Category: Blog

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) and the National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM) showcased the stunning underwater world of the Maldives at the Diving & Resort Travel Expo (DRT Show) 2024.

Held from December 13th to 15th, 2024, in Hong Kong, the event featured participation from six companies within the Maldives tourism industry alongside Visit Maldives and NBAM. These companies included Carpe Diem Maldives Pvt Ltd, Marselia Maldives, Voyages Maldives Pvt Ltd, Divescape Maldives Pvt Ltd, Highrise (Floating Asia & Maldives Marine Expo), and Noorani Travels Pvt Ltd.

The DRT Show is a renowned international platform that connects professionals in diving and marine tourism. It served as an excellent opportunity to present the Maldives as a leading destination for diving and marine tourism while showcasing the latest innovations in the industry. The expo also allowed the Maldives’ representatives to share up-to-date information on the nation’s diving sector with B2B travel trade professionals.

Visit Maldives leveraged the DRT Show to highlight its diverse tourism offerings, including resorts, guesthouses, liveaboards, and hotels, in addition to the country’s exceptional diving services and unique underwater experiences. Collaborating with industry partners, Visit Maldives aimed to unveil new developments, engage with international tourism suppliers and buyers, and strengthen existing relationships in the market. The event also provided a vital platform to promote individual properties and share the latest updates with Hong Kong’s travel trade community and beyond.

Hong Kong remains a significant market for the Maldives within the region. Visit Maldives continues to enhance its presence in this market through a comprehensive 360-degree marketing strategy. Notably, the Maldives welcomed the first direct flight from Hong Kong since 2020 earlier this year.

Additionally, Visit Maldives has carried out several marketing initiatives targeting the Chinese market, including a China webinar series, events in Fujian, celebrations for the Xiamen and China Eastern flights, campaigns with Red, participation in the PATA Annual Summit Panel Discussion, ITB China, an MOU with Fliggy, a KOL FAM trip in collaboration with PADI, the Golden Week Campaign, and the Discover Maldives Webinar series.

To maintain a strong digital presence, Visit Maldives remains active on Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo and WeChat. These targeted marketing efforts aim to position the Maldives as the ultimate travel destination for the region.

SAii Lagoon Maldives, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, has been awarded the Gold certification under the Events Industry Council (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards (SES). This esteemed accolade highlights the resort’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, seamlessly integrated into its daily operations.

The EIC SES framework evaluates a venue’s sustainability performance across critical areas such as climate action, water conservation, waste management, diversity, and social impact. SAii Lagoon Maldives excelled in all these categories, reflecting its holistic approach to fostering an environmentally conscious and socially inclusive environment for guests and the local community alike.

A cornerstone of the resort’s sustainability strategy is its focus on water conservation and waste reduction. The property is equipped with an advanced water treatment system that processes wastewater for irrigation, significantly lowering freshwater usage. This initiative is further strengthened by a comprehensive waste management program aimed at reducing plastic waste and encouraging the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials. By eliminating single-use plastics and actively working to reduce carbon emissions, SAii Lagoon Maldives showcases a strong dedication to minimizing its ecological footprint.

In addition to its environmental efforts, the resort prioritizes community engagement and support. SAii Lagoon Maldives collaborates closely with local artisans, students, and businesses to promote sustainable tourism while encouraging guests to participate in preserving the island’s natural beauty. Facilities such as the Marine Discovery Centre and the Maldives Discovery Centre play a key role in marine life and cultural conservation. These centres provide immersive experiences for guests, including educational activities, coral restoration projects, and interactive heritage tours.

SAii Lagoon Maldives continues to set new standards for sustainable luxury, proving that world-class hospitality can go hand in hand with environmental stewardship. This Gold certification represents a significant milestone in the resort’s journey to becoming a leader in responsible tourism in the Maldives.

The Maldives has achieved a significant milestone in its tourism sector, surpassing the total tourist arrivals recorded in 2023. By December 7, 2024, the country welcomed 1,877,567 tourists, exceeding the previous year’s total of 1,723,838.

Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal announced the achievement on X, stating, “Proud to share that the Maldives has surpassed last year’s total tourist arrivals! This milestone reflects the dedication of our tourism industry and the support of our visitors. We remain committed to achieving our 2024 target of 2 million arrivals.”

The increase in tourist arrivals is credited to strategic efforts by the Ministry of Tourism, including diversifying source markets, enhancing destination marketing campaigns, and fostering collaborations with airlines and travel trade partners. The Maldives also introduced new properties and unique experiences in 2024, reinforcing its reputation as a top global destination.

Key markets such as Russia and China continued to show strong growth, while emerging markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia also contributed significantly to the total arrivals.

On Monday, Parliament received the Foreign Exchange Bill, which seeks to amend the existing mandatory requirement for resorts to exchange $500 per tourist. The proposed changes aim to make this optional or allow resorts to exchange 20% of their revenue instead.

The bill, presented by Inguraidhoo MP and PNC Parliamentary Leader Ibrahim Falaah on behalf of the government, was introduced for its first reading in Parliament on the same day.

Key provisions of the bill include enabling dollar-based payments at resorts and introducing additional concessions. Exceptions to the proposed charges are as follows:

• Tourists staying at the resort for less than 24 hours
• Children under the age of 10
• Guests provided with free accommodation at resorts
• Visitors granted special privileges by the government

Industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the $500 per tourist exchange requirement, which was mandated by an October regulation and reflected in the earlier forex bill proposal. Critics have highlighted potential challenges this might pose to the tourism sector.

Universal Resorts celebrated a remarkable achievement at the 2024 World Travel Awards, with three of its properties receiving top honors for excellence in hospitality. Huvafen Fushi, Baros, and Kurumba were recognized for their unique offerings, showcasing the Maldives as a leading destination for luxury and innovation.

• Huvafen Fushi won Maldives Leading Boutique Resort 2024, known for its intimate luxury, underwater spa, and personalized services.
• Baros Maldives secured Maldives Leading Water Villa Resort 2024, offering world-class diving and breathtaking overwater villas.
• Kurumba Maldives was awarded Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort 2024, excelling with family-friendly amenities, cultural experiences, and vibrant dining options.

These accolades reflect the Maldives’ global reputation, having been named World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year and World’s Leading Green Destination 2024, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability.

Universal Resorts, a pioneer in Maldivian tourism since 1972, continues to innovate with bespoke experiences at its eight properties. Huvafen Fushi recently reopened after extensive renovations, Baros marked its 50th anniversary with continued excellence, and Kurumba introduced fresh experiences, including an enhanced kids’ club and diverse dining options under its new executive chef.

Visha Mahir, COO of Universal Resorts Management, highlighted the importance of these recognitions: “These awards validate our passion for crafting extraordinary experiences in a destination that defines luxury travel. The Maldives inspires us to constantly push boundaries.”

The success at the World Travel Awards follows Universal Resorts’ triumph at the 2024 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards, solidifying its legacy as a leader in Maldivian hospitality.

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated for the esteemed Wellness Heaven Award 2026 in the Wellness & Spa category, earning an impressive score of 9.59 in the rankings. Known for its exceptional guest experiences, the resort was also recently named one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveller’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Voting for the awards is open until 30 September 2025, and participants are encouraged to share travel stories and photos. Voters also stand a chance to win hotel vouchers worth €27,500 in total.

The nomination underscores the resort’s dedication to wellness, with its standout feature being The Spa—a serene retreat set on a private island. Accessible by an overwater bridge, the spa boasts eight overwater suites with outdoor bathtubs, a dedicated Ayurvedic treatment room, and 360-degree ocean views. Signature treatments include South Asian-inspired therapies like lava shell massages and Shirodhara, offering guests unparalleled relaxation in a breathtaking setting.

The Wellness Heaven Awards recognize excellence in luxury wellness and spa hotels globally, evaluating properties based on spa services, cuisine, accommodations, and overall guest satisfaction. Winners will be determined through public voting and professional reviews.

Show your support for Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives and help it achieve this prestigious recognition by voting today!

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru marks Banyan Tree’s 30th anniversary with refreshed villas, new dining options, expanded marine conservation initiatives, and curated guest experiences. The resort invites travelers to rediscover the Maldives’ charm through its eco-luxury offerings and connection to nature.

Key Highlights:

1. Refreshed Villas: Featuring Maldivian artistry, sustainable design, and modern luxury, the resort’s 48 all-pool villas embrace natural elegance with handwoven textiles, local art, and solar-lit spaces.
2. Marine Lab Expansion: As a leader in ocean conservation, the lab offers coral planting, reef cleaning, and educational programs. A partnership with Maldives National University introduces marine science education, fully funded by Banyan Group.
3. New Dining Experiences:
   • Saffron: A MICHELIN-recognized Thai restaurant, featuring Chef Tipaporn Phianthong’s innovative Thai cuisine.
   • Sangu Garden: A sustainable restaurant offering Maldivian-inspired dishes with responsibly sourced ingredients.
   • Madi Hiyaa: Michelin-starred Chef Hideaki Nagaya presents a fusion of Japanese and French cuisine in a serene overwater setting.

Unique Guest Offerings

• Wellbeing Experiences: Lagoon Floating Therapy and Underwater Meditation connect guests with nature.
• Culinary Journeys: An exclusive dine-around concept and all-inclusive packages enhance the dining experience.

Celebrating sustainable tourism, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru continues its legacy of eco-friendly luxury, recognized as the ‘Most Sustainable Resort’ at the 2024 TTM Awards

The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has shared a draft bill on foreign currency exchange with various stakeholders, inviting feedback on its provisions. The proposed legislation includes specific exchange requirements, such as resorts exchanging $500 per tourist and guesthouses exchanging $25 per guest, with some exemptions outlined.

Stakeholders have been asked to submit their comments via email by Sunday afternoon.

Currently, under the existing regulations:

• Resorts, liveaboards, and guesthouses with more than 50 rooms (Category A) must exchange $500 per tourist.
• Guesthouses with fewer than 50 rooms (Category B) are required to exchange $25 per guest.

The draft bill introduces significant changes, including a new category for businesses earning $20 million or more annually in foreign currency. These businesses would need to deposit their foreign exchange earnings into a local bank account, with 25% of the revenue allocated for conversion.

Key proposed changes in the bill:

1. New Inclusion for High-Earning Businesses: Businesses generating $20 million or more annually in foreign exchange must deposit these earnings in local bank accounts, converting 25% of the revenue.
2. Category B Adjustments: All guesthouses and liveaboards, regardless of room count, would be classified under Category B, requiring $25 per guest to be exchanged instead of $500.
3. Maintained Resort Requirement: Resorts would still need to exchange $500 per tourist.
4. Exemptions for Certain Tourists: Tourists spending less than 24 hours in the Maldives, children under two years of age, and complimentary guests would not be subject to the exchange requirement.
5. Exemption for Foreign-Registered Tourist Vessels: Tourist vessels registered outside the Maldives would be excluded from the bill.

The $500 per tourist requirement has faced criticism from over 70 resorts, with concerns raised about its impact. Despite this, President Mohamed Muizzu has affirmed his support for maintaining the policy, emphasizing its alignment with public interest and economic priorities.

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) organized a special event to honor the Maldives’ remarkable achievements at the World Travel Awards 2024. The Maldives was crowned the World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year and, for the first time, received the title of the World’s Leading Green Destination. The celebration took place on November 27, 2024, at the Waterfront, Velana International Airport.

The event was graced by the presence of Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal, MMPRC CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree, and Maldives Airports Company CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed.

Speaking at the event, Ibrahim Shiuree expressed pride in these accolades, emphasizing that they reflect the Maldives’ commitment to delivering outstanding travel experiences while championing sustainable tourism. He also commended the dedication and efforts of industry stakeholders who have continually worked to elevate the Maldives as a premier global destination.

As part of the celebration, new “Maldives signage” was unveiled at Velana International Airport, symbolizing the nation’s achievements and further enhancing its global brand presence.

These prestigious awards, coupled with a steadfast focus on sustainability, reinforce the Maldives’ position as a leading global travel destination. They are expected to play a key role in driving growth and ensuring continued success in the country’s tourism industry

The Maldives has once again claimed the World’s Leading Destination Award at the World Travel Awards, marking its fifth consecutive win.

Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal and Shiuree Ibrahim, Managing Director and CEO of the Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC), accepted the prestigious award at a ceremony held in Portugal.

In a post on X, Faisal attributed this remarkable achievement to the dedicated efforts of countless individuals who contributed to the Maldives’ success.

Additionally, the Maldives was honored with the World’s Leading Green Destination Award, further cementing its position as a top global destination.

The Maldives previously secured the World’s Leading Destination title in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

This accolade is considered the most distinguished award in the World Travel Awards program, which is recognized as the most prestigious and comprehensive platform in the global travel industry.