developed in the hackathon could transform the way the Maldives manages its tourism industry and preserves its natural environment. MMPRC’s CEO, Ibrahim Shiuree, expressed confidence that the event will foster tech-driven solutions and contribute to the growth of the Maldives’ tourism sector.

MMPRC is committed to promoting sustainable tourism and innovation throughout 2025, working closely with industry stakeholders to support the sector’s growth.

Tourism in the Maldives is on the rise this year, with a 4.9 percent increase in the number of visitors. As of Saturday, the Maldives welcomed 481,966 tourists, marking an additional 22,593 visitors compared to the 459,373 who traveled to the archipelago during the same period last year.

The top 10 source markets driving tourism to the Maldives are as follows:

• China: 62,278 tourists
• Russia: 48,651 tourists
• UK: 48,364 tourists
• Italy: 45,320 tourists
• Germany: 31,389 tourists
• India: 22,956 tourists
• France: 19,940 tourists
• United States: 14,607 tourists
• Poland: 11,041 tourists
• Switzerland: 10,440 tourists

Breaking down the types of accommodations chosen by visitors, the statistics reveal that 69 percent of tourists (332,773) stayed in resorts. Guesthouses made up 25.6 percent (123,486 visitors), while 13,617 tourists opted for hotels, 11,803 stayed in safari vessels, and 288 visitors chose other tourism facilities.

Currently, the Maldives is home to 174 resorts, 826 guesthouses, 157 safari vessels, and 15 hotels, offering a wide variety of options for travelers seeking different experiences in the paradise destination.

Villa Resorts made a remarkable return to ITB Berlin, further solidifying its position as a prominent leader in the Maldivian hospitality sector. As a brand that is proudly owned and managed by locals, Villa Resorts continues to provide immersive experiences that showcase the Maldives’ stunning natural beauty and authentic island spirit.

At this year’s ITB, Villa Resorts once again captured attention with a stand that reflected the brand’s ongoing growth. Every element was thoughtfully designed to align with its evolution, subtly conveying a powerful message of progress. The design reflected the brand’s current state—refined, evolving, and deeply rooted in its origins.

The event offered Villa Resorts an opportunity to engage with travel professionals, media, and industry leaders while showcasing its diverse range of properties. Each resort offers a unique take on island life: Villa Nautica embraces a chic marina lifestyle and a lively social atmosphere; Villa Park, a haven for marine enthusiasts, provides year-round whale shark encounters in the South Ari Marine Protected Area; and Royal Island, situated in the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll, invites guests to experience the untouched beauty of an island steeped in history and culture.

One of the key highlights was Villa Haven, the brand’s highly anticipated new resort. Focused on wellness, sustainability, and exceptional service, Villa Haven is set to elevate luxury in the Maldives while preserving the unique identity that distinguishes each of Villa Resorts’ properties.

In addition to its participation at ITB, Villa Resorts also took part in IMM Germany, a prestigious networking event that connects travel brands with top-tier media and influencers. This event provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen industry relationships and share the brand’s story with a broader audience, further cementing its presence in the global travel industry.