Category: Blog

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) has announced a national competition to create landmark designs for iconic sites, including Velana International Airport, Male’ City, underwater locations, and various islands across the Maldives, excluding the Greater Male’ area. This initiative aims to celebrate the Maldives’ unique beauty, highlight local artistic talent, and enrich the tourism experience in the “Sunny Side of Life.”

Open to all Maldivian citizens aged 18 and above, the competition encourages participants to express their creativity and national pride by designing landmarks that capture the essence of Maldivian culture, heritage, and natural beauty, tailored to the distinct character of each region.

The top 10 designs will be chosen based on evaluations by a panel of expert judges, complemented by public voting. Winners will each receive a cash prize of MVR 20,000 and a gift package from the competition’s sponsors. Additionally, the winning designs will feature in MMPRC’s marketing efforts, with full credit given to the designers.

Designs must prioritize sustainability, with a height limit of 20 feet, and represent the designated island or area, incorporating elements like local history, activities, and unique features. Judges will assess the entries on creativity, safety, durability, and visual appeal.

Entries should be submitted via email to [email protected] by 6:00 PM on November 30, 2024. Each submission should include a single landmark design with dimensions detailed in CAD and PDF formats, an optional visual representation of the intended location, and a completed application form along with a copy of a valid National ID. For additional questions, participants can contact [email protected].

With this landmark design competition, Visit Maldives aims to elevate Maldivian creativity on a global stage. The selected designs will not only enhance the islands’ aesthetic but also symbolize Maldivian cultural heritage, captivating tourists and reinforcing the “Sunny Side of Life” brand internationally.

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa has announced that renowned tennis player Elena Vesnina will visit the resort from December 11th to 14th, 2024, to lead a series of exclusive tennis clinics and activities. This event follows the resort’s recent recognition as the TTM Editor’s Choice for Best Resort in Sports & Fitness.

Elena Vesnina, an accomplished Russian tennis player, is widely recognized for her success in both singles and doubles competitions. She has claimed three WTA singles titles, including a notable victory at the esteemed Indian Wells tournament in 2017. In doubles, she has won 19 WTA titles, highlighted by Grand Slam victories at the French Open in 2013, the US Open in 2014, and Wimbledon in 2017, all with her partner Ekaterina Makarova. Vesnina also earned a gold medal in women’s doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics and took the mixed doubles title at the Australian Open that same year. Her impressive career has brought her to a peak doubles ranking of No. 1 and a career-high singles ranking of No. 13.

During her stay, Vesnina will showcase the luxury and beauty of Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa to her social media followers while offering guests a rare opportunity to improve their tennis skills amid the scenic Maldivian landscape.

Guests staying at the resort during this period will have access to complimentary daily group tennis clinics for all skill levels. Each session, conducted with the resort’s resident tennis coach, will accommodate up to four participants for personalized instruction. Vesnina will lead four one-hour clinics for adults and another four one-hour clinics for children aged 8 and up over the four-day event.

Private sessions with Vesnina can also be arranged for an additional fee, depending on the availability of the coach.

This exclusive event offers a unique chance to learn from a tennis champion, underscoring Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa’s reputation as a top destination for both luxury and sports.

Located in northern Maldives, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier choice for active travelers, providing a diverse selection of activities both on land and water. The resort features two tennis courts, a fully equipped gym, and facilities for indoor badminton, football, basketball, golfing, beach volleyball, Padel, and yoga. Guests can also enjoy jogging and biking trails in the resort’s tropical surroundings.

For those seeking relaxation, the resort offers mindfulness meditation, yoga, and wellness programs focused on a balanced, slow-paced lifestyle. Water activities such as jet-skiing, windsurfing, a floating aqua park, paddleboarding, and guided snorkeling and diving excursions allow guests to experience the vibrant marine life of the Maldives. At Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, luxury and activity blend effortlessly, making it an ideal choice for active travelers seeking both excitement and relaxation

Addu City’s tourism sector reached a major milestone with the introduction of the new Addu Tourism brand identity at Canareef Resort. This initiative, led by the newly established Addu Destination Management Office (ADMO) under the Addu City Council, is designed to position Addu as a prime destination within the Maldives’ luxury tourism market, showcasing its unique charm and natural beauty. The launch reflects the Council’s dedication to fostering a sustainable and thriving tourism industry in Addu.

The event gathered prominent figures, including His Excellency Minister Faisal, Mayor Ali Nizar, and esteemed City Council members, to unveil the Addu Tourism brand film and officially present the brand identity and tagline, “Beyond the Equator.” The brand emphasizes Addu’s distinctive location as one of the few Maldivian regions situated south of the equator, capturing the atoll’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant marine life, and pristine landscapes.

Mayor Nizar, in his address, shared the vision behind Addu’s tourism identity, focusing on positioning Addu as a must-visit destination in the Maldives. “Our aim is to make Addu a top choice for every tourist visiting the Maldives. This new brand reflects our atoll’s authentic essence while enhancing the Maldives’ renowned luxury and hospitality. We are committed to delivering an experience that seamlessly blends Addu’s heritage with the Maldives’ high standards in premium tourism,” he remarked.

Councillor Zareer, head of the ADMO, emphasized the brand launch as a critical element in Addu’s tourism strategy. “This brand is more than just a label; it invites global tourists to experience Addu’s unique charm. We are positioning Addu as a premium, culturally rich destination that aligns with the Maldives’ famed appeal,” stated Councillor Zareer. “Our community, businesses, and stakeholders all play a role in the success of Addu’s brand. This identity is something we move forward together.”

Encrea Studio, during the brand presentation, explained the inspiration for “Beyond the Equator.” Addu’s equatorial position is celebrated in travel literature for its unique allure, which inspired both the tagline and brand concept. The brand emphasizes Addu’s natural landscape, including its pristine coral reefs and lush mangroves. The logo symbolizes the equator’s path around the Earth, with the Addu map at its center.

Encrea Studio introduced five core themes for promoting Addu’s brand identity: Beyond Ordinary: The Dive Destination, Beyond Beaches: The Heart of Islands, Beyond Horizons: Beauty in Sunrises and Sunsets, Beyond Serenity: The Biosphere, and Beyond Dreams: Atoll of Adventure. These themes aim to highlight Addu as a destination that offers visitors a range of unique experiences, from historical landmarks to untouched natural beauty.

This new identity will guide ADMO’s future tourism initiatives, aligning Addu’s development objectives with international standards while safeguarding its cultural heritage.

The launch of Addu’s brand identity marks a new era for Addu’s tourism sector, driven by a collective commitment to sustainable growth and unique visitor experiences that embody the spirit of “Beyond the Equator

Air Arabia, the leading low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, has launched daily non-stop flights between Sharjah and the Maldives as of Sunday. These flights, operating from Sharjah International Airport to Velana International Airport, offer travelers convenient and affordable access to the Maldives, a renowned destination in South Asia.

The Maldives is celebrated for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making it a premier tropical escape. Whether it’s exploring coral reefs or relaxing on serene beaches, the Maldives offers a unique experience in one of the world’s most beautiful settings.

Air Arabia’s fleet includes modern Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, equipped with generous seat pitches for enhanced comfort in economy class. Passengers can enjoy ‘SkyTime,’ a complimentary in-flight streaming service that delivers a wide selection of entertainment directly to their devices. Additionally, the on-board ‘SkyCafe’ offers a variety of snacks, meals, and sandwiches at affordable prices.

In the Maldives, Let’s Go Maldives serves as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Air Arabia.

Maafaru International Airport has resumed international flight operations at the start of this year’s tourism season, following a temporary closure for upgrading. The airport is known for hosting the second-largest number of private jets in the Maldives after Velana International Airport.

The airport, which serves high-end tourists visiting nearby luxury resorts, underwent improvements to expand its capacity. It initially opened on December 1, 2019, with financial support from the Abu Dhabi Fund. The recent upgrades included an expansion of the runway to accommodate wide-body aircraft.

A project aimed at doubling the airport’s jet parking capacity was initiated in August, with a six-month deadline. The project involves the development of an area covering 15,300 square metres, allowing the airport to park 26 business jets at a time, compared to the current capacity of 13 jets. This increase is expected to meet the seasonal demand for upper-class travellers.

In addition to the parking capacity expansion, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has been awarded a contract valued at $27.2 million (MVR 419.1 million) to further develop the airport. As part of the project, the runway will be extended by 650 metres, enabling the airport to handle larger aircraft such as Boeing 777s. The taxiway will also be widened to facilitate increased traffic.

These developments are expected to enhance the airport’s ability to serve luxury travellers and improve connectivity to resorts in the area.

The much-anticipated “Visit Dharavandhoo Year 2025” has officially launched, setting the stage for a year focused on showcasing the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique experiences of Dharavandhoo Island. This campaign aims to enhance local island tourism, inviting travelers to experience the Maldives beyond luxury resorts.

The launch event, held Thursday evening on the island, was a vibrant display of local talent and culture. Students performed traditional music and dances, joined by cultural presentations from the island’s youth, creating an energetic atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the Dharavandhoo community.

Nestled in the heart of Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Dharavandhoo Island is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers. With top-tier snorkeling at Hanifaru Bay, home to manta rays and whale sharks, and the chance to experience authentic Maldivian hospitality, the island offers an unforgettable, locally-rooted experience.

Throughout the year, the campaign will feature a series of events, including workshops, seminars, an Instagram-worthy underwater coral park, cultural revival events, a Futsal Fiesta, the Manta Festival, and a conservation initiative laying the groundwork for a Manta Centre. Cultural festivals, eco-tourism activities, and collaborations with local businesses will also spotlight sustainable tourism practices.

Visitors will have the opportunity to connect with the local community, explore marine life on guided tours, and take part in immersive activities like Maldivian cooking classes, traditional music performances, and island-hopping excursions.

Speaking at the event, Sameeh Ali, President of Dharavandhoo Council, said, “Visit Dharavandhoo Year 2025 celebrates our island’s unique culture and biodiversity with an emphasis on responsible tourism. We hope this campaign will attract travelers seeking unique experiences, while also supporting our local economy and environment, building a lasting foundation.”

Dharavandhoo Island’s dedication to sustainability and community-focused tourism allows visitors to experience the beauty of the Maldives while contributing to its preservation. Further updates will be shared through official channels, inviting both international and local travelers to participate in this special year.

Coco Collection, a prestigious luxury hospitality brand in the Maldives recognized for its personalized experiences, celebrated notable success at the 2024 World Luxury Hotel Awards, earning multiple accolades for its resorts Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.

Founded in 2006, the World Luxury Hotel Awards are regarded as one of the top honors in the luxury hospitality sector, celebrating excellence based on recognition from both guests and industry professionals. Winners are selected through public voting across more than 100 categories, which highlight the outstanding achievements of luxury hotels worldwide.

Coco Bodu Hithi, a premier luxury resort in the Maldives, received several esteemed awards, including Best Luxury Beach Resort in the Maldives, Best Luxury Island Resort in the Indian Ocean, and Best Luxury Villa Resort – Global.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, known for its stunning natural beauty, was also highly commended, securing three awards: Best Luxury Cultural Resort, Best Luxury Eco Resort, and Best Luxury Sustainable Resort, all within the Indian Ocean region.

Ronalaine Fernandez, Assistant Director of Communications at Coco Collection, expressed appreciation for the recognition, stating, “It is a true honor to receive multiple accolades this year. At Coco Collection, we are dedicated to creating personalized experiences in the Maldives that resonate with our guests. With Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, we take pride in being recognized for our commitment to sustainability and the unique, personalized service we deliver daily

Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has requested legal advice from Attorney General Ahmed Usham to terminate agreements for 22 islands leased for resort development due to a complete lack of progress.

Speaking in parliament, Faisal revealed that a total of 58 islands have shown little to no development, with some remaining idle for up to 30 years. The government’s Economic Council has prepared a plan to engage with the entrepreneurs leasing these islands to understand the barriers to progress.

However, Faisal noted that 22 islands have seen no development at all, prompting the need for legal guidance to cancel these agreements and potentially re-lease the islands to more active developers.

In the past, attempts to cancel such agreements have led to legal challenges and compensation claims from lessees. To address this, amendments to the Tourism Act are being proposed and will soon be submitted to the People’s Majlis.

This initiative highlights the government’s dedication to ensuring timely development of leased islands to support the Maldives’ tourism sector and economic growth.

Nearly 290 employees from the Reliance Group have arrived in the Maldives for a holiday, marking a significant return of Indian tourists to the islands.

The group, which arrived on two SriLankan Airlines flights on Thursday, will be staying at the OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi resort.

Mohammed Firag, Managing Director of Inner Maldives, the local agent for SriLankan Airlines, emphasized the importance of this visit. He noted, “This is the first large group from an Indian company to visit the Maldives since the decline in Indian tourist arrivals, which followed tensions between the two countries.” He highlighted that this visit signals a resurgence in the Maldives’ appeal to Indian tourists.

Firag expressed optimism about the recovery of the Indian market after a steep decline in tourist numbers. “This is a clear sign that the Indian market is recovering,” he said, forecasting further growth in the coming year.

Despite a challenging year, overall tourist arrivals in the Maldives have increased by 10% compared to the previous year, exceeding 1.5 million visitors. However, the Indian market, which once led in visitor numbers, has dropped to sixth place, with fewer than 100,000 tourists.

The recent improvement in Maldives-India relations, particularly following President Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to India, has contributed to this positive trend. During the visit, the President took part in tourism promotion activities and engaged with tourism officials, indicating a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.

As Reliance Group employees enjoy their holiday, this visit could pave the way for a stronger future for Indian tourism, fostering closer relations and attracting more travelers to the Maldives’ breathtaking landscapes.

Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, has earned the prestigious Green Globe Gold certification in recognition of its commitment to environmental, social, and sustainability initiatives. This achievement signifies five consecutive years of recognition for the resort.

The resort proudly announced its re-certification by Green Globe for 2024, marking another milestone in its continuous dedication to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and social engagement. Since first receiving Green Globe certification for sustainable tourism in 2020, Grand Park Kodhipparu has consistently led in sustainable operations, ensuring every guest experience reflects its core values of protecting and preserving the unique ecosystem.

Grand Park Kodhipparu has consistently surpassed benchmarks in sustainable tourism. During its latest Green Globe onsite audit, the resort achieved an impressive 87% compliance, further highlighting its commitment to sustainable hospitality.

Notable achievements and initiatives for 2024 include:

Elimination of Single-Use Plastics: As part of its efforts to minimize plastic waste, the resort has completely eradicated single-use plastics. The transition to reusable straws since 2018 has prevented the use of around 450,000 plastic straws over the past five years. Additionally, the resort’s onsite bottling plant, operational since 2019, saved over 117,000 plastic bottles in 2023 alone, helping to conserve resources and reduce waste.

Coral Reef Restoration: The resort is actively involved in coral reef restoration to naturally enhance coral abundance and diversity. Through meticulous monitoring and innovative line nurseries with a 99% success rate, Grand Park Kodhipparu remains dedicated to strengthening the resilience of its house reef. In 2023, more than 35 coral colonies were successfully transplanted, enriching the vibrant underwater ecosystem that guests can explore.

Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity: Significant progress has been made in cataloguing the island’s flora and fauna, with over 115 species of trees and plants identified. Collaborating with the Olive Ridley Project, the resort monitors resident turtles, creating a deeper connection between guests and local marine life.

Solar Power and Energy Efficiency: In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, the resort launched a solar power system on Earth Day 2021, now providing over 10.56% of its electricity, saving approximately 150,000 liters of diesel annually. This commitment to renewable energy is complemented by energy-efficient lighting, water conservation, and environmentally friendly amenities across the resort.

Environmental Education and Awareness: The resort’s Resident Marine Biologist plays a key role in educating guests and staff on marine conservation and sustainability. Regular talks, guided snorkelling tours, and awareness sessions promote a deeper understanding of the fragile marine environment and the actions needed to protect it.

Grand Park Kodhipparu places a strong emphasis on its team members and the local community. With a diverse workforce representing 22 nationalities, the resort is committed to providing equitable employment opportunities. Training and development programs ensure every employee has the chance to grow professionally and contribute to sustainability efforts.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives extend beyond the resort, embracing local traditions and international celebrations to promote a sense of community and inclusiveness. Events such as World Oceans Day, Earth Day, and cultural festivities reflect the resort’s dedication to cultural appreciation and environmental advocacy.

Looking ahead to 2025, Grand Park Kodhipparu remains firmly committed to sustainability, guided by its comprehensive Sustainability Management Plan. The resort will continue to innovate and lead in responsible tourism, setting new benchmarks for environmental conservation and social responsibility in the Maldives.