Hotel Insider - Maldives (Issue No. 16)

CONTENTS

COVER STORY: THE GIANT NEXT DOOR

Indian Market -We explore our great neighbour, whose tourism potential is only now beginning to be tapped in our cover story.

CONVERSATION

- DIDIER JARDIN

Didier Jardin, who has been with the Four Seasons since 1994, is an avid traveller and a versatile adventurer with a passion for the sea.

UNDP MALDIVES

- FROM BEACH TO FARM

The UNDP Maldives Accelerator Lab is collaborating with local communities to create inventive solutions for the Future of Work.

IN THE BOARDROOM

- SHRIHARAN BALAN

Sriharan Balan (Shri) heads a 37-yearold company based in Chennai, India specialising in handling VVIP clients.

WORD FROM THE TOP

- NICOLAS KHAIRALLAH

Nicholas is a young and accomplished hotelier with a wealth of experience and has been part of the Gili Lankanfushi leadership team for the past five years.

WORKING WOMEN

- KOMAL SHARMA

Before starting her acting career, Komal was a dedicated athlete who competed at the national level in squash. She was making headlines for winning numerous junior and senior squash championships.

(continued on page 6)

ON

THE COVER: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Island, designed by Kerry Hill Architects of Australia with a distinctive design symbolising the circle of (island) life.

BACK OF THE HAUS

- GLASS STUDIO – SONEVA FUSHI

It’s a real gem of an idea – to build a place that turns waste into art in the middle of the Indian Ocean. We present an undeniably unique studio that transforms our ideas of waste and its use.

BUSINESS BULLETIN

- MARCH & APRIL

The top business stories to keep you up to scratch on the Maldives economy.

42

TOURISM BULLETIN

- MARCH & APRIL

Selected industry stories from January and February to keep you in the loop.

MARKETPLACE

A quick guide to suppliers, financial institutions, in short everyone useful for hoteliers.

EDITORIAL

Mariyam Athif

Editor

Nashiu Zahir

Managing Editor

Ahmed Naish

Editorial Consultant

Fathimath Sham'aa

Senior Editorial Staff

MARKETING & SALES

Mohamed Shinan

Marketing & Sales Consultant

Mohamed Ahmed

Marketing & Sales Consultant

Ali Kausar

Print Advertising

PRODUCTION

Fathimath Nahuza

Operations Manager

Aishath Hamdha

Administrative Intern

CONTRIBUTORS

Abdulla Muaz

Photo/Multimedia Editor

Sharif Ali

Photographer

© Qualia Private Limted 2017-2023. March/April 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Qualia Private Limited cannot accept responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Qualia Private Limited a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine. All material is sent at your own risk and although every care is taken, neither Qualia Private Limited nor its employees, agents or subcontractors shall be held liable resulting for loss or damage. Qualia Private Limited endeavours to respect the intellectual property of the owners of copyrighted material reproduced herein. If you identify yourself as the copyright holder of material we have wrongly attributed, please contact the office.

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Happy Easter Holidays!

Welcoming the Monsoons

Hello again, We’ve seen some exciting things happen these past couple of months, Easter being one of them, and of course more recently, the truly spellbinding Jaipur Literary Festival which was held in Soneva Fushi with a pop-up event in Male'. We hope the festival is here to stay and thank Sonu and Eva and the rest of the team for making it a success.

Our cover story deals with the Indian market, historically underdeveloped but we’re seeing great potential here and there’s more to be tapped into.

For Working Women, we’ve interviewed the Indian actress Komal Sharma, a Chennai native who’s seen success in Bollywood. In Conversation, we take on Didier Jardin, a very seasoned hotelier

with a tendency for high-adrenaline adventure.

Our Word from the Top comes from Nicolas Khairallah, the young GM overseeing affairs at Gili Lankanfushi. He is sticking to the old, sustainable values of the resort – have a read to find out more.

Last but not least, this issue’s Back of the Haus is a very special and much awaited feature where we delve into the process of making glass art at the Maldives’ only glass studio. Have a look and be dazzled by the beautiful photos taken by renowned local photographer Nash’ath Ali.

That’s all for now, and enjoy the read.

bit.ly/3oTXfG2

Mariyam Athif Editor

If you have missed our previous issue please find a digital copy from the links below.

Didier Jardin

Didier Jardin has been with the Four Seasons since 1994. He is a versatile adventurer with a passion for the sea. He is an adrenaline junkie who loves skydiving and has travelled to numerous countries, too many to keep track of.

Didier's early years were spent in the picturesque Loire Valley in France, renowned for its magnificent castles and, as an enthusiastic wine lover, he notes that it is equally famous for its Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé wines.

As someone who began his career as an apprentice, Didier has a special interest in the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Apprenticeship program. His inclusive approach and open-door policy reflect his desire to be considered an equal member of the team. "We all enter this world in the same way and have our own roles to fulfill," he concludes. "I maintain a balanced approach, treat everyone fairly, and adapt to different situations. But above all, I strive to create a joyful atmosphere because there is no greater motivator than a positive work environment.”

Hotel Insider: You grew up on a farm in the Loire Valley, which paints a very idyllic picture. When did you realise that you wanted something more?

Didier Jardin: Although living on a farm may sound idyllic, it was also hard. My parents worked from five in the morning until eight at night, 365 days a year for over 30 years. Making ends meet was a struggle every month. As a child, I remember just one four-day holiday – to meet my uncle for a seaside camping trip in Royan on the west coast – in a period of ten years.

Yet while there were challenges for my parents, it was a great childhood, and the simple things in life still make me happiest. Most of our meals came from the garden or farm and I have fond memories of my mother’s cooking. I believe that if there is one thing that connects us to the country where we are raised, it’s food.

Food ran in our family – one brother was a chef and the other a baker. At 15 years old, I realised I too wanted to pursue something culinary with the promise of travel. I knew I wanted to learn ‘on the job’ – and not work on the farm – so I headed to the Pyrenees for three months to discover what I really wanted to do.

I started a two-year Server Apprenticeship Program at a small hotel restaurant in Chartres called Le Grand Monarque; it was a week of studying followed by three weeks of hands-on experience at the restaurant. Back then, a lot of dishes were finished tableside, which really appealed to me. Final preparations included Dover Sole, Steak Tartare, Steak au Poivre, and one of my favorites, Crêpes Suzette. Once the two years were up, I was delighted to secure the role of Chef de Rang in a Paris restaurant – a key stepping stone towards my future.

Hotel Insider: What was your navy experience like and how did it affect or shape your future in hospitality?

Didier Jardin: Growing up in central France surrounded by rolling hills isn’t the usual path into the navy but as I had skills as a server, I had the chance to join the French Naval Academy for two months. It was a real learning curve – not only in how to be a waiter for the officers but also in naval protocol; I was also trained as a firefighter. After two months, I ranked third out of my class of 20 and was delighted to continue sea-faring life aboard a frigate called Georges Leygues. My dream came true —I started to travel: Greece, Egypt, Italy, Bulgaria, Djibouti

and even the Persian Gulf. While I had a thirst to continue, I knew I had to hone my English skills, so I moved to a small village in northern England to work as a waiter.

Hotel Insider: You had your first experience of the Four Seasons brand in Wailea, Hawaii. You had other offers, but you went with this. What was the initial experience like? When did you know you'd made the right choice?

Didier Jardin: After a year in Bermuda, I enrolled at College Lasalle in Montreal, Canada in 1991 to study Hotel Management. Three years later and armed with new knowledge, I ended up in Maui.

My Maui ‘crossroads moment’ was choosing to work for Four Seasons or a Mexican restaurant on the beach: while the decision was easy, I was still a little scared by Four Seasons. Could I operate at such a high level of service? This was 1994, and one of the first Four Seasons resorts, yet right from the first interview I knew this was the company for me.

Being at Four Seasons felt like being in my own skin. I was very comfortable with the culture and the philosophy. “Treat others as you would like to be treated” was not just a motto, but a way of life.

I stayed at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea for five and a half years, joining as an Assistant Manager, before being promoted to Restaurant Manager, then Assistant Banquet Manager, and finally Assistant Director of F&B. The growth and opportunities were incredible. Four Seasons has always based its success on how it takes care of its people.

Hotel Insider: Let's talk about this resort a bit. How would you describe the service ethos of Kuda Huraa?

Didier Jardin: “Genuine heart” best describes the service of Kuda Huraa. Four Seasons has operated in the Maldives for over 25 years and the soul of Kuda Huraa is its people. Our team is probably the most

generous and kind-hearted I’ve seen in over 40 years in the hospitality industry. Our employees do what they do every single day because they want to, not because they have to. There is a culture of togetherness. The best judges are our guests, and over the years many have returned time and time again to Kuda Huraa, not only for the brand but also for our employees. Kuda Huraa service is intuitive and heart-centred; it is our biggest strength.

Hotel Insider: As the GM of Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, what would you look for in a prospective candidate wanting to start out in hospitality here?

Didier Jardin: In all of my years with Four Seasons (almost 30 and counting) the key pillar of the company has been its people, and one of the main things we look for is attitude. Although experience is important, if you have a great attitude and are willing to learn and work hard, Four Seasons is here for you. The opportunities for those who want to climb the ladder are there to grab.

Hotel Insider: You’ve led a busy life and moved around a great deal. Do you still travel for pleasure?

Didier Jardin: The world is a big place and there are still so many places to discover — so the answer is yes. Experiencing new cultures and tasting local food is always on my wish list. But first, there are so many places to discover in the Maldives; I feel like I’m just at the start of my journey here.

Hotel Insider: Thank you very much, Didier.

"A significant difference I observed was in the workforce. In Dubai, the majority of hotel staff come from foreign countries. In contrast, the Maldives has a strong local workforce."

Haveeree

Malé

Maldives

habeysmaldives@gmail.com

UNDP Maldives

From Beach to Farm

The UNDP Maldives Accelerator Lab is collaborating with local communities to create innovative solutions for the Future of Work.

The seaweed fertilizer experiment in Baa Atoll Fulhadhoo is inspired by the community's primeval connection to the ocean and biodiversity. The initiative combines indigenous knowledge and grassroot innovation to develop sustainable farming practices using seaweed-based fertilizers. Through co-experimentation, the initiative, which foregrounds the importance of indigenous knowledge and the need to share this knowledge widely, aspires to create citizen scientists who will learn to make seaweed-based fertilizers, test these fertilizers themselves and share the learnings with the broader community.

The Setting: Baa Fulhadhoo

“This is an ‘ocean community’. You would see the people, including women, fishing in the lagoon and families out in the lagoon collecting shellfish during low-tide.”

– Hussain ‘Sendi’ Rasheed

Over the years, a lot has changed in Baa Atoll Fulhadhoo Island. Through it all, one thing remains constant - the inseparable link to the ocean and terrestrial biodiversity for the island’s livelihoods.

The Seaweed

With our first foot on the island, we hurried to the beach to catch sight of the seaweed washed ashore. Huge blooms of fresh and dried seaweed were piling up on the beach and almost blanketed the entire shoreline. The extent of the present bloom is unprecedented in the island.

The story of seaweed is not new to Razzaqbey, an elder of the island.

“Seaweed is a seasonal plant and once they reach a certain level of growth and maturity, they get uprooted from their natural habitat and are transported with the ocean currents and waves to the shore. They grow on the hard rock-bed of the reef, just a few metres away from the shoreline,” Razzaqbey shares

his knowledge.

Hussain ‘Sendi’ Rasheed, a local innovator, environmentalist and an inhabitant of Fulhadhoo, has been experimenting with making fertilizers from seaweed and testing them on his plants. His experience spoke volumes about seaweed and the current bloom. “I wore my first mask at the age of 8 and spent 38 years of my life in a diving career. I retired and moved to Fulhadhoo five years ago. I’m very passionate about the resources of the ocean. My dad taught me that the ocean is full of resources, not a place to be afraid of, and to keep exploring. It is his teaching that I’m pursuing now,” Sendi relays.

The Experiment

The Island Council of Fulhadhoo had opened up the opportunity to participate in the experiment to the community. As the balmy afternoon heat died away and the sun descended towards the western beach, those who were interested walked to the beach with joy and curiosity.

In their first briefing session they learned how to prepare fertilizers using seaweed washed ashore and how to test this on plants. It was heart-warming to see some participants filling up their containers with fresh seaweed from the beach after the briefing session. Others made their way to the beach the next day to collect their share.

Sameela, an active farmer and a home gardener, is one of the energetic participants of this experiment.

“I love to grow plants. I want to familiarize myself with the know-how of home-gardening and farming. That’s why I participated in this experiment,” Sameela says.

In the first class, Sameela and her peers learned how to prepare the first type of fertilizer, by chopping the seaweed and soaking it in water. In the ensuing classes, they learned how to prepare the rest of the three types of fertilizers. One was a mixture of beach morning glory, sugar and water, and the other, seaweed, beach morning glory and

water.

In their third class the lesson was focused on preparing compost at home using natural resources such as black soil, fruit and vegetable peel, dried leaves, earthworms and goat dung.

Sameela already makes compost at home and experiments with new ways to grow her home plants healthier.

She keeps ‘ola kuni’ (the natural odds and ends that she collects when she sweeps the sandy roads) to mix with soil and test if the mixture maintains a healthier level of dampness.

“I don’t throw even an ounce of compostable food waste, be it eggshells or any other item. I keep them in a container,” she says.

“We have taken a much-needed step with this initiative. People have picked up seaweed by themselves, breaking the long-standing taboo surrounding it. This made me very happy,” Sendi says.

Seaweed has long been perceived as an unpleasant and dreadful aquatic plant.

Sendi hopes this experiment becomes successful and aids in adopting novel approaches in their work that are in sync with the natural ecosystems and enhanced with indigenous knowledge.

‘Plants, grow, bloom and yield in rich soil

With our huge efforts

Reaping invaluable gains to the people

The wisest is the one who learns the know-how of growing plants

Mastering the art to do it right.’

– Excerpt from the poem 'Bimu Roadhi' by

More on this story: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=fKVZFGCwA-0&t=11s

Photos: Hussain Yamin UNDP Maldives

In the Boardroom

Shriharan Balan

Sriharan Balan (Shri) from Madura Travel Service Pvt Ltd, heads a 37-year-old company based in Chennai, India specialising in handling VVIP clients. The business, founded by his father, grew from modest beginnings as a ticketing office in the 80s and now has branches across Tamil Nadu.

Madura Travel’s primary interest lies in MICE and VVIP travellers – they recently brought a Malaysian cabinet minister to the Maldives. Though very familiar with top-tier resorts in the Maldives, Shri believes there is enormous untapped potential for midmarket and budget travellers in the Maldives.

Hotel Insider: Could you tell us what Indians look for when travelling to the Maldives?

Shri: They are very different from European travellers. Indians won’t lie on the beach looking at the sky usually, that’s more a European thing. Indians want to have excitement and adventure, they want to do activities. If they sit still, they’ll be bored. And of course, they want those Instagrammable shots. If you give them things to do, sights to see, they’d be more than happy. Oh, and one more thing, they need their food and love a good deal.

Hotel Insider: What kind of market does the Maldives attract?

Shri: It’s mostly the honeymoon market, at least from our experience and we have been doing business for the past thirty odd years. I’d say about sixty percent of those bookings are honeymooners. They like to be active but they are different from European honeymooners because they take shorter vacations. Four days is about average for an Indian holiday.

As for celebrities and affluent travellers, they like places where they are unlikely to be mobbed and photographed, so properties like Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani. Very private,

posh, and discreet hotels.

The high-end resorts here attract a very elite and small pool of clients. But the middle-class is also fond of travelling, and their numbers have surged especially in the past decade. And recently, after COVID, Indians have come to believe the Maldives is a dream destination. But they are budget conscious, love new experiences, but maybe a little bit wary of the water because most of them haven’t grown up around the sea. They would be very keen on local island experiences, and I think there is great room for a more cost-sensitive segment to explore the Indian market.

Hotel Insider: So, COVID did help us out a bit with getting some attention from Indians.

Shri: Yes, prior to COVID, the Maldives was seen as inaccessible except to the very rich. Beaches don’t excite the normal Indian person, especially those from the South. But what happened during COVID was that the Maldives was the only place that was open for tourism. So, a lot of Indian travel agents started promoting the Maldives.

Hotel Insider: I guess it also helps that we’re right next door.

Shri: That is a big help. You have flights from a number of key cities flying directly to the Maldives. So, we have about 500 million middle class Indians who’d love to explore the Maldives but not at typical resort rates. This gives the Maldives an opportunity to promote budget friendly stays and activities and change the perception among middleclass Indians.

There’s a dip in bookings to the Maldives again because the rest of the world is receiving tourists. But there is untapped potential here. Places like Singapore too are looking now at the young generation. The Gen Z's – they are trying to capture more of that market. They are explorers and like millennials they also value experiences over

possessions. They are always online and they book at a whim. So, if they see a great deal, they’ll snap it up just like that.

If Maldivian operators can put together great packages for Gen-Z, like combine a series of experiences, which of course you have a lot of, I’m certain you’d see results very soon.

Hotel Insider: How would you describe the role of influencers in the Indian market?

Shri: Influencers obviously attract a lot of attention, and I think it’s important to form alliances with them to promote new experiences especially. Most of the influencers though are showcasing very elite lifestyles and experiences and these wouldn’t be accessible to the middle class. But you could partner with influencers to show them a different kind of experience in the Maldives. You see, Switzerland was once very much concerned with having only the elite travellers. But now, they’re welcoming backpacker travellers and hostels are doing very well. Backpacking is making Europe much more accessible.

Hotel Insider: We’ve seen homestays become another accommodation option here. Do you think this might appeal to budget-conscious Indian travellers?

Shri: Definitely. They would love to have an authentic experience with a Maldivian family, maybe enjoy home-cooked meals. And the hosts could tell guests where to go and what to do, become guides to the island or city. If you could pack all this in a great, cost-friendly package there’d be a lot of potential.

"Most of the influencers though are showcasing very elite lifestyles and experiences and these wouldn’t be accessible to the middleclass. But you could partner with influencers to show them a different kind of experience in the Maldives."

Word from the top

Nicholas Khairallah

Nicholas Khairallah, a young and accomplished hotelier with a wealth of experience, has been part of the Gili Lankanfushi leadership team for the past five years. From a young age, he knew exactly what he wanted, earning a post-graduate diploma in Switzerland and quickly assuming a management role.

In our interview, we delve into his career, his vision for Gili Lankanfushi, and the resort's unwavering commitment to sustainability. We also discuss Khairallah's initiatives to enhance the resort's already exceptional offerings.

Hotel Insider: We would like to start with a little bit about your past. You studied for a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration then you jumped straight into hotel management with your Postgraduate Diploma. I wanted to ask you why and when you realised that you had a passion for hospitality.

Nicolas Khairallah: I was fortunate to be raised in a multicultural family. My father is originally from Lebanon while my mother is Romanian, and we travelled annually to visit our relatives. This travelling and exposure to diverse cultures and cuisines piqued my interest in hospitality from a young age. I realised that the hospitality industry presented an ideal opportunity to pursue a career that allowed me to travel while working.

My passion for hospitality continued to grow even after I completed my degree and embarked on an internship in Europe. It was during this time that I recognised the value of pursuing a Post-graduate Diploma in Hotel Management in Switzerland, a country renowned for its excellent hospitality schools. I embraced this opportunity and have never looked back since.

Word from the Top

Hotel Insider: That’s great. Your first management position came not too long after your first experience, right? You were managing guest services at the Sheraton in Montreal. How would you describe the role and its challenges, especially with such a reputed brand?

Nicolas Khairallah: I consider myself lucky to have begun my career as a front desk agent at the Sheraton Centre in Montreal. As a large hotel with 825 rooms, it presented me, a young hotelier, with countless opportunities to interact with guests from all over the world. With up to 600 check-ins and check-outs on a busy day, my experiences at the Sheraton were truly eye-opening, exposing me to diverse cultures and perspectives.

I was determined to prove myself as a reliable member of the team from the getgo, earning promotions through the front office ranks from Front Desk Agent to Guest Services Manager. I also worked as Night Manager which at a bustling urban hotel is somewhat similar to that of a General Manager during the day; you are the person in charge and responsible for overseeing operations. At the Sheraton, this meant managing guests of all types: from business travellers to tourists, from party-goers to those seeking peace and quiet. Through these experiences, I learned valuable lessons and gained exposure to a wide range of situations that have proved invaluable in my career.

Ultimately, as a front office professional my main responsibility was to ensure that guests' needs were met while handling any complaints or difficult situations that arose. My priority was always the guest experience, and I strove to ensure that every guest was left feeling satisfied with their stay.

Hotel Insider: How would you compare the hospitality of the Maldives to the hospitality industry in the Middle East?

Nicolas Khairallah: My decision to move to the Middle East was driven by a desire to explore the hospitality industry in Dubai, a city that had captured my attention. My fluency in Arabic proved to be an advantage, enabling me to attend to situations that my colleagues from other parts of the world were unable to handle. As with all cultures, guests appreciate when hotel staff can communicate with them in their native language, allowing for a more personalised service and a stronger connection.

Comparing Dubai to the Maldives, I would say there is a stark contrast between the two destinations. While Dubai is a stunning city that was built from scratch, it is very glitzy with an abundance of extravagant features. On the other hand, the Maldives and more specifically Gili Lankanfushi embody an earthy, genuine and humble character.

A significant difference I observed was in the workforce. In Dubai, the majority of hotel staff come from foreign countries. In contrast, the Maldives has a strong local workforce, and I find this to be one of the most attractive features of working in the Maldives. At Gili Lankanfushi, more than half of our hosts are Maldivians, and this enables guests to connect with the local culture on a deeper level, enhancing their overall experience.

Hotel Insider: How would you describe the sustainability efforts here right now. It used to be owned by the Six Senses and I know that they have a strong sustainability focus. Now HPL is managing it. Are they continuing the tradition and what are the changes that have been made?

Nicolas Khairallah: The essence of Gili has always remained unchanged. The "No News, No Shoes" culture, and the experience of "barefoot luxury" is what sets us apart. We provide our guests with an opportunity to be barefoot, feel the natural surroundings, appreciate the stunning blue lagoon and the lush jungle, and most importantly, immerse themselves in the local culture. Sustainability has been and will always be one of our key values!

It is exemplified by our Marine Biology programme where we recently launched an internship programme to educate and raise awareness about the significance of marine life among the local community. We also have

the Coral Lines Project, where we plant corals, wait for them to grow, and then transplant them into the reef.

We take pride in being self-sustainable whereas we installed solar panels to generate clean electricity and reduce our carbon footprint, we produce still and sparkling water allowing us to prevent the use of plastic bottles, our carpentry team makes and repairs furniture.

Other initiatives can be seen around the island in different shapes and forms, from bamboo bikes, to recycling programme, launch of an extensive plant-based menu, Gili coffee roast, organic garden and much more. Every little step counts when it comes to protecting the environment, and our team is passionately dedicated to this cause. Sustainability is not just a concept for us, but it is integrated into every aspect of the island.

Hotel Insider: What are the innovations or improvements that have been made to the service culture here in your time with Gili Lankanfushi?

Nicolas Khairallah: At Gili, the guest experience is our top priority. We take pride in the reputation we have built by offering a oneof-a-kind experience, resulting in consistently high rankings on TripAdvisor and the World Travel Awards. Our aim is to improve upon this already impressive reputation by paying attention to every detail and creating meaningful connections with our guests.

With only 45 villas on the island, we offer an irreplaceable luxury: time. Our hosts are not rushed to serve the next guest, but rather have the time to connect with each guest on a personal level. Whether it's chatting over coffee at breakfast or while wandering around the island, our guests appreciate the authentic connections they make with our hosts, connections that often last a lifetime.

Our service culture is based on people and creating the best people experience possible. While there are many beautiful islands and resorts in the Maldives, we believe that it's our focus on providing exceptional service that truly sets us apart.

Hotel Insider: Thank you, Nicolas. It’s been a pleasure.

"A significant difference I observed was in the workforce. In Dubai, the majority of hotel staff come from foreign countries. In contrast, the Maldives has a strong local workforce."

The Giant Next Door

A decade ago, the number of Indian visitors stood at a paltry 16,000 a year. The numbers crept upward slowly at first but then exponentially. A notable milestone was reached in July 2019 when India became the second largest tourist market for the Maldives. In the first half of the pre-pandemic year, Indian arrival numbers doubled to 82,140 tourists. The surge was largely driven by the well-publicised visits of Bollywood celebrities and the introduction of low-cost direct flights to the Maldives.

The momentum picked up again after the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020 as an air travel bubble was established to allow flights to resume. India went on to become the largest market in 2021 and remained the top source country for tourists in 2022. Last year, 241,369 tourists visited from India, representing a market share of 14.4%.

In 2023, 78,093 Indian holidaymakers made the short trip south as of 7 May. Although the figures are relatively high compared to other top markets, the arrivals represent only a small fraction of the increasingly prosperous Indian middle class.

“There are flights from a number of key cities flying directly to the Maldives. So we have about 500 million middle-class Indians who’d love to explore the Maldives but not at typical resort rates,” Shriharan Balan, who heads the Chennai-based Madura Travel Service, told Hotel Insider in an exclusive interview. “This gives you an opportunity to promote budget-friendly stays and activities

It’s massive and it’s right next door. India is the Maldives’ closest neighbour but up until recently Indians did not represent a significant portion of tourist arrivals.

On the left: A group of South Indian influencers and tour operators gather for a photo at Addu's Canareef Resort. Unlike Western European tourists, Indians love an activity filled holiday.

and change the perception among middleclass Indians,”

Since the inception of tourism in the Maldives in 1972, the well-heeled clientele of tourist resorts were almost exclusively Europeans. Europe was the main market as the Maldives became a premier high-end destination and the industry specialised in catering to wealthy visitors from the continent. The typical European tourist is a sun-seeker, often escaping cold winters to revel in the tropical heat. The typical Indian tourist is worlds apart.

“Indians won’t lie on the beach looking at the sky usually, that’s more a European thing. Indians want to have excitement and adventure, they want to engage in activities,” Balan suggested. “If they sit still, they’ll be bored. And of course, they want those Instagrammable moments. If you give them things to do, sights to see, they’d be more than happy. Oh, and they need their food and love a good deal.”

At present, the majority of Indian tourists in the Maldives are honeymooners. Mostly newlyweds travel between April and May with an uptick in December. But Indian honeymooners seek different travel experiences to their European counterparts.

“They like to be active but they are different from European honeymooners because they take shorter vacations. Four days is about average for an Indian holiday,” Balan observed.

Untapped potential

In late April 2023, India overtook China to become the most populous country in the world. Reflecting its rapid economic development, India is also one of the fastest growing outbound tourism markets in the world. The UNWTO estimated that Indian outbound numbers grew at an average annual rate of 10 to 12% over the last seven years before the pandemic. It was projected to exceed 50 million by 2020.

The steady growth was attributed to affordable air travel, a growing consumptiondriven economy and the large and affluent middle class. Smart phone usage and internet

Biodegradable Wet-Towel Solutions

Established for over 10 years, Adex supplies disposable towel solutions to resorts throughout the Maldives.

Our wet towel dispenser produces fresh, sterile, one-off wet towels to wipe away dust, grime and germs.

With the assured safety, the machine provides healthier and better hygiene as compared to traditional towels and normal napkins, paper or cloth.

The towels are produced after cutting, heating, spraying and rolling a non-woven towel made from 100% natural fiber. You can get a warm or a cold towel with a variety of scents, depending upon your choice.

These wet towel dispensers are ideally suited for use in lounges, spas, cafes, restaurants, cafeterias, salons, hotels and resorts.

penetration were also encouragingly high. Smelling the business opportunities, travel agencies and tour operators flocked to the subcontinent. In the year before the pandemic, more than 70 tourist organisations from around the world set up local offices in India for destination marketing.

Balan, whose travel agency primarily serves MICE and VVIP tourists, sees enormous untapped potential in the Maldives for midmarket and budget travellers from India. The Maldives was previously seen as the abode of the rich and famous, out of reach for the average Indian, who was not particularly drawn to beaches either. But the Maldives was the only country open to tourists during the early days of the pandemic and Indian travel agents started promoting the neighbouring destination. Proximity coupled with the prestige conferred by the Instagram posts of celebrities made the Maldives a “dream destination” for Indians.

“But they are budget conscious, love new experiences, but maybe a little bit wary of the water because most of them haven’t grown up around the sea. They would be very keen on local island experiences, and I think there is great room for a more cost-sensitive segment to explore the Indian market,” Balan said.

Authentic experiences

For most of the past half-century, the Maldives tourism industry was based on the

‘one-island, one-resort’ model that fostered exclusivity with luxury hotels on private islands. Guesthouse opened on local islands in 2010, offering a more affordable island experience. Mid-market tourism has since boomed with nearly 900 guesthouses now in operation across all the atolls.

Balan advised the Maldives to target younger generations of Indians. Like their Millennial brethren, Generation Z are also explorers who seek memorable experiences.

“They are always online and they book at a whim. So, if they see a great deal, they’ll snap it up just like that,” he said. “If Maldivian operators can put together great packages for Gen-Z, like combine a series of experiences, which of course you have a lot of, I’m certain you’d see results very soon.”

A key factor that helped raise the profile of the Maldives among Indians was the influence of celebrities. Photos and videos of their resort vacations shared by Bollywood actors, sports icons and other stars were breathlessly covered by Indian tabloids and newspapers. But while the role played by influencers in promoting the destination was crucial, Balan noted that the elite lifestyle displayed on social media would be viewed as inaccessible by most middle-class Indians. The Maldives would be better served by partnering with influencers to showcase experiences such as water sports that are also available on local islands, he recommended.

While celebrities and the uber-rich seek

seclusion and prefer “very private, posh, and discreet hotels” such as the Soneva properties, guesthouses on local islands are on the other end of the spectrum. In January 2022, homestay was introduced as a new tourism product. Locals were authorised to register homestay guesthouses with up to five rooms from their house or apartment, opening up the mid-market sector to people who were previously unable to raise the investment or meet regulatory demands.

Younger Indians would be drawn to the authentic island village experience of staying with a Maldivian host and enjoying home cooked meals, Balan suggested: “If you could pack all this in in a great, cost-friendly package, there’d be a lot of potential.”

“Indians won’t lie on the beach looking at the sky usually, that’s more a European thing. Indians want to have excitement and adventure, they want to engage in activities”

Working Women

Komal Sharma

Komal Sharma is a wellknown Indian actress and model. Growing up, she never thought she would become an actor. Before starting her acting career, Komal was a dedicated athlete who competed at the national level in squash.

modeled for a few brand advertisements, I was unsure of my acting skills when I got the opportunity but I was not shy to try. I guess as a sportsperson, I grew very comfortable in front of the camera and in large crowds. When you are playing, you are in front of your opponent, the camera is on you, and thousands of people are watching you. So, I was pretty confident during the shooting. My first shot was completed in one take, and I enjoyed the experience. That was when I realised this could be my true calling.

Hotel Insider: What was your childhood dream? Did you ever envision yourself as an actress?

Komal Sharma: I always wanted to be a squash player. I also wanted to serve my country by working in public services or a similar field. But everything turned out completely different from what I imagined growing up. My childhood self would be surprised by where I am now.

Hotel Insider: How old were you when you first started acting?

Komal Sharma: I was about 16 or 17 years old when I first got an opportunity to act in a movie. When they called me with the offer, I was unsure about my skills because it was entirely new to me. But I figured I would give it a shot and see what happened.

challenges you face working in a maledominated industry?

Komal Sharma: When I first started, I guess it was a bit difficult. But I would not say I am facing any challenges now. All the men I have worked with have been very welcoming and empowering.

Hotel Insider: What was it like for a girl from Chennai to work in Bollywood?

Komal Sharma: The crew was very warm and welcoming. Everyone made me feel like I belonged. My mother tongue is Hindi so the dialogues were very easy. I grew up watching all of those celebrities on TV, so finally getting to work with them was like a dream come true.

Hotel Insider: When it comes to helping people, what are some of the social issues that are currently occupying your attention?

She was making headlines for her winnings in numerous junior and senior squash championships. Komal also participated in beauty pageants, winning Miss Tamil Nadu, Miss Metropolis, and other titles. She made her acting debut in 2011 with the Tamil film Sattapadi Kutram, playing Thamizharasi. Since then, she has appeared in several movies including the Bollywood film Hungama 2.

Hotel Insider: Tell us a bit about your family and how you went from an athlete to a successful actress.

Komal Sharma: My parents moved to Chennai over 45 years ago from Rajasthan. I was born and raised in Chennai. I began playing squash in school and I was a member of the national team then. I was very passionate about the sport. I competed in many championships, winning numerous medals. So, I was frequently in the newspapers for that. Director S.A. Chandrasekhar saw one of the articles about me and had someone from his office call me up. They said they needed a sportsperson for an upcoming movie. That was how I got into the film industry.

Hotel Insider: When you first started, you did not know much about acting. What made you realise this was your true calling?

Komal Sharma: Although I had previously

Hotel Insider: How did your first movie fare with the audience?

Komal Sharma: The response from the audience was amazing. When the film premiered, I wanted to see if I did a good job in the role. When I saw myself on screen, I realised I was not so bad. That was when I decided to pursue acting full-time.

Hotel Insider: How did your life change after Sattapadi Kuttram?

Komal Sharma: I was very young and still in school, my classmates would come up and say 'hey I watched your movie'. Everyone wants autographs or to take a picture together. That was a big change from before, but I am glad I got the chance and took this path. My last Malayalam movie was Marakkar Arabi Kadalithe Simham, and it won three awards.

Hotel Insider: You have appeared in several movies since the start of your career. Which one do you think is your favourite?

Komal Sharma: Everything! All of the movies are very special to me but if I had to choose one, I would say Barroz. It is the first movie directed by Mohanlal, who is regarded as a god in the film industry and I feel very lucky to be a part of it. Barroz is a 3D movie and will be released very soon. The crew is very diverse, so filming the movie was very exciting.

Hotel Insider: What are some of the

Komal Sharma: Education, employment, and hunger. These are some of the things we are constantly working towards. Donating to various funds is very simple. You can start by helping 20 to 200 people. It is a small change but by making it, I am setting an example for those who look up to me. There is a saying 'your right hand should not know what your left hand is doing'. As a celebrity, I believe you have to use your fame and publicity to raise awareness. So, by doing good and setting an example, younger followers will follow suit. Kind of like a chain reaction.

Hotel Insider: Do you feel under a lot of pressure to do what you do? Are you content with where you are?

Komal Sharma: I am very happy with my life right now. God has given me so much and I am very grateful. It allows me to help those in need, which I am very grateful for. I used to feel a lot of pressure when I first started, but I no longer do. My friend Gautham always tells me that if I want to help others, I have to take care of myself first. That is true, how can you help others if you are not mentally and physically fit?

Hotel Insider: Do you practice yoga or incorporate mindfulness into your daily activities?

Komal Sharma: Yes, I am very interested in meditation and other calming practices. I try to exercise or meditate for at least two hours each day. Movement helps calm your mind, which allows you to focus better on your work. Yoga can help relax your mind, body, and soul. Physical activity is very important to me. So, despite a busy day, I try to exercise every day.

Hotel Insider: What are your plans for the future?

Komal Sharma: I will be appearing in more movies. I would also like to engage in more social activities and give back to society as much as possible.

Soneva Fushi's Glass Studio is at the winsome confluence of art and environmental awareness. Recycled glass from the resort's Eco Centro makes its way to the studio and is transformed into charming glassware, or valuable works of art by some of the world's most sought-after artists. At the studio, guests can be a part of an incredible event right amidst the beautiful Indian Ocean, and they can view and purchase unique and captivating works. Plus, guests can try their hand at crafting their own, and purchase items from the resort's collection to be shipped back home. In this Back of the Haus installment, we examine Soneva Fushi's Glass Studio and its alchemical process of turning waste into art.

Back of the Haus

Back of the Haus

– Glass Studio at Soneva Fushi

Waste glass is sorted, crushed, and cleaned at EcoCentro, Soneva Fushi's recycling hub. The glass that goes to the Studio is usually clear.

This glass is melted in the furnace at a scorching 1300 degrees. There's a special day for just this when they load the furnace with fresh glass, melting about 20 kgs of crushed glass every two hours.

They gather molten glass from the furnace to begin the glass blowing process.

A glass artist blows the first bubble into the glass at the end of a blowpipe and shapes it.

The bubble becomes a cylinder and the glass blowers shock it by dipping it in water, producing a crackled surface.

5

They transfer the cylinder from the blowpipe to an iron, and the opening left from where the cylinder was connected to the blowpipe eventually becomes the opening of the glass.

The glass then cools down slowly in the studio's lehrs or cooling down ovens from a blistering 700 degrees to room temperature over 24 hours.

You can find the glasses on the shelves of the So Glasscycle boutique and they are pretty popular with guests. They symbolise the success of Soneva's Waste to Wealth initiative.

Sunday, 5 March

Renaatus Projects was awarded a US$17 million project to upgrade and expand the Gan International Airport in Addu City. A contract was signed between the Indian company and the government-owned Addu International Airport. Financed by a line of credit from the Indian EXIM Bank, the expansion of the southernmost atoll’s airport “entails the development of duty free shops, lounges,

March and April

An overview of the top business news

restaurants, ATC, cargo facilities, roads and parking areas as well as the expansion of the passenger terminal with the capacity to handle 1.5 million passengers per annum,” according to the economic development ministry. The project is due to be completed in early 2025.

Tuesday, March 7

The Maldives returned to the ITB Berlin fair in the German capital after a three-year hiatus.

It was the first in-person event of the world’s largest travel exhibition since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Some 233 representatives from 91 companies joined officials from the tourism ministry and the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation to make up the country’s largest delegation at the annual event.

The Maldives was showcased with “a double-decker stand” in a 504 square metre space, which included 91 counters

and 73 dedicated tables, according to the MMPRC. The stand featured traditional Maldivian dance performances and guests were offered samples of Dhivehi delicacies. The president and first lady toured the Maldives stand on Wednesday.

Wednesday, March 8

Businesses that buy U.S. dollars

Above: Gan Airport in Addu Atoll is in for an upgrade.

above the official exchange rate can include the expense in their tax returns, the finance ministry informed parliament. But documentation would be required to verify the expense within cost of sales.

The Maldives has a floating exchange rate within a 20% band with an upper limit of MVR15.42 per US$1. But a persisting dollar shortage forces most businesses to buy dollars from the black market at rates that often exceed MVR17.

The central bank is formulating a “de-dollarisation policy” to address the longstanding problem, the finance ministry said.

Appearing in parliament on Monday, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer defended the accumulation of debt during the Covid-19 crisis. The economy recovered from the pandemic because of the loans taken to plug the massive shortfall in revenue, he

Below: Faresmaathodaa Airport opens and it's designed in the shape of a traditional haruge.

contended.

Echoing advice by the International Monetary Fund, a Public Expenditure Review by the World Bank released in August suggested that the Maldives has a “small window of opportunity” to avoid a looming debt crisis. Payments of US$600 million will come due in 2026.

Wednesday, March 15

A new airport on Faresmaathoda island in the southern corner of Gaaf Dhaalu Atoll was officially inaugurated at an opening ceremony featuring fireworks. Awarded in November 2020, the MVR136.68 million (US$8.8 million) domestic airport project was carried out by the state-owned Maldives Transport and Contracting Company, which built a 1,200-metre runway, taxiway, apron and a terminal with the capacity to serve 150 passengers per hour. A test flight landed on Monday.

“The design of the passenger terminal was inspired by the ‘Odiharuge,’ the traditional

hut-like structure made from palm leaves and spines used for boat building, and features environmentally friendly aspects,” according to the president’s office.

The government’s air connectivity policy aims to have an airport within 20 to 30 minutes of all island communities. Three new airports are due to open in 2023 and construction will begin on four other domestic airports, the president announced.

according to the president’s office.

A new post called Accountant General, tasked with managing public funds, would be formed along with an Internal Audit System, a Chief Internal Auditor and a seven-member Internal Audit Committee. A separate chapter was added on the procurement system with processes for penalising violations.

The president ratified extensive changes approved by parliament to the public finance law.

The amendments outline new guidelines on the management of the Sovereign Development Fund (SDF) and includes provisions for waiving or permitting leniency on payments owed to local councils.

The SDF is intended “to ensure the long-term investment of state finances, debt repayment, and increase state revenue,”

Dredging for land reclamation to develop an industrial hub in Thilafushi is underway, according to the Housing Development Corporation, the state-owned developer of artificial islands near the capital.

“The aim is to create a sustainable and adaptable hub, and to streamline all industrial activities in the Greater Malé region to Thilafushi,” the HDC said. “This is essential for the country’s industrial growth and will also have the added benefit of reducing negative socio-economic and environmental impacts on the

city.”

More than 150 hectares are to be reclaimed to expand the island and lease land for industrial use, including cement packing, gas bottling, boat manufacturing and largescale warehousing.

The artificial island was used since 1997 as a landfill for burning waste. Open burning ceased in 2021 as part of a multi-donor project that includes a waste-to-energy treatment plant.

Thursday, March 16

The State Trading Organisation reduced the wholesale price of onions, potatoes and eggs after assuring controlled prices for Ramadan.

The price of onions was

brought down from MVR170 (US$11) per bag to MVR160 per bag. Potatoes are available for MVR240 per kg (down from MVR250). Eggs are also MVR10 cheaper at MVR290 per case.

Every year, STO imports extra supplies to cater to soaring demand during the fasting month, which is expected to begin on 23 March.

The state-owned behemoth is the country’s primary wholesaler, responsible for importing the vast majority of staples such as rice, flour, and sugar.

In anticipation of higher volumes of perishables goods and shorter working hours, the Maldives Ports Limited meanwhile met with stakeholders on Tuesday

to address concerns and discuss “changes brought to operational hours for the busy Ramazan period.”

Four new reach stacker vehicles were added to its terminal fleet in January “to accommodate the high demand and traffic” during Ramadan. Temporary sheds have also been set up at the Malé commercial harbour to speed up cargo clearance operations.

On Friday, STO opened a new outlet to serve the growing population in Hulhumalé phase two.

Sunday, March 26

With five days to spare, arrivals in Q1-2023 exceeded the total of 482,978 tourist arrivals in the corresponding prepandemic period of Q1-2019. A total of 500,597 holidaymakers visited as of Sunday, up 22% from the same period last year. The daily average stood at 6,501 with an average duration of stay of eight days.

Tourists arrivals to the Maldives reached the milestone of half a million in the first quarter of 2023.

Tourism Minister Dr Abdulla Mausoom expressed optimism of meeting the target of a record-breaking 1.8 million tourists this year.

Above: A Chinese tourist snorkels by a coral reef.

Russia remains the top market with 60,590 tourists, representing a market share of 12.1%, followed by India (52,734), United Kingdom (45,545), Italy (43,869), and Germany (34,516).

As the tourism industry approaches the end of its traditional high season – which includes the busy ChristmasNew Year period – the annual growth rate in tourist arrivals slowed from 31% in January to 16.7% in March.

Arrivals in January also grew 13.8% from pre-pandemic levels. Tourist arrivals registered a whopping 31% increase compared to January 2022 as Chinese holidaymakers returned after a hiatus of nearly three years. A total of 15,175

Chinese tourists arrived by 23 March.

There were 169 resorts, 894 guesthouses, 153 safari vessels and 13 hotels in operation as of last week with a combined bed capacity of 60,382.

A total of 1,675,294 tourists visited the Maldives in 2022, exceeding the government’s optimistic forecast for the year.

Tuesday, March 28

The Asian Development Bank and the Bank of Maldives signed a US$41 million loan finance package to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and tourism businesses.

“This partnership with BML will deliver much-needed financing to the tourism sector and support climate projects and locally owned SMEs, including those owned and run

by women,” said ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury. According to the ADB, at least 60% of the funds will be earmarked for lending to SMEs with 5% allocated to women-owned or led firms. A concessional loan of up to US$9 million from the Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia II (CFPS II) and a grant of up to US$1 million from ADB’s Asian Development Fund (ADF) –Private Sector Window (ADBPSW) – which is part of the overall package – “will support BML’s capacity to support and promote climate change mitigation and adaptation projects focused on the blue economy.”

Wednesday, March 29

Global interest rate hikes do not pose a threat to the Maldives, which has the ability to spend between US$150 million to US$300 million needed annually for external debt servicing and repayment, a finance ministry official told parliament’s public accounts committee. The average interest rate of the Maldives’ debt is 4.2% and 92% of foreign loans were taken at fixed interest rates, he explained. The Maldives will seek “market-friendly” solutions to repay US$600 million due in 2026, the official said, assuring that the authorities have the experience and capacity to manage re-financing risks.

Above: The Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer speaks at a conference.

On the left: The Maldives Monetary Authority, near Male's main tourist district.

Maldivian bonds are also performing relatively well with yields of 16% compared to 30% or higher for Pakistani bonds, he noted.

The Maldives does not face the danger of bankruptcy or reserve depletion, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer reiterated, noting that economic growth is projected at 7.6% for 2023 after a rapid recovery from the pandemic whilst debt-to-GDP ratio has fallen from 150% last year to 96% at present. Inflation is at 3.9%, below the forecast of 5.6%.

On Tuesday, Ameer told parliament that the government does not favour debt restructuring as credit rating agencies could downgrade the country’s selective default rating, which would create difficulties for both the state and private business in securing financing from foreign sources. The longterm fiscal strategy instead focuses on reducing spending and raising revenue, he said.

Thursday, March 30

A Chinese company was enlisted to develop an integrated tourism zone in Addu City’s Hankede. A contract for the US$142.9 million project – financed with a loan from the Bank of China – was signed between the Maldives Fund Management Corporation and China National Electrical Engineering Company (CNEEC).

First announced in January, the two-year project will “revitalise Addu’s tourism and transform the city’s economic landscape, creating 2,082 new tourist beds, thousands of jobs and opportunities,” according

to the economic development ministry.

Tuesday, April 4

In its biannual Maldives update, the World Bank repeated advice for “a significant fiscal adjustment” to avoid a debt crisis, questioning the country’s ability to repay or rollover foreign debt when the cost of servicing it reaches US$1 billion in 2026 (up from an average of US$393 million annually over the next three years).

“Such high levels of public debt, and associated refinancing risks, make the Maldivian economy extremely vulnerable to domestic and external shocks. Further mobilisation of additional debt at non-concessional terms would further deteriorate these vulnerabilities,” the World Bank warned. “Thus, despite robust growth prospects, prudent debt management remains a top priority for improving fiscal sustainability, lowering the cost of growthenhancing investments – especially with large debt service obligations coming due – and ensuring a more resilient economy going forward.”

Recommendations included reforming the Aasandha health insurance scheme and reducing subsidies to stateowned enterprises (including blanket food and energy subsidies).

In a series of tweets the day after the report was made public, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer addressed some of the concerns raised by the World Bank. Public debt increased due to the Covid-19 pandemic but the debt-toGDP ratio will decline in the medium term, he assured.

“Policy changes to achieve this will be made in a way that minimises impact on the

public,” he added. As tourist arrivals have increased 21.5% compared to last year, economic growth would be higher than the forecast of 6.6% for 2023, he suggested. While inflation was expected to rise to 5.7% mainly due to January’s goods and services tax hike, Ameer observed that the impact of rising global commodity prices has been low compared to neighbouring countries. The government is taking steps in response to fiscal risks posed by inflation, he said.

Tuesday, April 25

The Maldives Monetary Authority estimated the economy to have grown by 13.9% in 2022.

“The robustness in growth during 2022 was driven by the buoyant tourism sector owing to the pent-up demand from traditional source markets of Europe as well as key Asian source markets, despite the strong headwinds from geopolitical and economic uncertainties as well as from China’s zero-COVID policy,” the central bank observed in its annual report.

Reflecting the lucrative hospitality industry’s resilience and recovery, tourism receipts was estimated to have reached US$4.5 billion in 2022, up from US$3.5 billion in 2021. “This was a growth of 41% when compared to the US$3.2 billion registered in 2019,” the report noted.

Tourist arrivals surpassed the government’s target and reached a total of 1,675,303 in 2022 (98% of the 1.7 million tourists arrivals in 2019). The central bank estimated the gross value added (GVA) of the tourism sector “to have registered an annual growth of 22.4% during 2022, following the significant rebound of

152.0% observed in 2021.” As global commodity prices remained elevated during the year, the average rate of inflation accelerated to 2.3% in 2022, up from 0.5% in 2021. During 2022, the MMA sold US$726 million worth of U.S. dollars to state-owned enterprises, 73% of total sales.

The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) and Parley Maldives signed an MoU on 27 February to enhance implementation of the AIR (Avoid, Intercept and Redesign) strategy in the tourism industry. The key objectives of the collaboration are:

- AIR Advocacy and Education: Implement PARLEY AIR STRATEGY embodying the following three key action pillars to address the complex threat of plastic pollution:

• AVOID the use of fossilbased plastics wherever

March and April

An overview of the top tourism news

possible.

• INTERCEPT plastic waste and divert them from burning, landfills and nature into closed loops.

• REDESIGN materials and products and rethink the way we live and act on Planet Earth.

The organisations also agreed to partner in education and awareness, community support, and industry adaptation, seeking to address major threats to the ocean through creative solutions and eco-innovation.

- Skill Transfer to Community: Advocate and foster eco-compliant agriculture and fisheries in island communities through

demonstration and skill transfer.

- Operational Change within Industry: Engage MATI member resorts to “Redesign for Sustainability” by reconfiguring waste management and hotel operations towards holistic AIR Strategy implementation through staff training and development of standard operational procedures. The Secretary General of MATI, Ahmed Nazeer, signed the MOU on behalf of MATI while the Executive Director of Parley Maldives, Shaahina Ali, signed on behalf of Parley Maldives.

Above: Mr Ahmed Nazeer, MATI's secretary general Ahmed Nazeer signs an agreement with Parley Maldives.

16 March

The Singapore-based Pontiac Land Group has converted bank loans taken to develop the multi-resort Fari Islands into green loans. A cluster of manmade islands in North Malé Atoll, Fari Islands comprises of Patina Maldives and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives. Pontiac was able to convert loans worth US$180 million into its first green loan upon achieving EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Advanced Certifications, an international green building standard.

Developed by the International Finance Corporation, a World Bank institution focused on the private sector in developing countries, the EDGE Advanced certification recognised Fari Islands as being zero carbon ready.

The Green Structuring Banks were DBS, HSBC and UOB. It was HSBC’s first green loan for the Maldives tourism industry and the first green loan in the Maldives for DBS and UOB. Green loans “enables borrowers to use the proceeds to exclusively fund projects that make a substantial contribution to

an environmental objective,” according to the World Bank. “Pontiac Land takes a longterm view to our real estate developments and investments with core considerations towards responsibility, integrity and sustainability in every project. The Maldives is one of the world’s leading travel destinations and we hope to help lead and encourage the development of greater sustainability methods and practices in the region,” said David Tsang, Chief Executive Officer of Pontiac Land Group.

“We are delighted to work with like-minded partners

like Pontiac Land, to enable the adoption of sustainable design features and green technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of a project. This is a prime example of how developers and the finance sector can drive collective action, and create a sustainable future together,” said Chew Chong Lim, Group Head of Real Estate, Institutional Banking Group, DBS.

Above: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands, a gorgeous resort design by Kerry Hill Architects of Australia sits in its own little 'archipelago.'

A resort island’s boundary can be extended up to 1,000 metres from the beach, according to new rules gazetted by the tourism ministry on 14 March. The new boundary regulations introduced rules for demarcating a resort island’s boundary in cases where it is not specified in the lease agreement. The boundary is now determined from the mean tide line as opposed to the vegetation line under the old regulations enacted in 2012.

If a resort island’s lagoon extends 500 metres beyond the mean tide line at dry land, the leaseholder can pay a fee of

US$100,000 for an extension of a further 500 metres. The lease agreement would have to be revised to reflect the new boundary. The boundary cannot extend beyond an island’s outer reef. But if a dive point or surf break designated as a tourist attraction lies within the lagoon, the boundary must be adjusted to exclude such spots. The tourism ministry must publish a list of applicable tourist attractions.

The regulations also prohibit any development within 50 metres of the outer boundary. A fine of up to MVR100,000 (US$6,485) can be imposed for violations.

As a general principle, the

boundary is measured from the mean tide line at the beach to 500 metres. If the lagoon is smaller than 500 metres, the boundary will be the island’s outer reef. If the resort island lies in the same lagoon as an inhabited island, the former’s boundary will be marked up to the local island’s territory. If the neighbouring island is uninhabited or a tourist resort within 1,000 metres, the boundary will be the midpoint on an equidistant line.

Last week, the tourism ministry requested tourist establishments to “promptly complete and submit demarcations of their

respective boundaries.” The submission must include two hard copies of the boundary demarcation report along with a “clear and precise map of the demarcated area endorsed by a certified surveyor” and CAD files of the boundary demarcation.

Below: A resort island’s boundary can be extended up to 1,000 metres from the beach, according to new rules.

5 April

The tourism ministry has authorised resorts to have a built up area of 50% of its island, up from 30% under the old rules.

The ministry amended the resort development guidelines on 21 March. Other changes include a reduction in the requirement for minimum beach length per room from 5 metres to 3 metres.

“For the calculations of beach length per room, beach length

to be considered as 60% of the total perimeter of the island (mean tide line),” the ministry explained in a circular. The maximum structural height for the front of the house buildings including guest rooms was set at 12 metres “and the maximum number of floors allowed shall be 3 meters including the ground floor.”

Back of the housing structures cannot exceed a maximum height of 15 metres.

Despite the relaxed

requirements, the tourism ministry advised developers to “prioritise the preservation of the island’s natural characteristics (specifically vegetation)”. Developers could also “propose unique structures that add value where exceptions to the structural height restrictions could be allowed in accordance with the ministry’s policies.”

Above: An uninhabited island in a northern atoll. The tourism ministry has authorised resorts to have a built up area of 50% of its island.

Dolce & Gabbana has partnered with Dar Global to develop a luxury hotel in the Maldives.

Dar Global is the international arm of Saudi property developer Dar Al Arkan. The company was recently listed on the London Stock Exchange with a valuation of $600 million. Dar Global is also behind projects such as Les Vagues by Elie Saab, a seafront

residential development in Qatar, Urban Oasis by Missoni Home in Dubai and Upside Living Villas in Riyadh.

“We are thrilled to bring the world-renowned Made in Italy brand ambassador, Dolce & Gabbana, into the world of real estate and hospitality. Our partnership represents a unique interpretation of the brand’s Italian spirit and reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional living experiences and investment

opportunities to our clients,”

Dar Global’s CEO Ziad El Chaar told Arab News. “We are confident that this partnership will be a great success, and we look forward to working with Dolce & Gabbana to bring their vision to life.”

The details of the project and the estimated completion date are yet to be announced. The new project represent Dolce & Gabbana’s real estate debut, following in

the footsteps of other luxury fashion brands such as Giorgio Armani and Bulgari. The fashion brand also announced residential projects in Miami and Marbella, Spain.

Below: The deck of a private villa in a resort in Baa Atoll. Dolce and Gabbana are among a slew of luxury brands to operate or already operating in the archipelago.

30 April

International luxury hotel chain Rosewood Hotels & Resorts announced the development of a multiisland resort property in the Maldives.

Scheduled to open in 2027, the Rosewood Ranfaru stretches across a chain of private islands in a lagoon in South Malé Atoll, a 35-minute boat ride or 10-minute seaplane flight from the Velana International Airport. The resort is under development by the Qatari Estithmar Holding.

“The Maldives has its own mystique and allure. Given its

well-earned reputation as a haven for discerning travelers, we are very excited to bring our unique brand of Rosewood lifestyle and hospitality to this chain of islands,” said Radha Arora, President of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.

“We are confident that through our commitment to immersive amenities, world-class design, and high-touch service, Rosewood will be able to offer the next iteration of Maldivian paradise.”

The resort will feature approximately 120 beachfront and overwater villas with private pools, ranging in size from one- to five-bedrooms,

and a Rosewood Explorer’s Club “to spark discovery and inspire imagination among the youngest visitors'' as well as several specialty restaurants, a beach club, and an Asaya® well-being facility and fitness center, together offering a holistic wellness escape. Rosewood Ranfaru will also have numerous swimming pools, both for adults and families, paddle courts, and offer an array of water sports in the encircling lagoon.

“I am delighted to announce our latest investment in the Maldives, a destination that offers unparalleled beauty and a vibrant culture, making

it one of the most attractive tourist spots in the world,” said Moutaz AlKhayyat, Chairman of Estithmar Holding.

Above: A Maldives island with a 'thundi' or beach that stretches out into the ocean.

Marketplace

A quick guide to the suppliers and service providers that cater to the Maldivian tourism industry.

Banking & Insurance

ALLIED INSURANCE

Allied Insurance Company Pvt Ltd is a leading insurance service provider offering total solutions with a comprehensive range of general, life Insurance and Takaful services throughout the Maldives. Allied’s customers include individuals, smallmedium businesses, corporate and government institutions. City Square, 3rd Floor, Chaandhanee Magu, Male’, +960 334 1001, toll free 1600, info@allied.com, allied.mv

AMANA TAKAFUL

Amana Takaful PLC is a full-fledged and licensed General Insurance company with an outstanding portfolio of Takaful insurance solutions. Commencing operations in 2003, it stands proud as the only publicly quoted insurance company in the Maldives listed in the Maldives Stock Exchange (MSE). 3rd Floor, H. Mialani, Sosun Magu, Male’, Maldives, +960 331 5262, info@takaful.mv, takaful.mv

BANK OF CEYLON (BOC)

With over seven decades of experience, the bank offers a broad range of services including commercial banking, trade finance, development financing, mortgage financing, lease financing, investment banking, corporate financing, dealing in government securities, pawn brokering, credit card facilities and others. H. Aage, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’, +960 333 7564, smit@bocmale.com.mv, bocmale.com.mv

BANK

OF MALDVIES (BML)

Known locally as “the national bank,” BML is a public limited company with majority ownership held by the government of Maldives. BML is a full-service bank engaging across the complete spectrum of personal, business and corporate financial services. BML Head Office, No. 11, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’, +960 333 0200, main.branch@bml.com.mv, bankofmaldives.com.mv

CEYLINCO INSURANCE COMPANY

Ceylinco Insurance’s company policy is to settle claims within 14 days from the date of receipt of the complete documents, and they take pride in attempting to meet this deadline.Speed and efficiency are the company's hallmarks and total customer satisfaction is their goal. 3rd Floor, H.Merry Side, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male', +960 969 3939, info@ceylincoinsurance.com.mv, ceylinco-insurance.com

COMMERCIAL BANK OF MALDIVES

The Commercial Bank of Maldives is a joint venture between Tree Top Investments Pvt Ltd (TTIL) and the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC (CBC). Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC was established in 1969, and have since become the largest private bank in Sri Lanka with an asset base over USD 6 Bn. Commercial Bank of Maldives, H. Filigasdhoshuge, Ameeru Ahmed Magu, +960 333 2668, info@cbmmv.com, cbmmv.com

HABIB BANK LTD

HBL is a Karachi based multinational bank and is one of the largest banks in Pakistan. Founded in 1941, HBL became Pakistan's first commercial bank and is the largest company in Pakistan in terms of assets. As of 2016, HBL has 1700 branches with presence in over 25 countries spanning four continents. Habib Bank Limited, H.Thuniya Building Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’, +960 332 2051, customercare.maldives@hbl.com

MAURITIUS COMMERCIAL BANK (MCB)

The Mauritius Commercial Bank (Maldives) is a leading commercial bank in the country, offering a comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of its valued customers. MCB Maldives aims also at being the preferred banking and financial partner of corporate customers, whether they are startups or well established groups. H. Sifa Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé, +960 3305656, contact@mcbmaldives.com, mb.mcbmaldives.com

SOLARELLE INSURANCE

Solarelle Insurance is committed to finding new and innovative ways of reducing risks and losses, and is devoted to providing comprehensive General Insurance solutions that can be tailor-made to suit the different needs and lifestyles of its customers. 1st Floor, ADK Tower, Male', 20096, +960 330 0099, info@solarelleinsurance.com, solarelleinsurance.com

STATE BANK OF INDIA (SBI)

State Bank of India opened its first branch in Male’ in February 1974. This heralded the commencement of its Maldives operations as one of the foreign branches of India's largest commercial bank. The State Bank Group has over 22,887 branches within India and another 191 offices outside India, spread over 36 countries. H. Sunsleet, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male, +960 331 2111, sbimale@statebank.com, sbimaldives.com

Bath, Kitchen, Laundry

ASTRABON

Astrabon is dedicated towards providing the most apt solutions for resort and hotel supply needs. Astrabon has the finest selection of products supplied by the most reputed manufacturers of the industry. Every product purchased from Astrabon is indicative of high-quality. Orchid Magu, Male, Maldives, +960 300 8060, sales@astrabon.net

AQUA CHROME

Aqua Chrome offers solutions for sanitary fittings, solar heaters and specialized roofing to various economic sectors. GROHE is the world's leading provider of sanitary fittings under one brand and is represented in Maldives by Aqua Chrome. (Grohe) H. Gullalaamaage, Roashanee Magu, K. Male', +960 300 3663, aquachromemaldives.com

HOTEC

Hotec is a sales agent in the Maldives for internationally renowned manufacturers of small equipment and supplies for the food service industry in Maldives. Their objective is to bring the best food service equipment, other kitchen accessories, and bath and wellness products from the best brands in the world. Ma. Favorite, Chaandhanee Magu, Male', +960 334 1616, info@hoteconline.com, hoteconline.com

RADIANTHEAT

Radiantheat Maldives Pvt Ltd is the flagship company of Radiantheat Group and a leading supplier for commercial catering and laundry equipment and spares in the Maldives. Currently Radiantheat represents several renowned global brands. Radiantheat Building 3rd Floor, H. Nooali, Hithigas Magu, Male' 20022, +960 333 4854, sales@radheatonline.com, radheatonline.com

OSMOSIS ASIA

Osmosis Asia Pvt Ltd provides clients with a space where they can find all products that will enable them to run their operations without hassle. They supply spare parts for commercial kitchens, commercial refrigeration, coffee machines, bar and vending equipment. 1st Floor, H.Bonthi Building, Hiffaseyha Goalhi, Male’, +960 300 9551, sales@osmosisasia.com

SOVEREIGN AGENCIES

Sovereign Agencies offers an extensive range of products geared towards the hospitality industry, serving more than 60 resorts in the Maldives. Their products include emiment brands such as Primus, Bauscher, and Vito. Ma. Moorithi Building, 1st Floor, Chaandhanee Magu, Male’, +960 331 4422, sales@sovereignagencies.com.mv

XENON MALDIVES

Xenon Maldives Pvt Ltd provides several types of equipments, genuine spares and services to hotels and resorts. These inlcude kitchen equipments that are commercial and used by popular chefs, and laundry machinery from USA. M. Three & One, Haveeree Hingun, 4th Floor, Male', +960 331 0013, sales@xenonmaldives.com, xenonmaldives.com

Buildware & Hardware

ALIA INVESTMENTS

Currently in its 53rd year of service, Alia has been the sole distributor of the world renowned Yamaha brand for 43 years. Alia is also the distributor of Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizers, Kohler brand’s sanitary ware, and a large variety of hardware products. 8th Floor, ALIA Building, Gandhakoalhi Magu, Maafanu, Male’ 20311, +960 332 3564, info@aliamaldives.com

ASK HOLDINGS

ASK Holdings Pvt Ltd is a hardware company based in Male', Maldives. The company's mission is to maintain quality standards for all products and provide valued customers with store wide warranty services, best prices, reliable products and amenities to make the company's stores the first choice for your household needs. +960 332 4679, info@ask.com.mv

CO-LOAD MALDIVES

Co-Load Maldives Pvt Ltd is known for establishing the American franchise Ace Hardware and Home Centre in Male', and also for their paint solutions through Color Bank. The company is the sole distributor of several world-renowned brands. M. Baarana, 1st Floor, Majeedhee Magu, Male', +960 332 0450, admin@coload.com.mv

NALAHIYA

Nalahiya Trading Pvt Ltd is a leading importer of building materials in the Maldives. The company imports cement, coarse and fine sand, roofing sheets, plywood, GI pipes, gypsum boards and others. M Faaroshige', 8th Floor, Orchid Magu, Male', +960 333 1999, marketing@nalahiyatrading.com

PROMINENT RESOURCES

Prominent Resources Pvt Ltd was established in 2011 and has built a reputation as an importer of hardwood and other related items direct from Malaysia, Indonesia and New Zealand. M. Onigandu (1st Floor), Muranga Magu, Male', +960 333 3707, marketing@prominentmaldives.com

RAINBOW

Established in 1990, Rainbow Pvt Ltd is a building service provider that caters to the Maldivian market. The company's extensive portfolio of products include furniture, roofing materials, sanitary-ware and fittings, kitchen systems, electrical products and paint. G.Maarana, Alikilegefaanu Magu, Male', +960 331 6914, sales@rainbow.com.mv

SONEE HARDWARE

Sonee Hardware is one of the largest hardware businesses in the Maldivian market. They offer a broad range of products, from hardware to kitchen tools. The company which started from 1970 since then has grown from one outlet to six. Sonee Building, No. 7, Ibrahim Hassan Didi Magu, K. Male, Maldives, +960 333 6699, info@sonee.com.mv

TIMBER HOUSE

Timber House has over a decade of experience in the timber industry and helps prospective customers in evaluating the various volumes and types of timber best suited for their needs. M. Honeydew, Izzuddheen Magu Male’, 20311, +960 333 9111, info@timberhouse.com.mv

Dive & Water Sports

BEST DIVES

Best Dives Pvt Ltd is a leading diving and watersports centre, excursion and yacht charter service provider, operating in both high-end luxury resorts and middlerange resorts in the Maldives without compromising on quality service. 6/F MF Building, Chandhanee Magu, Male city, Maldives. +960 330 5960, info@bestdivesmaldives.com

BLUE HORIZON

Blue Horizon offers diving and surfing adventures that are tailored to meet the needs of its clients. Currently the company operates two motorized yachts and two sailing catamarans. M. Bolissafaru 2nd Floor, Orchid Magu, Male', +960 332 1169, travel@blue-horizon.com.mv

DTECH

dTech Pvt Ltd is the sole distributor of SEADOO and EVINRUDE brands - providing the finest Personal Watercrafts (PWC) and Outboard engine products in the Maldives. Having established in 1998, dTECh has always worked towards offering the best products to the Maldivian marine and power sports industry. M. Whale Shark, Male', 2021, +960 333 4051 spareparts@dtech.com.mv, dtecg.com.mv

EURO DIVERS

Euro-Divers Maldives offer scuba diving activities in some of the best scuba diving resorts in Maldives as well as water sport activities at selected resorts. Euro-Divers Worldwide was founded by Swiss nationals over 40 years ago and offers safe, exciting and professional scuba diving activities and scuba diving lessons in some of the world’s best diving destinations. euro-divers.com

GOLDEN JET TRADE

Golden Jet Trade Pvt. Ltd, established in 1985, a relatively small business then is now a leading supplier of quality Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Water sports and Swimming equipment in the Republic of Maldives. Providing quality scuba diving wetsuits in all sizes, Scuba Diving fins or Flippers to Scuba Diving, Snorkelling gear and water sport knives and accessories. Golden Jet Trade Pvt. Ltd. 3, Chandhanee Magu, Male’, +960 322338 divegear@goldenjet.com.mv

MA SERVICES

MA SERVICES is a market leader in the sale, installation and maintenance of highpressure breathing air equipment, and is the authorized distributor for brands such as BAUER, Scubapro, Analox, HATZ. G. Veyoge, Husnuheena Magu, Male', +960 331 0935, maserv@dhivehinet.net.mv, maservices.com.mv

OCEAN GROUP

Ocean Group Maldives founded in 1998 is now one of the most successful premier dive and water sports operator with an impressive 20-year track record and many innovative launches. Customizes bespoke experiences for discerning travellers seeking truly unique dive and water sports experiences and have partnered with some of the best luxury resorts in Asia with the highest standards of sustainability and eco-tourism. +960 300-4649 go@oceangroup.mv

SILVER SANDS

Silver Sands Pvt. Ltd. has been in the inbound travel business since its inception. In 2005, the Company expanded into resort-based recreational activities and has been investing in and managing dive and water sports operations at 11 luxury resorts in the Maldives. Chandhaneege, 2nd Floor, Alhivilaa Magu, Male', 20292, +960 301 7777, sales@silversands.com.mv

SQUID MALDIVES

Squid Maldives is a leading company operating in the distribution of diving equipment and services. The Male’ based company is the sole authorised distributor of Mares, Coltri, DAN, and SSI services in the Maldives. Squid Maldives, Shop #1/29, Chandhanee Magu, 20189, Male, +960 723 9458, sales@mare.mv

Electrical, Energy, Water

FSM

Established in 2000, FSM is a comprehensive fuel service provider that continuously seeks ways of improving its services and efficiencies through latest technologies and best practices. FSM works vigorously to improve their capacity and meet the challenges and the ever-growing expectations of their customers. Fuel Supplies Maldives Pvt Ltd, STO Aifaanu Building, 4th Floor, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’, Maldives, +960 333-6655

ILAA

ILAA aims to provide environmentally sound world quality products to the resorts of the Maldives to protect and preserve the delicate environment. The company provides renowned quality products for clean power, solid and liquid waste management and electric vehicles. Lot No: 10637, Zone: M2-24, Onugas Magu, Hulhumale’ 23000, +960 335 5751, info@ilaamaldives.com, ilaamaldives.com

MWSC

Established in 1995, Male’ Water and Sewerage Company is the pioneer organization in the Maldives to institute a water production and wastewater management system. MWSC has become a multi-disciplinary engineering and manufacturing organization, providing engineering solutions for integrated utilities. Fen Building, 5th Floor, Ameenee Magu, 20375, Male, +960 332 3209, pr@mwsc.com.mv, mwsc.com.mv

PLANKTON ENGINEERING

Plankton Engineering is one of the well-recognized names in the Maldives for designing, assembling, and supplying high quality panels. These include metering, generator control panels, high voltage panels, VFD Panles. The company builds and assembles electric panels in their workshop in accordance with industry quality standards. 1st Floor, H.Thonada, Janavaree Magu, 20045, +960 330 3678, info@ plankton.com.mv, plankton.com.mv

STATIC COMPANY

Static Company Pvt Ltd's primary objectives are in the fields of mechanical and electrical engineering and water treatment. The company’s main activities include the design. contracting, supply of power generation and distribution of equipment, etc. M.Huraa, Fareedhee Magu, Male', Maldives, +960 331 0313, info@static-company.com

THE HAWKS

One of the leading fuel supply companies in the Maldives, the Hawks' services include fuel supply to inhabited islands, resorts, industrial and commercial projects, as well as sales and distribution of fuel related equipment. Bunkering services are provided both domestically and internationally to fishing vessels, ferries, safaris, cargo ships, cruise vessels, super and mega yachts. +960 334 0949, info@thehawks.biz

URBAN INVESTMENT

Urban Investment Pvt Ltd is a distinguished supplier of electrical home appliances and is also one of the leading resort suppliers. The company operates three shops in the capital, Male', having a variety of products ranging from electric kettles to air-conditioners and generators. Urban Investment Pvt Ltd, Neena, 2nd Flr, Keneeri Magu, Male’, +960 331 7019, sales@urbaninvestment.net

VAMCO

VAMCO's vision is to create long lasting solutions that customers will appreciate. The company prides itself in creating customized packages (product solutions) for fishermen, cargo-vessels and for inter-island ferry operators as well as playing a role in bringing mobility to Maldivians. +960 332 1169, marketing@vamco.com. mv, vamco.com.mv

Electronics & Accessories

ASTERS

Asters is a leading provider of high quality and affordable home and office furniture, electronic appliances, technology products and office supplies. Also supplies home, outdoor furniture, office furniture, IT solutions, stationery, office supplies and equipment. +960 3316464, sales@asters.com.mv

LE CUTE LIFESTYLE

Lintel Investments and Management Services Pvt. Ltd. is a wholly Maldivianowned company registered and operating in the Maldives as one of the country’s leading distributors of luxury fashion, beauty and lifestyle electronics brands. Le Cute Lifestyle Electronics is the official distributor for Panasonic, BOSCH Home Appliances, Electrolux, Marshall and Bowers & Wilkins brand of products in the Maldives. +960 301 0200, info@lintel.com.mv, lintel.com.mv

REEFSIDE

Reefside Maldives is recognised as a leader in selling original watches and electronic products in Maldives. Reefside is the authorized service centre for LG, Sony, Bose and Nikon Electronic products in the Maldives and offers local and international after sales service guarantee. KKM Building, 03, Orchid Magu, P.O. Box 20189, +960 332 3545, reefside@reefsidemaldives.com, reefsidemaldives.com

REFCOOL INVESTMENTS

Established in October 2002, REFCOOL has national reach and vision, offering exciting products and services that touch everyday lives of the people. Being in the business only for a few years, REFCOOL has already gained recognition as a major player in the rapidly evolving tourism and construction industry of the Maldives. 1st Floor, M. Seena, Varudhee Hingun, Male', 20253, 330 9900, info@refcool.com.mv, refcool.com.mv

STATE TRADING ORGANIZATION (STO)

STO group, with its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, is a national leader in business. It also focuses on petroleum, cooking gas, construction materials, medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, home appliances, electronics, supermarket products and insurance. STO Head Office Building, Maafanu, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male', +960 334 4333, info@stomaldives.net, sto.mv

Event, Lighting, Sound

AZIDON

Azidon specialises in sound reinforcement, stage lighting and turn-key events and projects in Maldives. Azidon’s technical planning and process-oriented approach aims to deliver a flawless result that will impress. Azidon Pvt Ltd, H. Maafilaage, Ground Floor, Kaasinjee Magu, Malé, +960 330 0999, info@azidon.com

DOAV

DOAV makes it possible to monitor and manage equipment, building management systems, scheduling, security, lighting, shades, HVAC, and energy consumption in real-time, all from a single dashboard to maximize system uptime, optimize investments in people, technology, and spaces, and ensure a great user experience. Ground & 1st Floor, H. Fennaage, Buruzu Magu Male', 20054, Maldives, +960 3009600, info@doavonline.net, doavonline.net

EVENT MALDIVES

EVENT MALDIVES is a team of young, creative and passionate professionals with extensive experience in events and entertainment. The objective is to make each and every event a unique experience. These include live shows, live events, ceremonies, exhibitions, product launch events and various other events. sales@ musicworldmaldives.com, musicworldmaldives.com

Food & Beverages

ARIES MALDIVES

Pyramid was founded three decades ago and is one of the leading distributor for fast moving consumable goods (FMCG) in Maldives. Currently the main lines of products are juices, coffee, teas, biscuits, pasta, baked beans, cooking chocolate, flour tortillas etc. Representing some of the finest international brands and committed to serve resort market in Maldives for more than 30 years. 1st Foor, STO Trade Centre, Orchid Magu, +960 3328658 marketing@ariesmaldives.com

BESTBUY MALDIVES (BBM)

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), is a leading supplier to resorts, offering top brands and solutions. BBM is continuously evolving in line with the changing needs of its clients and is one of the most innovative supply operations in the Maldives. Aagé 2nd Floor 02-02, 12 Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé , 20094. +960 332 0850, hello@bb-mld.com

CITY INVESTMENTS

City Investments (Pvt) Ltd was founded in 2002, and deals in bakery products. It deals with some top F&B brands including Pregel Gelato and cocktail products from Italy, Darbo fruit jams from Austria, Fentimans soft drinks from England, Truchillo Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans from Italy and various other products. City Investments, Orchid Magu, Male, +960 799 0558, info@city.com.mv, city.com.mv

COSMOPOLITIAN

Cosmopolitan –a leading Hotel, Restaurant & Resort Supply Company with exemplary and superior quality service. Products range - Frozen & Chilled meat, Dairy & Cheese, Brown Eggs, Frozen Juice, Dry Goods, Seafood, Beverages, Wines & Spirits. Our vision is to be the most preferred Hotel, Restaurant & Resort Supplier in Maldives. Omadu Fannu, 4th Floor, Haveeree Hingun, Maafannu, +0096331 0477, info@cosmpolitan.com.mv www.cosmopolitan.com.mv

CYPREA FOOD & BEVERAGE

Formed in 2014, Cyprea F.N.B Private Limited is a subsidiary company of the ‘Cyprea Group’. Having associated with reputed brands from many parts of the world it is an emergent supplier for a range of dry, frozen, beverage and specialty products to the local market and resort sector. ‘The Cyprea’, 66/17, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’, Maldives. +960 3013032, info@cypreafnb.com.mv

EURO MARKETING

Founded in August 1997, the main purpose of Euro Marketing Pvt. Ltd. is to deliver daily merchantable non-alcoholic beverages and other snacks to the rapidly growing tourism industry of the Maldives. Additionally, serving consumer grocery retailers as well as restaurants, hotels, resorts and other food service establishments. Ma, Favourite, Chandhanee Magu, K. Male', +960 332 0022, euromarketingmaldives.com

FANTASY STORE

Fantasy Pvt Ltd supplies food selected from international locales. Products include fruit, wine, meat, pastries, cereals and others. 1st Floor, M. Velaaluge, Fareedhee Magu, Male', +960 332 4668, fantasy@dhivehinet.net.mv

HAPPY MARKET

Happy Market Trading Company Pvt Ltd (HMT) is a premium food and beverage importer & distributor operating in the Maldives. The company has exclusive distributorship of several world renowned F&B brands. M. Newplot, Ameenee Magu, Male`, +960 331 3523, info@happymarket.com.mv, happymarket.com.mv

IFS

International Food Solution (IFS) is a highly reputable company in the forefront of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution across the islands of Maldives and Seychelles. The management team, boasting four decades of global experience in the food supply industry, lends further credibility to the IFS brand. +960 300-0770, www.ifsmale.com

LILY ENTERPRISES

Lily Enterprises mainly focuses on handling and distributing several internationally renowned brands, as well as marketing and promoting them in the Maldives. Additionally, the company is recognised for its efforts in providing efficient service and effective marketing strategies. Ahmadhee Bazaar, Male' 20182, +960 332 3236, info@lilyenterprises.com

MADIHAA COMPANY

MADIHAA Company is a leading importer and distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables in the Maldives. The company has diversified into other areas such as frozen products, confectioneries, household items and beauty products recently, becoming a shopping hub for the retailers throughout the Maldives. M. Dharavandhooge Uthuruge, First Floor, Lainoofaru Magu, 20223, Male’, +960 332 8827, madicom@dhivehinet.net.mv, madihaa.com

MHA

MHA imports and distributes an extensive range of F&B products. They include key ice cream brands such as Walls, Nestle and London Dairy. Other top brands in their portfolio include Milo, Al Shifa Honey, Crown Dates and Crumpy. MHA also carries personal care products including lotions, aftershaves, body sprays and bath products. Contact: +960 334 3694, sales@mha.com.mv,mha.com.mv

SEAGULL FOODS

Seagull Foods specialises in the import, wholesale and retail of food of the finest quality, in regards to fresh produce as well as processed food. Seagull Group also runs an agricultural and fisheries project on the island of Maafahi for fresh fish products and produce. G, Thundi, Ameenee Magu, Male' +960 334 3663, foods@seagullmaldives.com

SIMDI RESU

SIMDI Resu is a leading supplier of restaurant and bar products such as the prestigious Sambonet and Matfer ranges. The company also supplies leading Italian coffee brands and automatic coffee machines. Established in 1988, SIMDI Resu has become one of the most successful and competitive suppliers of cost effective, state of the art, quality resort-ware. H. Casia, Kasinjee Magu, Male’ 20-044, +960 333 4483, resu@simdi.com, simdi.com

STANDARD AND ORIGIN (S&O)

Standard and Origin, (S & O) dedicates in the food & beverage suppliers through being the brand equity and innovation. Among the tourism industry of Maldives, by becoming the Exclusive distributor of worlds famous brands like KraftHeinz, Kimberly Clark Professional, Del Monte, Pasfrost, Mydibel, Etc. Standard & Origin Pvt Ltd H. Sifa, 5th Floor Boduthakurufaanu Magu Male', +960 301 5544 sales@sno.com.mv.

UNITED FOOD SUPPLIERS

United Food Suppliers (United) is one of the fastest growing businesses in the Maldives specialising in supply, storage and distribution of temperature controlled foods mainly geared towards the resort industry. United Food Suppliers, 5th Floor, M. Alia Building, Gandhakoalhi Magu, Male, +960 330 0777, info@ufs.com.mv

VB BROTHERS

VB Brothers is one of the top FMCG distributors in the Maldives. The company has the ability of acquiring world's top brands such as Mars chocolates, Kellogg’s cornflakes, Johnson & Johnson products and Lo’real and Garnier products directly from their sources. VB Brothers Pvt Ltd, MF Building, 9th Floor, Chandhanee Magu, Male', Maldives, +960 330 3329, rsd@vbbrothers.com.mv

WRIST RESORT SUPPLY

Wrist Resort Supply is located in the Middle East and offer a one-stop-shop solution for the Resorts and provide global 24/7/365 service Our wide assortment of Food (chilled, perishables, dry, dairy, frozen) and Non-food range are delivered by air freight and sea freight from Dubai and Europe. Contacts: +960 7891215, resort@wrist.com

Engineering & Marine

AS MARINE MALDIVES

AS Marine Maldives, a joint venture between AS Marine Dubai and Coastline Investment Pvt Ltd offers a range of services from boat repairs to refurbishments of boats’ structure and systems, with a wide range of boat types and brands. AS Marine Maldives provides complete solutions from the drawing board to delivery. +960 799 8590, info@asmarinemaldives.com

HASSAN MARINE

Established in 1999, with a service center specialising in repair, installation and maintenance of out-board engines, Hassan Marine is the exclusive distributor in the Maldives of Mercury Engines, Quicksilver Parts & Accessories, Attwood Marine Products, NGK Spark Plugs, Seafirst Steering Systems and many more. M. Kakolhas, Izzudheen Magu, Male', +960 300 7044, info@hassanmarine.com, hassanmarine.com

MTCC

Maldives Transport & Contracting Company (MTCC) provides a diversified range of products and services, such as construction and project management services, logistical operations, modern transport services, engineering and docking services and an extensive range of reputed products as, Yanmar and Suzuki marine engines, Hamilton propulsion system, Castrol lubricants, Sigma protective coatings, Scott Bader boat building composite. 7th Floor, MTCC Tower, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male', Maldives, +960 332 6822, info@mtcc.com.mv

OFFSHORE

Offshore's main focus is on the design and construction of safari yachts, dive boats, ferries, 4th generation fishing vessels and speedboats. These include hi-tech high-speed crafts and cargo carriers as well. Additional services include designing sophisticated yachts and boats, project costing, stability reports, turnkey boat building, supervision of projects and inspection, and consultancy. sales@offshore. mv, offshore.mv

Furniture & Flooring

ALLORA PAN HOME

Allora Pan Home is the sole distributor of a leading Asian furniture brand "SB" in the Maldives. Visit Allora's showroom to experience the many options available to make your home a place of comfort and style. SB products are reputed for their design, quality and value for money. Allora Pan Home, Hithaffinivaa Magu, Male', Maldives, +960 332 5105, info@panocean.com.mv

DAMAS

Damas Pvt Ltd. provides a wide range of products and services including real estate development & management, logistics & moving services, IT services, food and beverages, construction and fabrication materials, and resort equiptment such as cutlery and crockery, hotel linen, cold room items & implements. +960 333 3000, info@damas.com.mvdesign

EVO

EVO is dedicated to providing high quality, creative interior solutions to meet the needs in interior planning and designing. As exclusive distributor of Germany’s top brands such as Nolte Kitchens, Express Kitchens and Csshmal, Evo Home aims to offer clients the best of furniture technology in the Maldives. evohome.mv

FORTSEN

Fortsen offers specialized products & services to the architectural, residential & industrial sector. With its prime focus on interior finishing & furnishing, the company has developed a comprehensive range of wooden laminate floorings, windows blinds & specialty decorative stones. Contact: 332 6662, email: info@fortsen.mv

PALM GLOW

Palm Glow provides hygiene and maintenance solutions while continuously reassessing the commitment to professional hygiene and maintenance, to ensure that the customers are always up to date with the latest in technology, and is always supported from inception throughout the relationship cycle. Ma. Uthuru Innaage, 5A, Nikagas Magu, 20164, Male', +960 300 9700, palmglow.com

SPECTRA

Spectra PLC is an interior product supply and service provider, specialising in ceilings, laminate and wooden floors, window tints, carpets, rugs, wallpaper and many more such products. They have a wide range of experience designing everything from government buildings, education institutes, theater and convention centers, to bedrooms. Faamudheyrige, Maafannu, Orchid Magu, Male’, 20209, +960 333 0099, info@spectra.mv

IT Solutions & Networking

CLICK COMPUTERS

Click Computers is a reputed IT company providing turnkey IT solutions. It offers the latest IT solutions to multinationals, government agencies, private sector parties including hotels and resorts. The company deals with major brands including Dell, Acer, HP, Samsung, Apple and Asus among others. M. Borneo, Male', +960 334 2002, sales@clickmaldives.com

COMPUTER PLUS

Computer Plus Pvt. Ltd is a leading vendor of computer products & services in the Maldives. It aims to provide a comprehensive and wide range of services and products to fulfill the requirements of the information technology sector from system design, procurement, and installation to maintenance of computer hardware as well as providing regular and custom software. M.Send Rose, Iskandharu Magu, Male', +960 333 4862, sales@computerplus.com.mv

DHIVEHI VIUGA

Dhivehi Viuga (DV) is a network infrastructure solution provider that offers stateof-the-art service through a mixed team of local and foreign professionals with the mission of delivering unparalleled service and support to both the Maldivian and international markets. H. Soanary, 5th Floor, Boduthakurufaamu Magu, 20026 Male’, +960 334 4652, info@dhivehiviuga.com

ETALK

Etalk Pvt Ltd provides customers with a unique range of products and services that are fully customisable and suited to homes, local businesses, offices, shops and the hospitality industry. The company designs, installs and services surveillance systems, access control systems, networks, business automation. Husnuheena Magu, 2002 Male', +960 3329132, sales@etalk.com.mv

LINK SERVE

Link Serve Pvt Ltd is the one-stop shop for IT and security requirements. It handles installation & maintenance of CCTV systems, door phone systems, Local Area Networking, PABX Systems, access control systems, time & attendance systems, motion detectors, fire extinguishers, installation solar power systems, installation of alarm systems. +960 300 3000, helpdesk@linkserve.com.mv

MAXCOM

Maxcom Technologies was established in 2005 and is now one of the foremost IT hardware and IT solution centres in the Maldives. It also distributes the brand Dell and offers a variety of products and services such as storage and networking, tablets and laptops. +960 333 0034, sales@maxcom.com.mv

PERSONAL COMPUTERS

Established in 2008, Personal Computers is one of the most reputed names in the IT sector of the Maldives. With two outlets in key areas of Male’ and a dedicated service center, the company provides a comprehensive range of technology solutions that enhance the IT experience of their customers. Personal Computers ensure that the products are 100% genuine and meet the expected quality standards. For inquiries call +960 3003033, info@personalcomputers.mv, personalcomputers.mv

ROSEWARE

RoseWare Corporation Pvt Ltd was established with the objective of providing bestof-breed IT solutions for small and midsize businesses, with skills, resources, and expertise to give clients a recognizable edge while opening up a world of powerful resources. Ma. South Shine, Chandhenee Magu, Male', +960 330 8554, info@rosewarecorp.com

Internet,

DHIRAAGU

Dhiraagu is one of the largest telecommunications operator in the country offering total solutions and a comprehensive range of mobile, internet, data and fixed line services throughout the Maldives. With nearly three decades of excellence and a proven record of success, we provide mobile, enterprise and fixed broadband services. Dhiraagu Head Office, Ameenee Magu, P.O. Box 2082, 20403 Male, +960 332 2802, 123@dhiraagu.com.mv

MEDIANET

Medianet is one of the largest pay-tv broadcasters in the Maldives with over 30,000 subscribers. The company has an ever-increasing client base and content. Medianet has acquired the license and rights to the best available contents for this region, and offers impressive packages separately for the hotels and resorts in the Maldives. Medianet Pvt Ltd, H.Sisil Hiya (Second Floor), Majeedhi Magu, 20071, Male', +960 332 0800, customerservice@medianet.com.mv

OOREDOO

Ooredoo Maldives provides an extensive range of innovative voice, data and high speed broadband internet services tailored to the growing needs of today’s consumers and businesses. Ooredoo's services include fixed & wireless broadband internet, total resort solutions, mobile money services, and smart solutions. Ooredoo made history by launching the first ever and fastest 3G & 4G networks in the Maldives. H. Sunleet, 5th Floor PO Box 2196 Boduthakurufaanu Magu Male', +960 961 1000, 929@ooredoo.mv, ooredoo.mv

Logistics & Transportation

ASIA FORWARDING

Asia Forwarding is intimately acquainted with the carriers in all trade lanes so that they can direct your cargo in the most suitable way, whether your goal is to minimize freight costs, obtain the best packing, storage and warehousing, or meet seemingly ‘impossible’ deadlines. Asia Forwarding is a didicated team of professionals attending to your needs in a professional manner. +960 334 3041, info@theasiaforwarding.com

CENTURION TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS

Centurion PLC's operations revolve around shipping, freight management, warehousing, distribution, logistics management, ship ownership & management, protection & indemnity. Providing reliable and effective transport solutions to the shipping and airline industry, specializing in the delivery of cargo to any location within Maldives. The company operates from three locations in the Maldives, covering the nothern and southern ports. Faamudheyrige, Orchid Magu, Male', Maldives, +960 333 8530, info@centurion.mv, centurion.mv

EQ LINES

EQ Lines group is a logistical service provider headquartered In Maldives with branch offices in Pakistan, UAE, Sri Lanka with a global reach & ability to service the clientele with regular & project shipping requirements. They are specialized solution providers of door-to-door logistics with total international freight solution, inhouse customs brokerage, warehousing & transport capabilities.1st floor,1A, H.Seleena,Galadhun Goalhi, Male, Maldives, +960 400 2050,+960 999 5860, sales@eqlines.com, www.eqlines.com.

LEO TRADING

Leo Trading Pvt. Ltd. started its operation in the early 2000s. The key expert areas of the company include leasing of heavy construction equipment, shipment clearance, cargo clearance, discharging shipments, excavating, back filing & compacting, and constructing underwater pipelines and sewerage systems. Leo Trading Pvt. Ltd, M. Three & One, Haveeree Hingun, Male', Maldives, leo@leotrading.mv,

+960 300 6638

LITUS

Established in 2012, Litus Maldives Pvt Ltd is a project logistics management company delivering cost-effective solutions throughout the Maldives. The company develops comprehensive project logistics and construction materials and resort supply service plans tailored to meet specific requirements of customers. M. Manaaziruge, Majeedheemagu, 20305, Male’, +960 300 3999, info@litusmaldives.com, litusmaldives.com

TTS

Total Transport Solutions is one of the leading shipping, freight forwarding & logistics service providers in the Maldives. They offer a range of products and services varying from liner agencies, feeder operations, airline GSA, vessel husbanding and project cargo logistics. Additionally providing services such as sea freight, Air Freight, Express Courier to the most recent expansion into Inter-Atoll Logistics, bunkering and many other services7th Floor, Ma. Maadheli, Majeedhee Magu, Male', +960 301 1888, info@ttsgroup.mv

Office Supply & Printing Services

ASRAFEE BOOKSHOP

Asrafee Bookshop was established in 1976. Since then the company has earned a reputation for offering a wide range of products from stationery, educational materials, books, art supplies and so on. Asrafee Bookshop, Chaandhanee Magu, Male', +960 332 3424, asrafee@asrafee.com

CHANDLIER

Chandelier Company Pvt Ltd is a stationery and office equipment supplier in the Maldives. The company deals with government offices, schools, banks, organizations, hotels and resorts as well as the private sector. +960 332 7858, sales@chandelier.com.mv

COPIER PLUS

Copier plus Pvt. Ltd. was established with the focus of providing a total office automation solution to the Maldives. With Toshiba tech on board, Copier Plus was launched in 2004 with a showroom and a service center. In 2008, the company added Brother International’s merchandise to its product line. H. Kuredimaage, Majeedhee Magu, Male', 960 331 2121, info@copierplus.com.mv, copierplus.com.mv

M7 PRINT

M7 Print Pvt Ltd. was established in December 2007. The company's products and services include offset printing and production of eco-friendly paper shopping bags and other products and solutions. It is one of the largest printers in the country proving retail and wholesale services across all the economic sectors. M7 Print, Ameeneemagu, Male', 20033, +960 330 7787, print@m7maldives.com, m7maldives.com

NOVELTY PRINTERS & PUBLISHERS

Novelty Printers & Publishers Pvt. Ltd. was founded in 1965 by Mr. Ali Hussain as a home business. From manual stencil to letterpress to offset printing, the company today is one of the nation's largest and leading providers of printing, publishing and related services. M. Utility, Male, 20340, +960 331 8844, printers.novelty.com.mv, novelty.com.mv

PROCURE PLUS

Procure Plus supplies office stationery, including printers, printer toner & cartridges, and computer accessories, tea room facilities, cleaning appliances and document solutions at competitive prices. Penton Villa, Male', +960 332 6220, sales@procuremaldives.com, procuremaldives.com

Safety & Security

ANTIFIRE

Antifire Maldives deals with various safety products including fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, fire hose reel systems, dry riser systems, hydrant systems and automatic fire suppression systems. G. Graces, Male', +960 331 0322, admin@ antifiremaldives.com, antifiremaldives.com

GAGE

GAGE Pvt Ltd provides security with round the clock coverage and ensures the safety of their clients. The company's services are rendered by skilled professionals in an organised and disciplined manner. H. Noomuraka, 1st Floor, Hadheebee Magu, Male', +960 330 4055, projects@gage.com.mv, gage.com.mv

GLOBAL FIRE SERVICES

Global Fire Services Pvt Ltd is dedicated to protecting lives, properties and the environment from the perils of fire. With highly qualified professionals, latest technologies and years of experience, the company uses modern fire prevention methods and progressive public safety education for the benefit of the community. G. Niusha, Lily Magu, Male’ - 20130, Maldives +960 301 6616, info@gfsmaldives.com, gfsmaldives.com

OSTRAVA

Ostrava Workwear: BE SAFE | BE SMART. Your Safety Solution Leading provider of high-quality workwear and PPE. Our products include Safety Footwear, Head, Respiratory, Hearing, Eye, Fall Protection, Hi-Visibility, Fire Protective, Disposable Clothing, Rainwear, Chef Wear, and First Aid Kits. Sole distributor for PORTWEST (UK), GIASCO (ITALY), AIRTOX (DENMARK), KARAM (India), and TOMA (Italy), ensuring top quality. Experience ultimate workplace safety with Ostrava Workwear. +960 332 6967 or sales@ostrava.mv

PESTEX MALDIVES

PestEX Maldives is engaged in importing and distributing pest control products to both domestic and corporate clients. Additionally PestEX Maldives is a trusted pest management service provider of many corporate bodies such as resorts, restaurants, safari boats, commercial and industrial sites etc. PestEX Building, Neeloafaru Magu, Galolhu, 333 8009, info@pestexmaldives.com

PESTERMINATORS

Pesterminators Pvt. Ltd. is not just another pest control company that sells chemichemicals. Pesterminators is a unique concept developed by Agro Services with the motive of being the one-stop-shop for all pest control requirements. +960 334 2930, info@pesterminators.com.mv

SAVIOURS

Saviours Pvt. Ltd. is a customer oriented company, intending to serve the market need for a professional and customer focused security and safety solution provider. The company emphasises services and support, as well as offers a wide range of quality products which are state-of-the-art. 7999966, info@savioursmaldives.com

Travel Agent & Tour Operator

ACE TRAVELS MALDIVES

Ace Travels Maldives provides both inbound and outbound tours in the Maldives. The company is a fully owned subsidiary of Aitken Spence Travels Pvt Ltd. Aitken Spence Travels is a joint venture between Aitken Spence PLC and TUI Travel PLC. Ace Travels Maldives, H. East Light, Ameer Ahmed Magu, Male', +960 3338026, sales@acetravelsmaldives.com

CANOPUS MALDIVES

Canopus Maldives offers a range of services to clients, including destination management through Aqua Sun, which offers complete solutions to inbound services to the Maldives. Moreover it supplies award-winning Atomix and AlMakreb brand speedboats through Surpass, who also supplies Italian coffee and coffee makers for homes, restaurants and offices. +960 332 1079, info@canopusmaldives.com

CAPITAL TRAVEL & TOURS

Capital Group is a network of companies owned and managed by the principle company Capital Travel & Tours Private Limited, established in 1991. The company's primary actvity initially was to operate as an in-bound travel agent in the Maldives. Today, Capital Travel has well over 500 partners around the world. M. Banff Villa, 4th Floor, Majeedhee Magu, Male’, +960 331 5089, capital@ dhivehinet.mv, capitaltravel.com

INNER MALDIVES

Inner Maldives Holidays is a well-known travel brand in the Maldives that has won multiple awards, including "Indian Ocean's Leading Travel Agency" in 2007 and 2009 at the World Travel Awards. The company has been mentioned in the New York Times and is also highly recommended by Lonely Planet. H. East Light, Ameer Ahmed Magu, Malé, +960 300 6886, info@innermaldives.com

SPLENDID ASIA

Splendid Asia is a tour operator based in the Maldives. The company offers tours of the Maldives' beautiful beaches and divespots while offering a range of activities and sports. Splendid Asia is dedicated in promoting the cultural and natural treasures of the Maldives. G. Kasthoorige, Male', +960 331 2460, info@splendidasia.com, splendidasia.com

SUNLAND TRAVEL

With more than 30 years of experience in holiday operating, Sunland Group diversified to Sunland Journeys in 2014. Sunland was established in 1988 and its travel arm arranges personalised journeys for travellers via Singapore Airlines. H. Moonlit Villa, 1st Floor, Medhuziyaaraiy Magu, Male, +960 331 0031, airsvc@ sunland.com.mv, sunlandjourneys.com

VOYAGES MALDIVES

Established in 1980, Voyages Maldives is one of the leading travel and tour companies in the Maldives. Voyages has over 30 years of invaluable experience in the industry and is labelled as one of the largest companies of its kind. M. Narugis, Chaandhanee Magu, Male', +960 332 2019, tours@voyagesmaldives.com, voyagesmaldives.com

Wellness

COSMERC

Cosmerc Maldives Pvt Ltd is a company with several years of experience. The company's collection features a wide range of organic shampoos, shower gels, body lotions and other cosmetic and beauty products. M. Naka, Jambu Magu, Male', Maldives, +960 991 5588, sales@cosmerc.com, cosmerc.com

DUNIYE SPA

Duniye Spa, a leading spa-wellness management & consultancy company in the Maldives, was founded in 2002 by a group of international hotel owners with the vision to provide a special place for holistic well-being and world class spa treatments. Duniye Spa, Champa Building, 3rd floor, 20187 Male', Republic of Maldives, T. +960 664 3157, duniyespasdirector@meeru.com

MEDICAL SWISS BEAUTY

Medicsl Swiss Beauty allows customers to unwind and enjoy the benefits of beauty treatments in a centre devoted exclusively to health & rejuvenation. H. Starlit Villa (Ground Floor), Abadhah Fehi Magu, Male', +960 797 500

SERENA SPA

Serena Spa: a haven of peace & tranquility set against the ambience of natural beauty, for those who wish to relax, restore and rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. Operating in 9 locations in the Maldives, Serena Spa's boutique offers an eclectic selection of spa products, including incense, massage oils, bath blitzes, burners and more. Serena Spa Pvt Ltd, M. West End, Male', Maldives, +960 331 3866, maldives@serenaspa.com