Maldives: A small country with a big heart

from Cruise News August 2023

by Island Cruising & Down Under Rally

FOR SALE

3.2028° N, 73.2207°, these global positioning system coordinates point to the second smallest country in Asia. A faraway beckoning island paradise boasting brilliant white sandy beaches and dazzling turquoise waters. The Maldives is an archipelago loved globally for its experienced fifty-year tourism sector. At the World Travel Awards 2022, the Maldives won the prestigious title of the World's Leading Destination for three consecutive years. Undoubtedly the Maldives is a tourist destination that offers world leading hospitality like no other.

Prior to arrival, tourists' perceptions of the Maldives are mostly limited to its luxurious resorts; but once they arrive and interact with the local community their world opens up to fantastic new opportunities. One amazing way to discover and travel up close through these pearls of the Indian Ocean and to meet the people is to sail in a Maldives yacht rally. The warm hospitality of the Maldives is so remarkable it is well recorded in history and is one of the most valuable rewards to all travelers even today. The friendliness of the people leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of all who visit long after their trip is over.

During the first-ever Maldives Yacht Rally, one of the sailor Ms. Renee Lynn Whitetaker made the following statement: “The Maldivian people have been some of the most welcoming and warm, friendly, and happy people. All you girls are so giggly and so fun, I don’t think we ever felt more welcomed in any other country than we do in Maldives” reflecting the friendliness of Maldivians.

Mr. Mark Philip Norman provided an insight into how Maldivians welcome guests to the islands by demonstrating the culture and traditions during the maiden Maldives Yacht Rally by stating, “In each island, people make me feel as if I am a visiting prince. Where I get a royal welcome with flags, drums, singing, and dancing”. In a similar vein, Mr. Kennet Powers used the statement “It’s a small country with a big heart”, to express the authenticity of Maldivians. These are the shared sentiments of the more than 1.6 million tourists who traveled to the Maldives in 2022, and they reflect how visitors will likely feel in the future.

MITDC expects the Savaadheeththa Dhathuru Maldives Yacht Rally 2024 to be far greater i h h f d h ld fl ki h li l i l d di h

The Savaadheeththa Dhathuru's third edition will start on February 10 in K. Kudagiri.

Afterwards, V. Fulidhoo, M. Muli, L. Gan, L. Fonadhoo, L.Baresdhoo. GA. Kolamaafushi, GDH. Hoan’dehdho, S. Gan, and S. Hithadhoo. The fifth stop on the journey is L. Baresdhoo, one of the Star Wars Islands where the blockbuster movie Star Wars Rogue One and all the scenes of Planet Scarif were filmed. The itinerary for the third edition is packed with exciting activities, with the voyage ending on the Maldives' southernmost atoll. The opportunity to visit these islands will provide sailors the chance to dive, experience the natural beauty of Maldives, engage in activities with locals, observe island life, and taste local food.

Our unique Savaadheeththa Passport is one of the most significant mementos that rally participants can take back to their homes as proof and bragging rights that they have travelled and conquered the boundless oceans of the Maldives including many islands and not just one resort hotel. Each sailor will obtain a stamp in their Savaadheetha passport from the council of the islands as soon as they arrive, serving the same purpose as a regular passport but so much more valuable for the symbolic value of supporting local business and local island growth through travel and patronage of services.

All sailors can now register on the event's official website for the third Savaadheeththa Dhathuru. The Maldives is a paradise on Earth for all, and there is no better way to explore and experience "Maldivian life" than this expedition by sailing through the Maldives the way our ancestors braved the high seas. We anticipate greater success from the third edition. Join the rally and receive a warm welcome from Maldivians to truly experience the Maldives.

For more information visit the official website of the yacht rally: https://maldivesyachtrally.com/

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