January 2020
www.traveltrademaldives.com ttm@traveltrademaldives.com
ISSUE 005 International Travel Trade Periodical of Maldives
HARISH NAIR
RESORT MANAGER AT THE ST. REGIS MALDIVES VOMMULI RESORT
IBRAHIM INAD
DIRECTOR OF SALES AT INTERCONTINENTAL MALDIVES MAAMUNAGAU
RAHIM FLYNN
GENERAL MANAGER OF SHANGRI-LA’S VILLINGILI RESORT & HOTEL JEN
IN THIS ISSUE : Roadshows & Fairs | Statistics | Government | New Properties | Market Overview | People | Aviation | Cruises | Travel Tech | Awards/Listings | Accommodation | Travel Agents | Celebrity News | TTM Highlights
02 FOREWORD & TEAM
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
OUR TEAM MANAGING DIRECTOR
Akhmeem Abdul Razzaq
Welcome to the issue January 2020 of
that the airport will be ready to cater to
we at Orca Media Group will try everything
“TTM Periodical”. TTM Periodical is a
over 7 million passengers annually by 2023.
to ensure TTM 2020 will be better and
travel trade publication published by
Since being launched in 2017, TTM 2020 is
more rewarding for the participants in
Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) - Maldives
the 4th edition of the show that effectively
every aspect. All this would not have been
leading international travel trade show.
connects the travel trade community of the
possible without the incredible support of
Estimated figures for 2023 indicate that
Maldives to the global network of travel
our partners and industry stakeholders.
Maldives will achieve well over 50,000 in
professionals. This year, the multi-event
Here’s wishing all the best and a successful
beds in operation and government target
travel trade show will include the TTM
event for all participants of TTM 2020.
of 2.5 million tourist arrivals annually. The
Travel Summit, and TTM prescheduled
ongoing airport development projects at
meetings,
Velana International Airport will ensure
successful as previous editions of TTM were,
TTM
Awards
&
Gala.
As
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Dr. Hussain Sunny Umar
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nashaath
DIRECTOR
Ibrahim Areef
DIRECTOR
Mohamed Khoorsheed
MANAGER
Ahmed Nasir Aminath Yusra Ibrahim
ASSISTANT MANAGER Fathmath Maisaan
PHOTOGRAPHY DYNAMYST Moonis Nazeem Noushad
DESIGN DIRECTION CREATIVE TUNA Zaya Ahmed Moothi Hamdhoon W. Asthu Shahindha Zuhura Ismail
MARKETING
Ali Sageef Ibrahim
Copyright c 2019 Orca Media Group.All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited. Opinions expressed in the articles are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or publishers. While the editors do their utmost to verify information published they do not accept responsibility for its absolute accuracy. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the consent of Orca Media Group.
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ROADSHOWS & FAIRS 03
MMPRC ROADSHOW & FAIR LIST 2019
APR
JAN 19 JAN 27JAN
BOOT
05 APR 07 APR
Düsseldorf, Germany
MARINE DIVING FAIR
AUG 02 AUG 04 AUG
14 OCT 15 OCT
ITALY ROADSHOW Rome & Milan
NATAS Singapore
Tokoyo, Japan
16 OCT 18 OCT
ITB ASIA Singapore
23 JAN 25 JAN
ONE WORLD TRAVEL MARKET (OTM)
08 APR 09 APR
SOUTH AFRICA, ROADSHOW
08 AUG 09 AUG
Cape Town & Johannesburg
SOUTH KOREA, ROADSHOW Seoul, Busan 16 OCT 18 OCT
Mumbai, India
23 JAN 27 JAN
FITUR INTERNATIONAL TOURISM TRADE FAIR
10 APR 12 APR
WTM AFRICA
19 AUG 21 AUG
SWITZERLAND, ROADSHOW
Madrid, Spain
31 JAN 03 FEB
FESPO Zürich, Switzerland
31 JAN 03 FEB
EAST MEDITERRANEAN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM & TRAVEL EXHIBITION (EMITT)
SEP
CHINA OUTBOUND TRAVEL & TOURISM MARKET (COTMM) Beijing, China
06 SEP 08 SEP
28 APR 01 MAY
ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET (ATM) Dubai, UAE
30 APR & 02 MAY
16 SEP 19 SEP
24 JUN 28 JUN
12 MAR 14 MAR
MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM EXHBITON (MITT) Moscow, Russia
MATTA
NOV
JULY 05 JUL 07 JUL
VISIT MALDIVES TRAVEL EXPO 2019
GERMANY, ROADSHOW
04 NOV 06 NOV
AUSTRALIA ROADSHOW
OCT 01 OCT 04 OCT
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET (WTM) London, United Kingdom
7, 8 & 11 NOV
UK, ROADSHOW Dublin, Manchester & Glasgow
Perth, Melbourne & Sydney
INDIA, ROADSHOW Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chandigarh
ITB Berlin, Germany
23, 25 & 27 SEP
JAPAN, ROADSHOW Nagoya, Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka
Cologne, Frankfurt, Munich & Vienna
JUNE
BIT
MAR 06 MAR 10 MAR
MIDDLE EAST ROADSHOW Abu Dhabi & Dubai
FEB Milan, Italy
28 OCT 31 OCT
KL, Malaysia
Istanbul, Turkey
10 FEB 12 FEB
Osaka, Japan
Basel Zurich & Geneva
Cape Town, South Africa
15 APR 17 APR
TOURISM EXPO JAPAN (JATA)
12 NOV 15 NOV
NORDIC, ROADSHOW Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki
IFTM TOP RESA Paris, France 25, 27, 29 NOV & 2 DEC
07, 08 & 10 OCT
FRANCE, ROADSHOW
CHINA, ROADSHOW Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou & Chengdu
Toulouse, Nice & Paris
DEC
Malaysia, Putraja 09 OCT 11 OCT
TTG TRAVEL EXPERIENCE Rimini, Italy
02 DEC 05 DEC
INTERNATIONAL LUXURY TRAVEL MARKET (ILTM) Cannes, France
04 ROADSHOWS & FAIRS
SERIES OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT IN UK TO PROMOTE THE MALDIVES Maldives Marketing & Public Relations
reality experience, and Raffle draw. The
Corporation (MMPRC) has commenced a
Maldives was showcased at a two-story
series of marketing activities in the UK to
345sqm stand designed colorfully to
promote the Maldives.
display the beauty of Maldives.
MMPRC together with the tourism industry
The Journey to the Sunny Side Maldives
partners took part in World Travel Market
roadshow was held in Dublin, Manchester,
(WTM) 2019 held in London, the UK
and Glasgow on 7th, 8th and 11th of
from 4-6 November 2019. WTM, now in
November coinciding with WTM London.
its 40th year is one of the leading global
This event served as a platform for
events for the travel industry. Mr. Thoyyib
Maldives tourism industry partners to
Mohamed, the Managing Director of
showcase products and network with
MMPRC led the delegation consisting of
top travel trade industry partners to
163 representatives from 63 companies
increase tourist arrivals from these target
from the tourism industry of Maldives.
markets. 16 companies from the Maldives
campaign to promote the Maldives in major
busiest train station, with an estimated
During the fair, officials met with industry
Tourism Industry have participated in this
locations across London. The campaign
94.4 million people passing through the
professionals to explore means to further
roadshow to create potential opportunities
includes 3 major efforts to market the
station each year.
develop and strengthen the presence
and to further strengthen the relationship
Maldives as an ideal holiday destination.
of Maldives. In addition to this, a press
with the operators. In addition to the
It included 40 digital advertisements
The UK is one of the major source markets
conference was held on 4th November,
destination presentation and one-to-one
featuring
on
for the Maldives. Arrival figures from
chaired by the Managing Director of
networking sessions during the event, a
screens at bus stops near busy train
January to September 2019 rank UK in
MMPRC Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed and top
raffle draw winner was chosen from each
stations in London. Maldives was vibrantly
the fifth position for highest performing
industry partners. Other activities carried
city to spend holidays in the Maldives.
advertised on The Original Tour buses in
markets to the Maldives accounting for
out at the stand included live Music by
To
London and at the digital screen situated
7.3% of total market share.
Detune band, local food tasting, virtual
MMPRC
further promote the destination, has
launched
an
outdoor
the
Maldives
displayed
inside Waterloo train station, which is UK’s
MMPRC AMENDS MEMBERSHIP FEE STRUCTURE TO ENCOURAGE INDUSTRY PARTNERS The Board of Directors along with the
MMPRC reports that this fee amendment
Management of MMPRC has decided to
will be in effect from 31st October 2019.
amend the Membership Fee Structure of Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation
The corporation reported that the purpose
(MMPRC) to encourage participation from
of this amendment is to increase the
all the industry partners.
number of registered members, to assist the industry partners to work with the
To continue receiving the benefits of
corporation and to increase the number of
being a member of MMPRC through
participants for the activities carried out
2020, members had to renew membership
by MMPRC.
subscriptions
before
31st
December
2019. The bed charges have been removed and the nominal fee has been reduced in the new membership fee structure.
ROADSHOWS & FAIRS 05
06 ROADSHOWS & FAIRS
MALDIVES PROMOTED AT THE INTERNATIONAL LUXURY TRAVEL MARKET IN FRANCE
Maldives Marketing & Public Relations
to further develop and strengthen the
Corporation
presence of the Maldives in the French
(MMPRC),
together
with
tourism industry partners, participated
luxury market.
in the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM)
fair
in
Cannes,
France
that
The Maldives stand was built in a 60-meter
commenced on the 2nd of December
space with colorful displays and light-up
2019. This is the first time Maldives is being
boards to accentuate the vibrant beauty of
represented at ILTM as a destination in
the Maldives. Every co-exhibiting partner
several years.
was allocated a dedicated meeting space co-branded within the main stand.
An event organized by Reed Exhibitions, ILTM was a luxury show that focused
MMPRC has participated and represented
solely on pre-booked B2B meetings. This
the Maldives in a total of 23 fairs this year,
year, ILTM celebrated its 18th edition,
including ILTM. Maldives participated in
promising to be the largest ILTM to be held
IFTM Top Resa France earlier this year, and
with more than 5000 expected visitors.
ILTM would be the second fair in France
Over 80 countries and 1880 companies
participated by the Maldives in 2019.
participated in last year’s fair, with an estimated amount of over 72,000 pre-
Based on the Arrival figures from January to
booked appointments.
October 2019, France is ranked in the 7th position of the highest performing markets
During the 4 days of ILTM Cannes, a
to the Maldives accounting for 3.5% of
total of 17 officials from 13 companies
total market share. To sustain and increase
met with industry professionals from the
the arrivals to the country, MMPRC has
lucrative luxury tourism market. MMPRC
conducted several marketing activities in
utilized this platform to explore the means
the French Market throughout 2019.
MALDIVES PARTICIPATED AT THE THAI SILK FASHION WEEK & GRAND EXTRAVAGANZA IN THAILAND Maldives participated in the Thai Silk Fashion
Famous
Week from 18th to 21st of November 2019
Moonisa
and Grand Fashion Extravaganza held on
Asiyath Shimla (Shimla) showcased their
23rd of November 2019 to promote the
designs during the fashion week inspired
Maldives as a Tourist Destination and to
by the traditional Maldivian dresses. The
strengthen the bilateral relation between
dresses
Maldives and Thailand.
week by Maldivian
local
fashion
Luthufee
designers
(Mooni)
displayed during
and
the
fashion
Ms. Ms.
fashion designers
were tailored using Thai Silk. This was Maldives participation at the Thai Silk
a great opportunity to promote the
Fashion week was organized by the
culture and tourism of the Maldives on an
Embassy of the Republic of The Maldives in
international platform. 31 ambassadors
Thailand with the immense support of the
from 71 countries showcased their designs
Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives
at the Grand Fashion Extravaganza and
to the Kingdom of Thailand Mr. Mohamed
the Maldives’ designs were presented by
Jinah the Maldives and Deputy Ambassador
Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of
of the Republic of Maldives to the Kingdom
Maldives to the Kingdom of Thailand Ms.
of Thailand Ms. Huda Shareef.
Huda Shareef.
This is a great initiative and for the
During the event, the beauty of Maldives
first time, the Maldives made a mark in
was shown through the destination video
integrating Maldivian culture and fashion at
on the main screen. Promotional materials
the 9th Celebration of Silk: Thai Silk Road
such as information brochures were also
to the World 2019. MMPRC’s strategy to
distributed during the event. The event was
market the Maldives as a tourist destination
covered by international media and local
worldwide in 2020 will include reaching to
media in Thailand.
potential niche segments.
This project celebrating Thai silk is organized
in honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the
exhibit traditional and modern Thai silk and
Queen Mother called “Celebration of Silk
design.
– Thai Silk Road to the World.” This is the 9th annual celebration of Silk. 71 countries
Thailand is one of the top markets among
displayed their cultural dresses during
the South East Asian countries with
the fashion show and famous designers
promising growth of tourist arrivals with
including
participated
over 25,334 arrivals by the end of October
in the fashion show. Since 2010, the
2019. Thailand is one of the highest
Thai Tourist Assistance Foundation, in
performing markets to the Maldives in the
collaboration with members of the foreign
South East Asian region accounting for 14%
diplomatic corporations in Bangkok, has
of total market share by the end of October
organized the Celebration of Silk project to
2019.
Jimmy
Choo
ROADSHOWS & FAIRS 07
ROADSHOW IN 4 CITIES PROMOTED MALDIVES IN CHINA travel trade industry partners to increase
with 230,349 tourist arrivals. This is a 3.7
tourist arrivals from the target markets.
percent increment compared to the same
Eleven companies from the Maldives
period of last year.
Tourism
this
MMPRC has carried out several activities
roadshow to create potential opportunities
during this year to further boost the
and to further strengthen the relationship
arrivals from the Chinese market. As such,
with the Chinese tour operators. In addition
MMPRC has participated in China’s biggest
to the destination presentation and one-to-
outbound travel trade fair, China Outbound
one networking sessions during the event,
Travel & Tourism Market (COTTM). This
a raffle draw winner was chosen from each
fair has recorded more than 200,000
city to spend holidays in the Maldives,
visitors from the travel trade industry.
with sponsorship from Paradise Island
Furthermore, MMPRC has conducted social
Resort, Sun Island Resort & Spa, Robinson
and digital media campaigns, Outdoor
Club Maldives, and Furaveri Maldives.
advertising campaigns and Familiarization
MMPRC received excellent support from
trips targeted to enhance the presence
Maldives industry partners for the “Journey
of Maldives as a destination Moreover a
to the sunny side” roadshows in 2019.
campaign in partnership with Singapore
This marked the completion of the series
Airlines is part of the Star Alliance is being carried out in this market.
Industry
participated
in
As part of the series of roadshows planned
event of this series which is a marketing
planned for 2019 where 12 roadshows in
by Maldives Marketing & Public Relations
campaign launched by MMPRC in 2019.
37 cities have been conducted this year.
Corporation (MMPRC), “Journey to the
As a result of these activities, the China
Sunny Side” commenced in China. The
The four-city roadshow targeted the China
Based on the Arrival figures until the end
market has shown progress and it is
roadshow was held from 25th November –
market to maximize the Maldives brand
of September this year, China is ranked
expected to see the potential for further
02nd December 2019 in 4 prominent cities:
exposure. This event served as a platform
number one for the highest performing
growth in the coming years.
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou & Chengdu.
for Maldives tourism industry partners to
markets to the Maldives accounting for
Maldives Roadshow in China was the 13th
showcase products and network with top
18.4 percent of the total market share
MEDIA & INFLUENCER TEAM FROM ITALY ARRIVED TO PROMOTE THE MALDIVES trips organized by MMPRC this year. The
Maldives would be featured as articles and
aim of these trips is to further increase
photographs in their respective publications
the exposure for the destination in the
in Italy.
international markets. During their stay in the Maldives for the next 8 days, the team
With
the
first
group
of
tourists
to
would experience the different types of
Maldives being a group of Italians, the
products that are available in the Maldives,
market has remained amongst the most
ranging from guesthouses on local islands
important traditional markets to-date.
to resorts and liveaboards.
It has maintained its position in the top three markets to the Maldives, with a total
A team of journalists and social media
feature the products of the destination and
influencers from Italy have arrived in
highlight the sustainable tourism initiatives
the Maldives on 3rd November 2019.
practiced in the Maldives.
The purpose of this trip is to create awareness of the destination in the Italian
This is the 16th group to arrive in the
market while reaching a wider audience,
Maldives as part of a series of familiarization
The team will be staying at the recently
of 97,375 arrivals being recorded till the
opened resort, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
end of September, which is a growth of 31.7
located in GA atoll, Sun Siyam Irufushi, local
% compared to the same period of last year.
guesthouse, White Lagoon Guesthouse
Through the series of FAM trips, MMPRC
in Baa Fehendhoo and Voyages Maldives
hopes to reach wider audiences in these
Gahaa Safari.
markets to promote the Maldives.
The team of writers belong to well-renowned
MMPRC has participated in TTG, which is
publications such as GQ Italia, Vanity Fair,
the leading tourism fair in Italy which was
Turista.info, Viaggi Corriere and Il Giornale
held last month followed by a Roadshow in
along with two of Italy’s most popular
Milan and Rome to develop and strengthen
social media influencers, Roberto De Roza
the presence of the destination within the
and Lorenzo Liverani. Their experiences in
Italian market.
08 ROADSHOWS & FAIRS
MEDIA TEAM FROM FRANCE VISITED TO PROMOTE THE MALDIVES
A team of some of the top media journalists
excursions. They also took part in the many
arrived in the Maldives to experience first-
wellness options offered in the Maldives
hand and share their stories. The main
such as yoga and spa facilities. In order for
purpose of this trip is to create awareness
them to further witness the natural beauty
of destination Maldives in France while
of the Maldives, they were also taken on a
reaching a wider audience, feature the
cruise trip in a yacht. The team consists of
products of Maldives and show what the
journalists from Nice Martin, Paris Match,
destination has to offer in terms of wellness.
TimeOut, L’Officiel and Marie France. fr. Their experiences would be featured
This FAM Trip organized by MMPRC
on
was the 17th FAM trip to take place this
articles that feature their experience in the
year which took place from 06th till
Maldives.
media
platforms
with
destination
13th November 2019. The FAM trips are expected to increase the exposure of the
France is ranked in the seventh position
destination in the international market.
for the highest performing markets in the Maldives. The number of arrivals
The team stayed at Velassaru Maldives,
was recorded as 44,792 from January to
Huvafen Fushi Maldives, Kandima Maldives
September which is an increase of 21%
and a liveaboard experience at one of the
increase from the same period of 2018.
vessels provided by Yacht Maldives. In this
MMPRC believes our marketing efforts
trip, the team experienced the underwater
through this series of FAM Trips will help
beauty
further promote the Maldives to a wider
of
Maldives
through
planned
activities such as snorkeling and diving
audience from this Market.
MALDIVES DESTINATION GUIDE 2020 LAUNCHED AT WTM LONDON The English edition of the Maldives
Adheel Ismail and Managing Director of
Destination Guide 2020 was launched at
MMPRC, Thoyyib Mohamed at the Maldives
World Travel Market, London.
stall. Published in ten languages, the guide features
hotels,
resorts,
guesthouses,
The publications was published by leading
and liveaboards. The publications provide
marketing
Associates.
travelers and travel trade professionals
Maldives Destination Guide 2020 along with
alike with the latest up to date information
the Resort Hotel Guide 2020 were officially
relating to tourism properties, products and
unveiled by the CEO of Think Associates,
service providers in the Maldives.
agency,
Think
MALDIVES WELCOMED MEDIA TEAM FROM TURKEY Maldives Marketing and Public Relations
of media on conventional and digital
Corporation
welcomed
platforms with some having a special focus
media from Turkey to the Maldives for
on tourism. Atlas Magazine also plans on
a familiarization trip today. This is the
doing a report of 12-16 pages about the
21st familiarization trip conducted by the
Maldives. The hosting properties for this
corporation for various markets this year.
trip are Kuramathi Maldives, Kurumba
(MMPRC)
Maldives, and Mirihi Island Resort. The media was comprised of journalists and editors from a number of famous
The
publications such as Sabah, Daily Sabah,
segments that would interest the Turkish
Yoldasin and Atlas magazine which is
market
circulated widely amongst the Turkish
honeymooners and eco-tourism. These
population.
experiences was shared in their respective
They
are
a
combination
media such
explored as
potential
nature,
niche
adventure,
ROADSHOWS & FAIRS 09 publications and the coverage is expected
8,059 were recorded as arrivals from
MMPRC took part in EMITT 2019 together
from different countries have also been
to bring forward further awareness about
Turkey. Activities are also carried out by
with the industry stakeholders – one of the
conducted to promote tourism in the
the Maldives. The trip concluded on the
MMPRC in small markets such as Turkey
leading platforms for Turkish and global
Maldives.
06th of December 2019.
aside from rigorous campaigns in key
sectors. A FAM trip was also conducted
traditional markets, all of which are pivotal
by bringing in Turkish influencers to
There was a total of 1,393,619 tourist
in achieving the milestone of the 1.5
target the market just last month. Similar
arrivals till October 2019 out of which
millionth tourist this year.
familiarization trips with various media
MALDIVES WELCOMED INFLUENCERS FROM TURKEY
Maldives Marketing and Public Relations
influencers were expected to position
Corporation
welcomed
the Maldives as a holiday gem with new
influencers from Turkey to the Maldives
experiences for consumers in Turkey. The
for a familiarization trip on 26th November
trip concluded on the 30th of this month.
(MMPRC)
2019. This was the 19th familiarization trip conducted by the corporation for various
There was a total of 117,619 tourist arrivals
markets this year.
in September 2019 out of which 907 were recorded as arrivals from Turkey. Activities
The Turkish influencers, Mehmet Kırali
are also carried out by MMPRC in small
and Çiler Geçici have years of experience
markets such as Turkey aside from rigorous
in photography especially focused on
campaigns in key traditional markets, all of
destinations. The hosting properties for this
which is pivotal in achieving the milestone
trip were Kihaa Maldives resort, Shangri-
of the 1.5 millionth tourist this year.
La’s Villingili Resort & Spa and Kiha Beach
Aside from participating in EMITT 2019
Dharavandhoo guesthouse. The influencers
– one of the leading platforms for Turkish
experienced and captured the culture and
and global travel sectors, these trips are
other unique features that make up the
part of the many additional marketing
Maldives.
activities initiated by MMPRC this year to promote the Maldives as a destination.
These experiences will be shared via
Similar familiarization trips have also been
social media and the coverage is expected
conducted targeting various media from
to bring forward even more awareness
different countries to promote tourism
about the Maldives amongst the Turkish
in the Maldives. Another trip targeting
population. With a joint count of over
Turkish media is also planned to take place
a million followers on social media, the
in December this year.
MEDIA TEAM FROM BELGIUM ARRIVED IN THE MALDIVES TO PROMOTE TOURISM As part of the series of familiarization
at Meeru Island Resort & Spa. During
trips organized by Maldives Marketing
their stay, the team of journalists enjoyed
& Public Relations Corporation, a media
various activities in these resorts such
team from Belgium arrived in the Maldives.
as special dinners, watersport activities,
The
to popular
experiencing the underwater beauty of
publications such as La Libre, Marie
the Maldives while also experiencing the
Claire Belgium, Together Magazine, Het
culture of Maldives at local islands. The
Nieusblad, and Psychologies Magazine, will
purpose of these activities was to present
experience the Maldives during their week-
the variety of experiences available in the
long stay in three different resorts in the
Maldives for its visitors. By organizing
Maldives.
such familiarization trips, the main target
The arrivals to the Maldives from Belgium
this region. The familiarization trips are
of MMPRC is to promote the Maldives
have shown growth this year, compared to
part of the many marketing activities
The trip commenced with a two-night stay
as the most preferred tourist destination
the past five years. The arrivals till September
initiated by MMPRC this year to promote
at Paradise Island Resort & Spa followed
in the world. The coverage from this
of 2019 marked a 20.5% increase in arrivals
the Maldives in important markets. This is
by the team heading to Nika Island Resort
trip is anticipated to bring forward more
in comparison to the same period of 2018.
the 18th familiarization trip organized by
& Spa for the next two nights. Their
awareness about the Maldives in Belgium
This is significant growth, indicating the
MMPRC this year.
stay concluded with a three-night stay
and increase the arrivals from the country.
success of the marketing efforts towards
journalists
belonging
10 ROADSHOWS & FAIRS
WTM 2020 TO HOST A ‘MALDIVIAN NIGHT’ Minister of Tourism, Ali Waheed has
traditional Maldivian activities will take
announced that the World Travel Market
place during the WTM 2020.
(WTM) 2020 will host a ‘Maldivian Night’. “We want to make this fair (WTM) more The WTM 2019 was held in London, UK
significant
and
therefore
will
include
from 4-6 November 2019 and was its 40th
a Maldivian night. This will be held in
year. WTM is one of the leading global
collaboration with the Maldives Marketing
events for the travel industry. During his trip
and Public Relations Company (MMPRC)
to London to take part in the WTM 2019,
along with industry partners”, Minister Ali
Tourism Minister Ali Waheed has also made
Waheed said.
a visit to the House of Lords to meet the
MALDIVES BOOST DESTINATION PROFILE IN NORDIC REGION 2019 The Maldives hosted roadshows targeting
(MMPRC), thirteen representative partners
the Nordic region from 12th – 15th
from the tourism industry of Maldives
November 2019. Covering four cities,
would be participating at the Roadshow.
the roadshow kicked off in Copenhagen, Denmark, and move to Oslo, Norway on
The roadshow created a platform to
13th November, followed by Stockholm,
reach
Sweden
from
on
14th
November,
finally
top the
outbound region
tour
operators
through networking
concluded in Helsinki, Finland on 15th
opportunities between Maldives tourism
November 2019.
industry partners and top travel trade in Nordic. The partners were given the
The roadshow was extensively covered by
platform to meet over 200 buyers and
the most prominent mainstream and travel
media representatives, with the potential
trade media in the market. Organized by the
for reaching out to 20 million potential
Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation
visitors from the region.
members of the parliament and discussed
The Minister also discussed ways the UK
ways in which they can assist the industry.
government can provide assistance to the
In view of these meetings, the Minister
Maldivian football community during his
announced that a ‘Maldivian Night’ with
visit.
STATISTICS
TOURIST ARRIVALS INCREASE BY 9.3% IN SEPTEMBER 2019 As per the Tourism Ministry’s September
105.1 percent growth in tourist arrivals
statistics, tourist arrivals for the past nine
during the past nine months of the year. A
months of the year increased by 15.8
total of 115,507 tourists from India spent
percent to reach 1,251,690 compared to
their vacation in the Maldives during the
the same period last year.
period making their total market share 9.2 percent.
The official figures by the tourism ministry show that a total of 117,619 tourists visited
Italy is the third biggest market with a
the Maldives during the month of September
market share of 7.8 percent. Arrivals
— a 9.3 percent increase from 107,620 in
from Italy increased by 31.7 percent to
September 2018. The strong performance
reach 97,375 in the January-September
region-wise in the January-September
period. Germany and the UK, which stands
period was from Europe (48%), followed
at fourth and fifth position in May and again
by Asia & the Pacific (43%), Americas (5%),
in August, retained their respective positions
Middle East (4%) and Africa (1%).
in September, as the UK and Germany maintained a market share of 7.3 percent China
and 7.5 percent, respectively. Germany
upheld its position as the top contributor
tourist arrivals grew by 16.8 percent to
to Maldives tourism with a market share
reach 93,727 during the past nine months
of 18.4 percent, with an increase of 3.7
of the year, whilst visitor numbers from the
percent during the January-September
UK saw an increase of 9.2 percent to reach
period to reach 230,349.
90,963 during the period.
India, continued its streak with the recent
France maintained the seventh position,
takeover from the traditional European
whilst Russia claimed the sixth position
markets to claim the second spot and
with a market share of 4.7 percent. Arrivals
maintained its position with a whopping
from Russia increased by 14.1 percent to
As
per
country-wise
markets,
11
reach 58,306 by the end of September,
9.5 percent to reach 33,367. The emerging
while the number of French tourists visiting
Australian market reached 2.4 percent
the Maldives in the same period grew by 22
in September with arrival growth by 8.2
percent to reach 44,722.
percent in the January-September period with 30,066 Australians.
The US and Japan ranked as the eighth (3.1 percent of total arrivals) and ninth (2.7
The Maldives has welcomed over a million
percent of total arrivals) on the list of top
tourists this year and the Maldives Marketing
10 markets. Arrivals from the US market
and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC)
increased by 29.2 percent to reach 39,013
has announced that tourist arrivals are
in the past nine months of the year, whilst
expected to reach 1.5 million by the end of
the number of Japanese tourists visiting the
November.
Maldives in the same period increased by
12
GOVERNMENT
MALDIVES SIGNS AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH FINLAND
Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Foreign
ties between both countries. Foreign
Minister Pekka Haavisto have signed an Air
Minister Shahid also commended Foreign
Services Agreement between Maldives and
Minister Haavisto and the Government of
Finland today. The Agreement will allow
Finland, for the international recognition
international commercial air transport
the country has achieved in the development
services between Maldives and Finland,
of a symbolic educational model. Both
enhancing the people to people contact as
Ministers also reiterated commitment to
well as the broader economic cooperation
further strengthen the bilateral partnership
between both countries.
between the two countries in areas such as economic and trade cooperation, education,
Minister Shahid was accompanied by the
people to people contact, climate change
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed
and sustainable development and counter-
Khaleel, Non-Resident Ambassador of the
terrorism.
Republic of Maldives to the Republic of Finland, Ahmed Latheef, Minister of State
Noting Finland’s current role as President
for Economic Development, Mohamed Iaad
of the EU Council, Foreign Minister Shahid
Hameed and Director at the Ministry of
also acknowledged the pivotal role played
Foreign Affairs, Shiuneen Rasheed
by the EU in reviving democracy in the Maldives and assured the Government’s
At the meeting held at the Ministry of
commitment to support this partnership
Foreign Affairs of Finland today, both
in the future. Minister Shahid further,
the Ministers discussed on strengthening
requested the support of Finland to support
bilateral cooperation between the two
the Maldives’s bid to obtain visa-free access
countries in a wide range of areas.
for Maldivians traveling to EU countries and tax exemption for the export of Maldivian
Minister Shahid stated that the increased
tuna to the EU market.
engagement between Maldives and Finland is testament to the strengthened bilateral
PLANNING MINISTER ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF 6 NEW AIRPORTS The Planning Minister Mohamed Aslam has
There are 14 airports currently operating in
announced the development of 6 additional
the Maldives. These include the international
regional airports.
airports from the Velaana International Airport,
Hanimaadhoo
International
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of
Airport, Gan International Airport, Villa
the Maafaru airport yesterday, Minister
International Airport, Maafaru International
Aslam said they are aiming to open airports
Airport, and domestic airports at Baa
in different locations in the Maldives.
Dharavandhoo, Raa Ifuru, Th Thimarafushi, Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo, Gaaf Alif Kooddoo,
He further added, “In addition to the
Gaaf Dhaal Kaadedhoo, Laamu Kadhdhoo,
airports that are currently being developed,
Haa
we need about 6 more airports. The current
Fuvahmulah airport.
Dhaal
Kulhudhuhfushi,
and
Gn.
government is working on to develop these airports in 5 years.”
The government announced the opening of 5 new airports in the Maldives this year. These
The Minister said that the locations to
include the newly opened Kulhudhuhfushi
develop the airports are finalized.
airport, Maafaru airport, and airports at Gaaf Alif Maavarulu, Shaviyani Funadhoo
Highlighting that the current government
and Lhaviyani Madivaru.
will withhold the corrective measures by the previous government, Aslam stated:
Establishing airports within 20 minutes
“Domestic maritime public transportation
of each habited island was a pledge of
system will be implemented next year to
the previous government and the current
connect the islands in the Maldives via sea
government is working toward the same
transport.”
goals.
GOVERNMENT
13
MALDIVES TO WELCOME 1.67 MILLION TOURISTS BY END OF 2019 – THOYYIB Maldives Marketing and Public Relations
Thoyyib highlighted that it is the first time
Corporation’s
Mr.
the Maldives is marketed not only on
Thoyyib Mohamed has stated that tourist
traditional media platforms but on modern
arrivals to the Maldives will reach 1.67
and creative media as well. He said, “Global
million by the end of 2019.
tourism is changing. The millennial traveler
Managing
Director
wants more than a relaxing holiday. Today He made the announcement at the event
the keyword is experiential tourism and we
held to welcome the 1.5 millionth tourist to
are working hard to maintain position as
the Maldives at Velana International airport
the most sought after destinations in the
on 24th November 2019. He thanked the
world.”
continuous efforts by the government and the industry stakeholders that have led
He also mentioned that the Maldives is
to the achievement of the destination’s
looking to capitalize on MICE, culture and
target for tourist arrivals 43 days ahead of
sports tourism next year.
time.
TOURIST ARRIVALS INCREASE BY 15.4 PERCENT IN OCTOBER Ministry
of
Tourism
has
announced
had visited during the month of October,
that tourist arrivals in the Maldives had
which is an increase of 15.4 percent
increased by 15.4 percent in October 2019,
compared to October 2018. With the
in comparison to October 2018.
1.5 millionth arrival record on November 24th, over 1.5 million tourists have been
GOVERNMENT RECEIVES USD 260 MILLION AS REVENUE FROM THE TOURISM SECTOR Ministry of Finance has revealed the
Moreover, the state has received USD 46.5
government has received over USD 260
million from Green Tax so far in 2019 while
million as revenue from the tourism
it is estimated to receive USD 58 million by
sector so far this year. As per the statistics
the end of the year.
published by the Finance Ministry, the state has received USD 264 million as Tourism
The statistics also reveal that 155 resorts,
Goods and Services Tax (TGST) and
553 guesthouses, and 12 city hotels are in
projected revenue of USD 327 million.
operation as of September this year.
Ali Waheed, Minister of tourism spoke at
recorded this year. Recording 2 million
a conference where he said, over 1.393
arrivals next year is the target set by the
million tourists have visited the Maldives
government alongside targets to record an
by the end of October 2019. In addition to
annual tourist arrival of 2.5 million by the
that, he also mentioned 141,928 tourists
end of its five-year term.
14
GOVERNMENT
MALDIVES ACHIEVE 1.5 MILLION VISITOR TARGET Maldives welcomed the 1.5 millionth tourist
Current
of the year, reaching the destination’s
government also show that total arrivals for
target for tourist arrivals established for
the first nine months of the year increased
the year 2019. At a special event held
by 15.8 percent compared to the same
at Velana International Airport earlier
period last year.
statistics
released
by
the
today, officials from Maldives Marketing and Public Relations (MMPRC) along with
Reflecting on the new government’s pledge
Tourism Ministry welcomed Ms. Marina
to ramp up tourism promotion, a budget of
Kazakova from Russia.
MVR 104,200,000 (USD 6.7 million) was allocated for tourism promotion in 2019.
Ms.
Marina
was
presented
with
a
commemorative sash and was escorted
MMPRC and Tourism Ministry officials have
to the arrival hall with a traditional
revealed earlier this month that 2019 has
Maldivian Bodu Beru performance where
been the most successful year in tourism
she along with her husband was received by
statistics within the last 10 years.
industry representatives.
TOURISM MINISTER DISCUSSES WAYS TO ATTRACT MORE INDIAN AND CHINESE TOURISTS Minister of Tourism, Ali Waheed has
more tourists from the two allies.
conferred ways to increase tourists from
India and China are two rising tourist
India and China as the Maldives aims to
markets in the Maldives. According to
attract 2 million tourists by the end of 2020.
statistics publicized by the Ministry of
The discussion was held by the Minister
tourism, China was the single largest
during meetings and was held with the
market of tourist arrivals by October 2019.
Indian Ambassador of Maldives, Sunjay
In this regard, 252,245 tourists from China
Sudhir and the Chinese Ambassador of
arrived in the Maldives, whereas, 121,000
Maldives, Zhang Lizhong.
tourists arrived from India, who is the second-highest single market.
Both ambassadors visited the Minister to
MALDIVES SIGN VISA WAIVER AGREEMENT WITH MOROCCO Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maldives has
relations between the two peoples. “This
signed a Visa Waiver Agreement with the
will pave the way for Maldivians to travel to
Kingdom of Morroco on 15th November
Morocco without visas from 31st January
2019. On behalf of the Foreign Ministry
2020. Another momentous milestone for
Maldives,
the
Maldives-Morocco relations, ” he further
agreement while his Moroccon Counterpart
remarked. Along with the visa exemption
Nasseer Bourita signed on behalf of the
agreement, the two countries signed a total
Moroccan Government. Abdulla Shahid,
of four agreements during the Maldivian
the Foreign Minister of Maldives said that
Foreign Minister’s trip to Morocco to
the visa waiver agreement will further
strengthen diplomatic ties at all levels.
consolidate
Abdulla
the
Shahid
political,
signed
economic
congratulate him as the Maldives reached
Preparations
and
its target of attracting 1.5 million tourists
conducted
this year. Furthermore, discussions took
new destinations as the country has
place on approaches Maldives can attract
accomplished the target it set for this year.
to
planning
market
the
are
being
sector
in
GOVERNMENT 15
MALDIVES SIGNS WITH LIMKOKWING UNIVERSITY TO DEVELOP INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS The Maldives signed an agreement with
Limkokwing
Limkokwing University to conduct training
President Tiffanee highlighted that with this
and develop industry professionals.
agreement they will provide assistance not
University’s
Vice
only in the tourism sector to train industry In a ceremony held at the Malaysian
professionals but also in other sectors and
Limkokwing University campus in London,
will provide technology-wise support and
the agreement was signed by Minister of
assistance to the Maldives.
Tourism Ali Waheed and the University president’s daughter and the vice president
Tourism Ministry aims to lease islands for
of the university, Dato’ Tiffanee Marie Lim.
the development of resorts with the strict
The Minister informs that this agreement
regulation imposed by the government to
will provide opportunities for fully funded
hire locals from the nearby islands.
and semi funded scholarships. He further added, “President Mohamed Solih aims to
The Minister also stated that under this
bring locals to the top managerial positions
understanding, teams will even visit new
in the industry. There are locals who need
resort development areas, if needed and
further training to accomplish that and this
will conduct the required training to ensure
agreement will facilitate them.”
that locals get opportunities in the industry.
MALDIVES TO BE THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE RC CELT FROM NOW ON ‘Maldives… the sunny side of life’ as well
better known throughout the world, mainly
as on the official bus and various areas in
in Europe, India, and China through the
the Abanca Balaídos stadium and training
audiences at the matches on television
camps. In addition, RC Celta, as an
and Facebook, to which collaboration in
international benchmark for youth work,
the development and growth of football
will collaborate with the Maldives in the
is added. ” Together we will make a great
promotion and improvement of youth
partnership that will bear much fruit for
football and the future national team of
both of us,” he said.
this country. The sky blue club will host a number of young Maldivian players to
For his part, the Minister of Tourism of
improve their training and club coaches
the Government of Maldives, Ali Waheed,
will travel to the Maldives to share their
expressed his gratitude to the sky blue
knowledge and experience.
team for the agreement reached to have the name of his country appear on the
RC Celta President Carlos Mouriño was
first team’s kit. “We would like to thank RC
enthusiastic about the agreement reached
Celta for allowing us to bring the sunny side
RC Celta and the government of the Maldives
the minister of tourism of the islands, Ali
with the Government of the Maldives. “It is
of the Maldives to this club. We’d like us to
signed a sponsorship and collaboration
Waheed, his counterpart for youth and
an honor and an enormous satisfaction for
be the sunny side of the RC Celta from now
agreement on 4th November that will
sports, Ashad Ali, and the president of
us, RC Celta, that we have been chosen to
on,” he said.
foster a fruitful relationship between the
the Maldives Football Association, Bassam
promote the beauties of their islands,” he
two institutions over the next three years.
Adeel Jaleel.
said during the presentation of the team’s
“This agreement will greatly promote
new sponsor.
tourism and sport and will strengthen the
The signing of the agreement, which took place in A Sede’s Salón Regio, was attended
The agreement includes the promotion
by the president of the Vigo club, Carlos
of the country on the first team’s home
Mouriño also stated that the club will
Mouriño, the vice-president, Pedro Posada,
and training jersey sleeves with the slogan
collaborate in making these idyllic islands
backbone of our national team and all of our country’s football,” he added.
16 GOVERNMENT
MALDIVES TO ATTEMPT ‘WORLD SCUBA DIVING’ RECORD NEXT YEAR Tourism Minister, Ali Waheed has said that
del Mare 2’ – Verona, in Torri del Benaco,
the Maldives will attempt the ‘World Scuba
Verona in 2009 with 280 people free-diving
Diving’ record in the coming year. During a
simultaneously.
press conference held before the Tourism Minister’s official trip to Spain, the Minister
“This attempt will give us the opportunity
said that they intend to make ‘World Scuba
to promote the Maldives and showcase
Diving’ record as part of the “World Tourism
the beautiful marine life here. We intend
Day 2020” which will see the longest human
to break the current world record on the
chain underwater scuba diving.
‘longest human chain underwater scuba diving’ by re-creating this on World Tourism
The Minister made this statement while
Day with locals and foreigners alike at one
referring to the ‘free-diving world record’
of our mesmerizing islands.”
attempt at Baros lagoon with 520 freedivers as part of this year’s World Tourism
The current world record for the ‘longest
Day
marks
human chain underwater’ was achieved by
Maldives’ first world record. The event
Indonesia Women’s Organisation (WASI) in
was the country’s attempt to break the
Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia on 1
world record previously set by ‘La Scuola
August 2019 with 578 people.
celebrations,
which
also
MALDIVES SEES BOOST OF GROWTH IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY - STATE REVEALS Celebrating
the
current
government’s
initiated promoting guesthouse tourism
Seminars. The statistics also revealed that
in 8 cities, 1 fair, 5 joint promotions, 9
successful 1 year, the president’s office
through
destination
bed capacity has been increased to 1,336
campaigns, and 5 media fam trips. As
has revealed the boost of growth in the
marketing. The government has revealed
along with 90 new guesthouses. This growth
part of the World Tourism Day 2019
tourism industry with the achievement of
MVR 86.7 million has been given out as loans
in the industry came with an increase in job
celebrations, the island nation’s President
1.5 million tourist arrivals way ahead of the
for the development of the Guesthouse
opportunities accumulating a total of 518
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also joined 520
target period.
industry. Further to this Maldives Marketing
new jobs.
others in simultaneous freediving off the
the
government’s
& PR Corporation (MMPRC) in association
lagoon of Baros Maldives resort, which
Addressing the need for aspiring businesses
with the Guesthouse Association of Maldives
Under the ‘Visit Maldives’ slogan, MMPRC
broke the world record for the most people
in local island tourism, the president
and Orca Media Group, also conducted
had conducted and launched several
freediving simultaneously in the Maldives.
organized the Guesthouse symposium and
the first-ever Local Tourism Marketing
marketing activities include two roadshows
GOVERNMENT
17
MINISTRY OF TOURISM SETS NEW TARGET OF 2 MILLION TOURISTS PER YEAR Minister of Tourism, Ali Waheed has
Observing the numerous activities and
announced that the new target for Maldivian
events carried out to promote the Maldives
tourism is two million tourist arrivals within
this year, the Minister noted that similar
a year.
activities would be carried out in the following year as well since the government’s
He made this statement during the special
aim is to reach the target in 2021.
event held at Velana International Airpot (VIA) following the achievement of the
Managing Director of MMPRC, Thoyyib
previous set target of 1.5 million tourists.
Mohamed also said that “I will say this year
Tourism Minister, Ali Waheed said that this
was very successful. I am very pleased
is a huge feat for the Maldives and that the
because we have worked satisfactorily.
Government intends to achieve the two
Most of what we have done will be reflected
million target within the next two years.
next year”.
He further highlighted that “this does not
Russian national, Marina Kazakova was the
mean that Maldives Marketing and Public
1.5 millionth tourist to visit the Maldives
Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and the
in 2019 where she along with her husband
Ministry failed if we do not reach two
was received by industry representatives
million by December 31 next year. There is
during the special reception held at VIA.
no pressure”.
MALDIVES DEBUTS AS RC CELTA’S SUNNY SIDE AGAINST BARCELONA RC Celta debut with the ‘Maldives… the
home and training jersey sleeves with the
sunny side of life’ on their shirt sleeve at
slogan ‘Maldives… the sunny side of life’
the La Liga match against FC Barcelona.
as well as on the official bus and various
The match took place on 10th November
areas in the Abanca Balaídos stadium and
2019 at the home stadium of FC Barcelona,
training camps. In addition, RC Celta,
Camp Nou.
as an international benchmark for youth work, will collaborate with the Maldives in
COUNTRIES MALDIVIAN CITIZENS CAN GET ON ARRIVAL VISA REACH TO 90 Ministry
of
Foreign
Affairs,
Maldives
Ministry of Maldives has been carrying out
recently signed visa waiver agreements
discussions on enhancing the prospering
with the Kingdom of Morroco, Russia, and
ties between the Maldives and foreign
Thailand, making the total destinations for
countries in order to strengthen diplomatic
Maldivian citizens to get on arrival visa to
ties at all levels.
reach a total of 90 countries. The Foreign
RC Celta and the government of the
the promotion and improvement of youth
Maldives
and
football and the future national team of
collaboration agreement on 4th November
this country. The sky blue club will host
that will foster a fruitful relationship
a number of young Maldivian players to
between the two institutions for the next
improve their training and club coaches
three years. The agreement includes the
will travel to the Maldives to share their
promotion of the country on the first team’s
knowledge and experience.
signed
a
sponsorship
18 NEW PROPERTIES
THE STANDARD, HURUVALHI MALDIVES OPEN ITS SHORES
The Standard, an American hotel brand
for purchase on the island. Guests are
known for its taste-making clientele,
then escorted to one of the resort’s 115
pioneering design, and unrelenting un-
overwater and beach villas, each with its
standard-ness,
The
own infinity plunge pool and private lounge
Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives on November
deck with direct access to the lagoon,
1 st 2019, marking the brand’s first property
ocean or beach. A glittering disco ball
destination, The Standard has taken a
bathtub in every villa bathroom makes for
fresh approach to its island retreat, offering
a signature Standard statement piece and
relaxation, social activities and vibrant
serves as a reminder that you really can
cultural experiences that welcome not only
party anywhere and at any time of the day
couples but groups of friends and singles
at The Standard.
proudly
launches
aromatic rice dishes and freshly baked
skis and windsurfers. The resort also has
bread. For a spot of grilled grub and reggae
an 82 square meter inflatable water park
beats on the beach, swing by BBQ SHAK,
accessible by pontoon for both adults and
where fresh seafood and meats are grilled
kids. Parents looking for a reprieve can
to order over coconut shell charcoal and
drop their kids off at the Lil’ Shark Kids
paired with a selection of house-made
Club complete with professional childcare
sauces.
services, a teen zone, and a paddling pool.
Island living makes for thirsty work. Head
For recovery or a reboot, The Standard
over to TODIS BAR, located off the pool
Spa is an indoor hydrotherapy playground
deck for a signature TODIS cocktail, served
complete with a contemporary communal
in a half coconut shell and made from
hammam, aroma cypress steam room
“toddy”, a local specialty liquor made by
and contrast shower experience. Chill out
fermenting fresh coconut water. As the sun
with a Do-It-Yourself Mud Experience for
sets, guests are invited to BERU BAR for
one or a massage for two and take in The
craft cocktails, tropical juices and Maldivian
Spa’s ocean views from our nine private
inspired light bites. An adults-only over-
treatment rooms, couples den, and yoga
water-club perched just feet above the
studio hosting daily classes.
ocean, it features fantastic views, a glass
Deck and Tonic Bar is the perfect place
floor bottomed floor and a sunset ritual led
to kick-back post-treatment, enjoy a yoga
by a Boduberu drummer (a local Maldivian
session or maybe a moonlit soiree. The
percussionist). Local DJs spin breezy
Sun Lounge experience offers crystals and
Maldivian inspired-beats, drawing everyone
an apothecary for the body and mind that
to the dance floor.
includes skincare and lifestyle products.
The Spa
Adventures On the Island and Committed to Conservation Underwater The Standard’s commitment to showcasing in Asia. Traditionally seen as a couple’s strategically perched above the soaking
looking to reset and recharge in paradise. On property, guests will find a large scale Following
its
groundbreaking
London
specially commissioned work from Rostarr,
debut, Standard International, the parent
a
highly
acclaimed,
company of The Standard, the company
multidisciplinary artist and member of The
intends to mark its entry into Asia with the
Global Standard Family – the brand’s inner
rebranding of Carpe Diem Beach Resort and
circle of creators, collaborators and cultural
Spa to “The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives”.
tastemakers.
Getting There
Dining in Style
A breathtaking 35-minute seaplane ride
The
away from Velana International Airport,
the bounty of the region. The freshest
The Standard, Huruvalhi is nestled between
ingredients and produce sourced both
the Raa and Baa Atolls, on a naturally
regionally and from the resort’s own
protected island. Guests can also take a
island farm are showcased in a delicious
combined 20-minute domestic flight to
array of local and global creations. Six
Dharavandhoo and a 35-minute speedboat
unique restaurants cater to every taste
ride to the resort.
and preference. GUDUGUDA, an authentic
Standard,
groundbreaking
Huruvalhi
celebrates
Maldivian Restaurant, is the first of its kind
A Warm Welcome to The Standard, in the Maldives. Featuring a traditional Huruvalhi Maldives celebratory Maldivian cuisine cooked by Guests step into an airy, intimate lobby,
Maldivian “aunties” – the women who
accessible 24-hours a day and complete
carry on the tradition of this remarkable
with an exclusive curated selection of cult
cuisine, menus showcase locally caught,
beauty and wellness products, eclectic
seafood driven dishes, flavourful coconut
wares, and resort essentials only available
milk curries, regional fruits and vegetables,
Guests are spoiled for choice with a
an unparalleled resort experience is equaled
selection of curated experiences and
by its dedication to the conservation of
cultural programs that include indigenous
marine life. Preserving coral life, reducing
basket
cinema
plastic waste, and using products made
beneath the stars or join one of their
from repurposed and recyclable materials
legendary pool parties at the beachside
all form a groundwork of the resort’s
infinity pool. The Standard, Huruvalhi
conservation efforts to saving the ocean
also has some of the most experienced
and marine life. Guests will find some
guides for snorkeling and diving excursions
signature menu items include a $1 donation
through the resort’s protected house reef
towards the resort’s foundation for coral
and local waters. Enjoy sunset boat trips
conservation. The Standard, Huruvalhi
to uninhabited islands and undiscovered
also proudly has its very own lagoon coral
reefs, as well as day and night fishing and
nursery which houses over 3,000 juvenile
private destination dining. For some fun in
corals, creating the resort’s very own
the sun, a full collection of sea equipment
personal underwater garden.
weaving,
a
moonlight
is available from glass bottom kayaks to jet
NEW PROPERTIES 19
LUXURIOUS JW MARRIOTT DEBUTS IN THE MALDIVES “We are thrilled to open our JW Marriott
and Japanese teppanyaki, along with a
brand in this truly amazing destination,”
chef’s garden to supply the resort with daily
said Mitzi Gaskins, Vice President & Global
fresh produce. Three full-service bars will
Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “With a focus
serve up old and new world wines with over
on
300 labels to choose from, fine Japanese
holistic
well-being
thoughtfully-curated
and
enriching,
experiences,
this
sake and handcrafted cocktails with over 98
private island resort will inspire our guests
different types of rum available. Guests can
to be fully present and come together
also enjoy 24-hour in-villa dining services.
with loved ones to enjoy a getaway that
For families traveling with children, Little
nourishes not only the body but also the
Griffins, a Family by JW kids club, features
mind and soul.”
a 43 foot-long pirate ship, kids sleeping area, a servery, games and educational
Guests can escape into a world of complete
activities to provide the little ones hours of
well-being with an extensive array of
fun and entertainment. Guests over 18 will
dedicated fitness and spa amenities, along
be able to enjoy an adults-only infinity pool
with a daily schedule of engaging and
area at the tip of Vagaru island, as well as
Marriott International’s iconic JW Marriott
or sunset views. While Beach Pool Villas
mindfulness-focused activities. The resort’s
a clubhouse complete with a cigar room,
brand debuts in the Maldives with JW
come with direct access to the pristine white
overwater gym, open-air pavilion, daily
shisha room, and billiards table.
Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. JW
sandy beaches of the private island, the
workout classes, yoga sessions, and easy
Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a 55
unique, split-level Duplex Beach Pool Villa
movement and breathing exercises will
The private island where the all-new JW
minutes flight from Velana International
is designed to cater to multigenerational
guests provide numerous opportunities to
Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa sits holds
Airport (VIA) and is 192 km away from
families,
lounges,
find mindful moments and reconnect with
a stunning natural reef just meters from
Male’ City on the island of Vagaru in the
bedrooms, and bathrooms to accommodate
their surroundings. The signature Spa by
the shore teeming with sea life for guests
northern Shaviyani atoll.
larger groups. Each room throughout the
JW will offer a sanctuary for indulging
to take in. An on-site marine biologist
resort draws inspiration from the natural
in head-to-toe pampering and luxurious
oversees the health of the reef along with
The stunning new resort features 60
surroundings and local Maldivian culture,
treatments.
organizing diving and snorkeling excursions
spacious villas, starting at approximately
incorporating colors and materials that
2,520 sq. feet, which include private pools
highlight the island destination. Thatched
The JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
white sand beaches, stunning designs, and
and wooden sunbathing decks. Duplex
roofs on villas are reminiscent of inverted
will be a gourmand’s paradise with five
authentic Maldivian cultural experiences
Overwater Pool Villas and single-story
dhoni boats, the traditional Maldivian
restaurants, featuring a remarkable array of
come together at the luxurious property to
Overwater Pool Villas are set on stilts
wooden fishing vessels, and slanted roof
fine-dining choices; from classic Maldivian
ensure guests get the most out of their stay.
overlooking the clear turquoise waters of
tips recall white herons dipping their heads
seafood to exotic Thai cuisine on a treetop
the Indian Ocean, with a choice of sunrise
into the water.
restaurant, wood-fired brick oven pizzas
featuring
separate
and other water sports. Mesmerizing
SOUTH PALM RESORT WELCOMED ITS FIRST GUESTS South Palm Resort Maldives has opened its
tropical vegetation.
shores welcoming its first guests on 01st
The resort is a 10-minute boat ride away
December 2019.
from
Gan
International
Airport.
The
island of Gan is most commonly known as The resort’s first arriving guests were a
RAF Gan, the former base of the United
couple on their honeymoon. The resort
Kingdom’s Royal Air Force after the world
released a statement with a picture of
war. The island was handed back to the
the couple saying, “Meet our first arriving
Maldivian Government on 1st April 1976,
guests. This lovely couple is on their
and since has been used as the main airport
honeymoon, and we have the pleasure of
in the south of Maldives.
serving them on their first journey together. We hope to welcome you again, for many
South Palm Resort Maldives has a total
more years to come.”
of 130 rooms in five categories: Sunrise villas, Palms villas, Beach Villas, Family
The island of Ismehela Hera, where South
Villas, and Over-water villas. A magical
Palm Resort Maldives is set, is on the
spa, set around the island’s natural lake,
eastern edge of the heart-shaped Addu
boasts the world’s first floating spa rooms,
atoll. A natural island with its own small
accessible only by traditional Maldivian
lake, stunning ocean view, a beautiful
boat.
beach, crystal clear lagoon, and lush
20 NEW PROPERTIES
S HOTELS & RESORTS TO DEVELOP A HIGH-END LIFESTYLE RESORT IN THE CROSSROADS MALDIVES
S Hotels & Resorts has announced a joint
market. We expect to start the construction
venture with a strategic partner to develop
in 2020 and to commercially open by 2022.
an 80-key high-end lifestyle resort in the
The Island 3 Resort would also enable
CROSSROADS Maldives.
the Company to expand our offerings to experiential travelers in the Maldives. In
Mr. Dirk De Cuyper, Chief Executive Officer
addition to our newly opened resorts, SAii
of S Hotels and Resorts Public Company
Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton
Limited (“SHR”) revealed, “On November
on Island 1 and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives
14, 2019, S Hotels & Resorts entered into
on Island 2. With the advantage of prime
a Joint Venture Agreement in accordance
project location, just 15minute speedboat
with the investment in a high-end lifestyle
ride from the international airport, and The
resort on Island 3 of the CROSSROADS
Marina @ CROSSROADS providing one-
Maldives project with our strategic partner,
of-a-kind fully integrated lifestyle tourist
Eco World Developer Holding Company
facility offering a luxurious 30-berth yacht
Limited (EWD) – a conglomerate business
marina, beach club, restaurants, retail
partner
invests
shops, multipurpose event hall and various
including
leisure activities; having an exceptional
properties, mining, automotive, and food
partner such as EWD allows the Company
and beverage businesses. This agreement
to be even more confident to the further
marks another remarkable milestone for
realize success of CROSSROADS project
the Company to explore the expansion of
after the ground-breaking CROSSROADS
the hospitality business in this region.”
Maldives project and as well to successfully
in
from
various
Myanmar
business
who
sectors
achieve our revenue and earning target.” He further added, “The Resort on Island 3 of the CROSSROADS project will be
More details on the joint venture structure,
composed of 80 spacious villas with the
i.e. shareholding percentage, construction
majority of the inventory as water villas
budget, other key terms, and conditions are
at a price point of $900-$1,000 per night,
expected to be disclosed to the investors in
which strengthens CROSSROADS position
due course.
with a more diversified portfolio in the
EMERALD MALDIVES RESORT & SPA MAKES ITS OFFICIAL DEBUT
Emerald Maldives Resort & SPA made
awaits nothing short of a masterpiece.
its official debut on 4th December. A real
Poole’s striking design includes enormous
first in terms of spectacular and unusual
sparkling, white marble bathrooms with
design and with an outstanding deluxe all-
lavish silver mirrors and color-blocked
inclusive offering, the resort offers ‘Natural
bedrooms with exotic marine life wall art to
Elegance’.
compliment.
The resort had a grand opening event
All guests stay on a deluxe all-inclusive basis,
inaugurated by the former president and
which means when they arrive at Emerald
current speaker of the parliament of
Maldives, they don’t have to worry about a
Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed.
thing. Deluxe all-inclusive allows guests to dine at any of the four resort’s restaurants
The 20-hectare Emerald Maldives Resort,
as many times as they like during their stay.
which has just opened, is located in the
They can help themselves to the villa mini
Northern Maldives archipelago in the Raa
bar which is restocked every day, enjoy
Atoll and has a 120-hectare lagoon which is
premium spirits and all non-motorised
home to 1.7km of coral reef, as well as its
water sports at no additional cost.
own private marina which can be accessed by seaplane.
When it comes to dining, Emerald hasn’t missed a trick, covering cuisine from
The US$200m property has 120 villas that
every continent there are four fantastic
have been constructed using bamboo,
restaurants to choose from, each with their
natural stone and “Langhi Langhi” leaves.
own menu, style, theme, and ambiance.
Designed by architect Edward David Poole,
Boasting the first and only South American
each villa exudes contemporary and tropical
restaurant in the Maldives is the popular
influences to create modern and unique
Amazonico, serving dishes like ceviche with
interiors. From the outside, the villas blend
passion fruit dressing and meats and fish
harmoniously with the backdrop of the
from the huge open fire grill which takes
serene, tropical island and on the inside
center stage in this atmospheric restaurant.
NEW PROPERTIES
21
Nestled in the center of the island amongst
Emerald Maldives offers extensive water
of Balinese and Thai treatments across 10
trainers are available to all guests too.
the palm trees, there are red lanterns that
sports facilities, and some of the best
air-conditioned treatment rooms, as well as
The resort has prioritized sustainability
are strategically placed to mirror the effect
diving in the Maldives at the five-star Diving
a Turkish bath, sauna, and jacuzzi. Elemis
by using long-lasting Langhi Langhi leaves
of an open campfire, offering guests an
Centre where guests can even get their
treatments are also available for guests
to build the canopies, and solar panels on
authentic rainforest experience! Carefully
PADI license. Spanning 1500 sqm, the
seeking a sensory wellness experience with
every villa to power the entire resort’s hot
curated by head Chef Aldo Cadu, other
resort’s Dolphin Kids Club is one of the
a difference. Situated on one of the quietest
water. In a bid to reduce single-use plastic
culinary highlights include Asiatique’s live
largest in the Maldives with its own zip wire
parts of the island, the Yoga Pavilion is
waste, the resort uses paper straws as well
cooking shows in front of the teppanyaki
that journey’s from one side of the island to
the perfect setting to truly switch off and
as glass bottles and the island is home to
grill and fresh Maldivian lobster at the
the other and welcomes kids from the age
offers breath-taking sunrise yoga sessions.
a recyclable water irrigation system and
Beach Club Grill Restaurant. The signature
of 3-12 on a complimentary basis.
The resort has also been built with sports
composting facility.
Aqua Restaurant offers bare-foot luxury
and fitness lovers in mind with two large
at its finest, and with a variety of cooking
Home to a sumptuous haven of tranquillity,
tennis courts, two paddle courts and an
stations, chefs are able to bring guest’s
Emerald SPA, can be found a secluded
air-conditioned Gym & Sports Centre with
culinary dreams to life.
corner of the private island, offering a range
a state-of-the-art Technogym. Personal
ATMOSPHERE HOTELS & RESORTS TO RUN NEW 5-STAR HOTEL IN SRI LANKA
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is to manage
The BOI agreement is with the Amagi
a five-star hotel to be built in Sri Lanka’s
Group, a big Sri Lankan seafood exporter,
southern Tangalle region with an investment
and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts of the
of 35 million US dollars, the investment
Maldives.
promotion agency announced. “Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is an Indian The Board of Investment said it had signed
Ocean hospitality group currently based
an agreement with La’ More Hotel (Private)
in the Maldives,” its President of Business
Limited to set up and operate the 176-
Development Shrikant Dash said.
room hotel in Tangalle which will provide employment for 355 people.
“We strongly believe in Sri Lanka’s expansion and growth as a top tourism destination for
Following the announcement of their latest
travelers worldwide.”
property– VARU by Atmosphere – the Indian Ocean-based hospitality brand unveiled
“We opted for Tangalle because it is an ideal
that they further plan on opening two
location, which offers a unique old-world
properties in Sri Lanka.
charm and is far less crowded than other developing tourist areas in the province,
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts of the Maldives, which has five resorts in the archipelago, will be managing the Sri Lankan hotel, a statement said.
RAHAA BY MO HOTEL MAKES OFFICIAL DEBUT Rahaa by MO Hotel makes its official debut
into the history and heritage of Maldives
on 1st November 2019.
alongside
its
natural
wonders.
The
property features Deluxe Ocean View Villas Rahaa is a 4* resort located in Laamu Atoll,
and Superior Lagoon View Villas which
which is in the southern Maldives. Rahaa
offers a spectacular of the beach and the
aims to make the Maldives more accessible
translucent blue sea.
to all classes of travelers who want to experience its pristine white sands and
The Rahaa experience is tailor-made to be
clear waters.
a flexible fit regardless of whether you are on a honeymoon, family vacation, or an
The unique location of the island highlights the property as the atoll offers a glimpse
adventure trip.
such as Galle.”
22 NEW PROPERTIES
THE ALL NEW COMO COCOA ISLAND TO REOPEN ON 9TH JANUARY 2020
COMO Cocoa Island has announced that it
with a choice of:
will reopen on January 9th, 2020 following
- A coral propagation experience, where
a seven-month transformation: one not
guests can contribute to the propagation of
designed to expand and modernize, but to
coral reefs in the house lagoon.
further accentuate the island’s away-from-
- Sunset cruise, gliding through the waters
it-all setting.
of South Male Atoll as dolphins jump in the ocean all around
The resort is a 40-minute speedboat
• Turtle expedition snorkel by boat to a
ride away from the Velana International
nearby reef, where guests can snorkel with
Airport. Everything about the resort has
hawksbill turtles
been refreshed, from the dhoni boat-shaped
• Return boat transfers at US$350 per
villas that appear to float on the water, to the
person
wellness center that now occupies a third of the entire island, designed with Maldivian
The reopening package is available for stays
coral walls and Kajan-thatched roofs. The
from January 9th, 2020 to March 14th,
resort has added private pools to many of
2020.
its villas, created an airy Pilates studio and state-of-the-art gym, and designed a yoga
Headquartered in Singapore, The COMO
studio with 360-degree views of the island.
Group represents Christina Ong’s unique
COMO Cocoa Island’s reopening package
vision of contemporary living. The COMO
includes:
Group
encompasses
the
hospitality
collection known as COMO Hotels and • Accommodation in an overwater villa
Resorts, the international luxury fashion
• Daily breakfast
retailer
• Daily three-course dinner
wellness concept COMO Shambhala and
• Complimentary excursion for two people
the philanthropic COMO Foundation.
Club
21,
the
award-winning
UNICORN HOSPITALITY TO DEBUT IN THE MALDIVES WITH ZAZZ ESCAPES MALDIVES RESORT IN 2021 range of consulting services for hotels,
that a boutique or smaller operator can
restaurants, bars, club and beyond. Their
provide. Moreover, guests feel that these
brand pillars are anchored in excellence,
‘cookie-cutter’ brands don’t have a strong
uniqueness and brand consistency.
connection with their locale,” said Yann Gouriou, founder and CEO of Unicorn
The company said in a statement that its
Hospitality.
growth is being driven by an increasing
Thailand’s Unicorn Hospitality is to make
Airport or 1h 45 mins by speed boat, the
debut in the Maldives with the Zazz Escapes
resort is currently under construction.
Maldives Resort in 2021.
appetite among hotel owners, especially
“Big chains compensate for this by promising
in Asia, to move away from the large
extensive global sales and distribution,
international chains and work with a local
but with more direct channels available
hospitality provider who understands their
than ever before, independent and small-
culture and can more accurately help them
chain hotels can now compete on a more
deliver their vision. Unicorn Hospitality also
equal footing. Unicorn Hospitality enables
seeks to cater to the growing segment of
Asian hoteliers to enjoy professional and
customers who are “seeking more intimate
fully bespoke management services, and
experiences that reflect the essence of their
importantly, retain a product that matches
destination”.
their original vision and demonstrates a unique charm and personality,” he added.
“For many Asian hoteliers, partnerships with
Unicorn Hospitality currently operates
Unicorn Hospitality is a new hospitality
big chains can be fraught with difficulties.
six brands and white label management
ZAZZ Island is an adult-focused beach
management group, based in Bangkok and
Management contracts are often extremely
concepts: Unicorn Hotels & Resorts, Kly
resort, offering efficient, friendly service to
striving for enhanced creativity, integrated
rigid, making ‘divorces’ almost impossible
Hotels & Resorts, Hangout By Kly, Live
a millennial-focused customer base coming
wellness, and modern lifestyles. Founded in
or very expensive. Many owners we have
By Kly, Zazz Hotels and The Unchained
from the leading cities. Located 35 mins
2015, UNICORN Hospitality is a full hotel
spoken to complain that their relationships
Collection.
seaplane ride away from Male International
management specialist offering a broad
lack the personal warmth and intuition
MARKET OVERVIEW 23
5 CHANGES TO THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY IN THE MALDIVES BY VILLA TRAVELS gives travelers access to new routes and
4. Pre-plan travel in advance
destinations and with the increase in the
Traditionally, as people were traveling
number of competition, the travelers
to neighboring countries, they ended up
are offered more flights with competitive
purchasing the tickets at the last minute.
packaged rates.
There was not much planning prior to the trips. As the demand for traveling increases,
2. Changes to the traveling destinations Maldivians
used
to
travel
Maldivians plan their trips beforehand and buy the tickets months ahead. more
to
the southern parts of India. Maldivian
5. Change in mode of communication
travelers now seek European countries and
Previously telephone calls and emails were
ASEAN countries like Thailand, Philippines,
widely used as means of communication
Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, Malaysia and
between the travelers and the travel agents.
Singapore.
With the increased popularity of the social
neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and
3. Purpose of travel changes - from medical to leisure
media and instant messaging platforms like Viber, it has made it easier for travelers to communicate with the agents. This includes
The travel industry is the fastest growing
better understanding of the changes in the
Many Maldivians travel abroad for dual
the change in the mode of payment as
industry in the world. A large number
outbound travel industry of Maldives in the
purposes, most commonly holidays would
well where the local banks provide online
of Maldivians travel out of the country
past decade.
include medical check-ups and treatments.
payment gateways. From the initial inquiry
However, this trend is changing. Maldivians
about a ticket price to the actual purchase
now travel simply for leisure. They look for
of the tickets now take place with the touch of a button.
every year. The purpose of travel ranges from seeking medical services, education
1. Travel industry growth
and training, business and official trips
According to Villa Travels manager Farhath,
packaged tours for various destinations
or holidaying. Our team at Travel Trade
the hype in the travel industry came with
and thus, this has led to an increase in the
Maldives decided to sit with Villa travels
an increase in the number of travel agents
number of travel industries catering to the
manager Farhath Abdul Latheef to have a
and
local holidaymakers.
new
airlines.
This
consequently
THE RISING ONLINE PENETRATION TO THE GERMAN TRAVEL MARKET Germany, with its strong economy and high
to represent more than half of all travel
consumer confidence, is Europe’s largest
revenue by 2022.
travel market, and while a number of recent surveys show that it’s likely to remain that
Phocuswright’s
way for the foreseeable future, the online
Overview reports, although Germany’s
penetration contributes to increase in this
airlines continue to dominate the supplier-
market.
direct online market, the largest shift
German
Online
Travel
away from offline distribution will come The majority of Germans still book travel
in the rail market, where online channels
offline, but online and mobile are growing
are predicted to represent over 62% of all
quickly. Rising internet penetration, at
revenue in 2023. Offline gross bookings will
96% in 2019, will help boost online travel
fall to 44% of car rental revenue by 2023,
revenue to €28.8 billion in 2019, with a
as market leaders Sixt, Europcar, and Avis
45% online penetration rate, according to
spend heavily on their branded online
the Phocuswright report.
websites and mobile apps. During the five-
ubiquitous throughout the country. Online
mobile revenue growth over the next five
year forecast period, Germany’s airlines,
transactions are gaining momentum, and
years. The rail market will again lead the
Offline channels, including travel agents, as
tour operators and hotels will rely on offline
31% of online purchases are now done
digital transformation, with Deutsche Bahn’s
well as airline and hotel call centers, have
distribution for more than half of their gross
through PayPal. In the travel market, mobile
DB Navigator app becoming the company’s
historically accounted for the majority of
bookings.
gross bookings are projected to account
fastest-growing booking channel in 2018.
for 30% of online travel revenue in 2019,
By 2023, mobile bookings will account for two-thirds of all rail online revenue.
travel gross bookings. However, online distribution, powered by supplier-direct
Germany boasts a smartphone penetration
increasing to 39% by 2023. Every travel
web and mobile investments, is expected
rate of 80%, making smartphone use nearly
supplier segment is expected to experience
24 PEOPLE
AMILLA FUSHI APPOINTS NASRULLA ADAM AS DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL SALES Amilla Fushi has appointed Nasrulla Adam
Nasrulla is an experienced sales director
as its new Director of International Sales.
with a demonstrated history of working in the hospitality industry. He is skilled in
Prior to his transfer to the new position
Front Office, Hospitality Management,
at Amilla Fushi, Nasrulla most recently
Customer Service, Hotel Booking, and Tour
worked at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Operators. Academically, he completed
as the Director of sales. He has previously
a strong sales professional with a BA
worked with Baros Maldives, Anantara
(Hons) focused on Hospitality & Tourism
Kihavah Villas, and at PER AQUUM Niyama
Management from Birmingham College of
and Huvafenfushi. He initially started as the
Food-Tourism-Creative Studies.
assistant reservations manager and climbed up the leadership ladder to now the Director of International Sales.
PARK HYATT MALDIVES HADAHAA APPOINTS STAVROS PACKEISER AS NEW GENERAL MANAGER Park
Hyatt
Maldives
Hadahaa
has
Tajikistan; Sani Resort in Halkidiki, Greece;
appointed Stavros Packeiser as its new
Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi (now on
General Manager.
Andaz); Grand Hyatt Dubai; Rixos The Palm Dubai; and Palace Downtown in Dubai.
Stavros grew up in Sidirokastro, a small
Since 2017, Stavros has been F & B Director
city in northern Greece and at the age of
at Park Hyatt Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City.
18, ventured into Edinburgh to study for a degree in computer science at Heriot-Watt
“At Park Hyatt Maldives, I plan to continue
University. For extra income, Stavros got a
the valuable work my predecessors have
part-time job as a waiter and soon realized
done for the resort in terms of performance
that he enjoyed working with people more
and sustainability”, says Stavros of his first
than computers.
General Manager role. “I am to bring to life new projects and experiences that will
After
graduating
in
2002,
Stavros
commenced his hospitality career as a
make our resort a leader in sustainability and luxury travel.”
bar supervisor at The Carlton Hotel in Edinburgh and during his working life has
Stavros is married to Dia who loves adventure
advanced through food and beverage roles
and travel. They have a 15-month-old son
on the world’s largest ocean line RMX Queen
Harris who has already taken more than a
Mary 2, and at Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki
dozen flights to numerous countries.
in Greece; Hyatt Regency Dushanbe in
PEOPLE 25
THE ST. REGIS MALDIVES VOMMULI RESORT APPOINTS HARISH NAIR AS RESORT MANAGER The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has
the Institute of Hotel Management and
appointed Harish Nair as its new Resort
Catering Technology in India.
Manager. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Harish worked at Six Senses Hotels Resorts
which opened in November 2016, is nestled
Spas as Corporate Director - Rooms in
on a private island in a Dhaalu Atoll. This
Thailand before moving to the Maldives.
resort has won the World Travel Awards
He has over 14 years of experience working
for “Maldives Leading Luxury Island Resort
in hospitality. Harish has also worked in
2017” and “Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury
India and Greece markets. He studied at
Resort 2017”.
INTERCONTINENTAL MALDIVES MAAMUNAGAU APPOINTS IBRAHIM INAD AS DIRECTOR OF SALES InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau
and
resort has appointed Ibrahim Inad as its
from Taylor’s University College Malaysia
new Director of Sales.
and Clique College Maldives.
Inad is an experienced sales and marketing
Inad worked at Velaa Private Island for
professional with a demonstrated history
over 6 years. He has also worked with
of working in the hospitality industry. He
The Nautilus Maldives, Milaidhoo Island
is skilled in market planning, E-commerce,
Maldives, and Huvafenfushi Maldives.
hotel management, hospitality industry,
RAHIM FLYNN AS GENERAL MANAGER FOR SHANGRILA’S VILLINGILI RESORT & HOTEL JEN Rahim Flynn has been appointed as Shangri-
Shangri-La in Sri Lanka, Oman, and
La’s Villingili Resort & Spa’s new General
Malaysia.
Manager in addition to his current role as General Manager for Hotel Jen, Male.
He is skilled in Catering, Food & Beverage, Hotel Management, Customer Satisfaction,
Rahim has been working with Shangri-
and Facility Management (FM). Rahim also
La Hotels and Resorts since 2006 and
has a strong sales professional with a Diploma
brings more than 20 years of experience in
focused
Executive roles in the hospitality industry.
Management from HotelConsult “Institute
Prior to his move to the Maldives, he
Hotelier Cesar Ritz” Switzerland.
held Resident Manager positions with
in
Hospitality
Administration/
market
research.
He
graduated
26 AVIATION
AIR NEW ZEALAND TOPS THE 2020 LIST OF THE WORLD’S BEST AIRLINES The list of AirlineRatings.com’s best airlines
safety- and product-rating site based out of
in the world for 2020:
Perth, Australia.
1. Air New Zealand 2. Singapore Airlines
To decide who wins, seven editors at
3. All Nippon Airways
the agency consider a dozen key factors
4. Qantas
including operational safety, passenger
5. Cathay Pacific
reviews, profitability, investment rating, fleet
6. Emirates
age, and product offerings such as premium
7. Virgin Atlantic
economy on long-haul flights and seating
8. EVA Air
options in other classes. To be named
9. Qatar Airways
in the top twenty airlines must achieve a
10. Virgin Australia
seven-star safety rating and demonstrate
11. Lufthansa
leadership in innovation for passenger
12. Finnair
comfort. The editors of AirlineRatings.
13. Japan Airlines
com, some of the most experienced and
14. KLM
awarded, look for a consistent level of
15. Korean Airlines
service, innovation and staff engagement
16. Hawaiian Airlines
from each major contender.
17. British Airways AirlineRatings.com
has
announced
its
claimed the top spot for six of the past
20 Top Airlines in the World for 2020,
seven years. Singapore Airlines, which took
and regaining the top spot this year from
2nd position, is always at the forefront of
Singapore Airlines is Air New Zealand. Air
airline awards and introduced its new A350
New Zealand’s number-one score comes
and 787-10 over the last 2 years, along with
as no surprise since, aside from last year’s
revamped A380s.
loss to Singapore Airlines, the carrier has
EMIRATES IMPROVES TRAVEL EXPERIENCE WITH ‘AIRPORT MAPS’ Emirates has launched a new feature on its
the Emirates network - London Heathrow,
app called Airport maps which will allow
London
customers to navigate seamlessly through
International airport.
Gatwick,
and
Hong
Kong
the airport. The Airport maps can detect the user’s location (via Bluetooth and wifi) and
90 million passengers transit through
provide point to point navigation through
Dubai international Airport each year and
all touchpoints of the airport including
the wayfinding technology was introduced
check-in desks, Emirates lounges, shops,
to provide convenience and world-class
restaurants or ATMs in the airport.
customer experience at every touchpoint of the Emirates journey.
The Emirates app, supported in 19 languages, currently has 1.5 million active
In the last year, the Emirates app was
users each month and allows customers to
enhanced with new technology allowing
search, book and manage their flights as
customers to create bespoke playlists of
well as their Emirates Skywards accounts.
their inflight entertainment ahead of their
The new feature maps out Emirates’ hub
travels and sync it to their seats once
- Dubai International Airport’s Terminal
onboard, providing a world-class travel
3 – and also includes major airports in
experience.
18. Alaska Airlines
According to Airlineratings.com Editor-in-
19. Delta Air Lines
Chief Geoffrey Thomas, “we are looking
20. Etihad Airways
for leadership and airlines that innovate to make a real difference to the passenger
The
much-awaited
annual
Airline
experience, particularly in economy class.
Excellence Awards are carried out by
In our evaluation, we also consider audited
AirlineRatings.com, which is an aviation
feedback from passengers on our website.”
AVIATION 27
INDIA PLANS TO OPEN 100 AIRPORTS IN FIVE YEARS India is planning to open 100 additional
Last month, the government cut corporate
airports by 2024, as part of a plan to
tax rates, putting India on par with some
revive economic growth in Asia’s third-
of the lowest in Asia, to help compete with
largest economy, according to people with
the likes of Vietnam and Indonesia for
knowledge of the matter.
investments amid global trade tensions.
The proposal, which includes starting
India’s plans to expedite airport development
1,000 new routes connecting smaller towns
still trails that of China’s, which has set a
and villages, was discussed at a meeting
goal of having 450 commercial airports
last week to review infrastructure needed
by 2035, almost double the number at
by 2025, the people said, asking not to be
the end of 2018. A spokesman at India’s
identified as the discussion is private. Steps
civil aviation ministry was not immediately
to start a plane-lease financing business in
available for comment.
the country was also discussed, they said. With economic activity at a six-year low and
The proposal by India’s state think tank also
prospects of further slowdown looming,
includes boosting the number of locally
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to
trained pilots to 600 a year and double the
double down on infrastructure projects in a
domestic aircraft fleet to 1,200 during the
bid to revive growth and achieve a target of
period, the people said.
making India a $5 trillion economy by 2025.
QATAR AIRWAYS AND INDIGO SIGN CODESHARE AGREEMENT
much look forward to working together to
A multiple award-winning airlines, Qatar
harness our complementary strengths and
Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by
resources to enhance the travel experience
the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed
for our passengers around the world.”
by the international air transport rating organization Skytrax. It was also named
IndiGo Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ronojoy
‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s
Dutta, said: “This is a momentous occasion
Best Business Class’, and ‘Best Business
for us, as we sign this codeshare agreement
Class Seat’, in recognition of its ground-
with one of the finest airlines in the
breaking Business Class experience, Qsuite.
world. This strategic alliance will not only
Qatar Airways currently operates a modern
strengthen our international operations
fleet of more than 250 aircraft via its hub,
but also boost economic growth in India,
Hamad International Airport (HIA), to more
by bringing in more traffic and heralding
than 160 destinations worldwide. The
opportunities for trade and tourism through
world’s fastest-growing airline has added a
seamless mobility. We are confident of a
number of exciting new destinations to its
successful partnership as we extend our
growing network this year, including Rabat,
signature on-time, courteous and hassle-
Morocco; Izmir, Turkey; Malta; Davao,
free service experience to the passengers
Philippines; Lisbon, Portugal; Mogadishu,
of Qatar Airways. These are exciting times
Somalia; and Langkawi, Malaysia. The
for the aviation industry and it is our
airline will add Gaborone, Botswana, in
commitment to remain focused on building
2019 to its extensive route network along
one of the best air transportation systems
with Luanda, Angola; and Osaka, Japan, in
in the world.”
2020.
Qatar Airways currently operates 102
IndiGo is India’s largest passenger airline
Qatar Airways has signed a codeshare
‘World’s Best Airline’ and the ‘Best Low-
weekly flights between Doha and 13
with a domestic market share of 47% as
agreement with IndiGo, India’s largest
Cost Airline in India’.
destinations in India, including Ahmedabad,
of August 2019 and is amongst the fastest
Amritsar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa,
growing carriers in the world. IndiGo has a
passenger airline. Sales will start from 7th November with the first codeshare flights to
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive,
Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode,
simple philosophy: offer low fares and an
operate from 18th December 2019.
His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said:
Mumbai, Nagpur, and Thiruvananthapuram.
on-time, courteous, hassle-free service.
“We are extremely proud to secure this
The airline’s cargo division, Qatar Airways
With its fleet of over 240 aircraft, the
This agreement will enable the airline
strategic partnership with IndiGo, the
Cargo, currently operates a total of 28
airline offers almost 1,500 daily flights and
to place its code on IndiGo flights
largest airline in one of the world’s fastest-
weekly freighters to seven destinations
connects 60 domestic destinations and 23
between Doha and Delhi, Mumbai and
growing aviation markets. We believe this
in India. The top three cargo destinations
international destinations.
Hyderabad and is said tp be the first step
agreement will be just the first step in
in
in strengthening cooperation between the
strengthening our relationship and we very
Ahmedabad.
India
are
Mumbai,
Chennai,
and
28 AVIATION
SRILANKAN AIRLINES TO CODESHARE ON AIR INDIA DELHITORONTO SERVICE SriLankan
Airlines
firm
network through a combination of increasing
Travelers will now have the opportunity to
SriLankan and Air India currently codeshare
step towards further increasing travel
our own destinations and frequencies;
book their entire journey in one go, which
on each other’s flights to a large number of
connectivity between Sri Lanka and Canada.
and expanding into new markets through
they were earlier unable to do. The non-
destinations in South Asia, the Far East,
SriLankan Airlines commences codeshared
codeshares with partner airlines. This is
stop flight from Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson
and the Indian Ocean region.
non-stop services between Toronto and
intended to facilitate travel for visitors to
International Airport to New Delhi’s Indira
New Delhi with long-standing partner Air
Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan residents overseas
Gandhi International Airport is supported
SriLankan Airlines has a route network
India,
and Sri Lankans wishing to travel overseas.”
by rapid connectivity to Colombo with
of 130 cities in 58 countries, including
to Colombo, from 7th November 2019
Ms.
–
connection times of just 4 hours for
codeshare operations in partnership with
onwards.
Commercial, Air India said: “Air India is
Colombo-Delhi-Toronto and 6 hours for
the world’s finest airlines. SriLankan also
continuously working towards providing
Toronto-Delhi-Colombo. Flights operate on
connects travelers to over 1,000 cities in
Vipula Gunatilleka, Chief Executive Officer
convenience to travelers & with this enhanced
Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays both to
160 countries through its Oneworld partner
of SriLankan Airlines said: “Air India is a
cooperation with our long-standing partner
and from Toronto. The Delhi-Toronto flight
airlines.
valued longtime partner and we are pleased
Sri Lankan Airlines, travelers will now have
AI187 will have the UL code UL3640; while
to be teaming up with them to provide this
seamless connections between Canada &
the Toronto-Delhi flight AI188 will have the
service. SriLankan has been expanding our
Sri Lanka through Delhi Airport”.
code UL3641.
providing
is
taking
seamless
a
connections
Meenakshi
Mallik,
Director
EUROPEAN AIRLINE GIANT BUYS SPANISH CARRIER AIR EUROPA FOR ONE BILLION EUROS
The parent company of British Airways and
incorporation of Air Europa to IAG implies
Iberia, International Airlines Group (IAG) has
the strengthening of the company’s present
agreed to buy Spanish rival Air Europa for
and future that will maintain the path
1 billion euros ($1.1 billion). In a statement
followed by Air Europa in the last years. We
released on 4th November, the completion
are convinced that the incorporation of Air
is expected to take place in the second half
Europa to a group such as IAG, who over all
of 2020. The Air Europa brand will initially
these years has demonstrated its support to
be retained and the company will remain as
the development of airlines within the group
a standalone profit center within Iberia run
and the Madrid hub, will be a success”.
by Iberia CEO Luis Gallego. Luis Gallego, Chief Executive of Iberia Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of IAG, said:
commented: “This is of strategic importance
“Acquiring Air Europa would add a new
for the Madrid hub, which in recent years
competitive, cost-effective airline to IAG,
has lagged behind other European hubs.
consolidating Madrid as a leading European
Following this agreement, Madrid will be
hub and resulting in IAG achieving South
able to compete with other European hubs
Atlantic leadership, therefore generating
on equal terms with a better position on
additional
our
Europe to Latin America routes and the
shareholders. IAG has a strong track record
possibility to become a gateway between
of successful acquisitions, most recently
Asia and Latin America.”
financial
value
for
with the acquisition of Aer Lingus in 2015 and we are convinced Air Europa presents a
Air Europa operates 66 aircraft to 69
strong strategic fit for the group.”
destinations in and outside of Spain. As one of the world’s largest airline groups, IAG
Javier Hidalgo, Chief Executive of Globalia
flies to 268 destinations with 573 airplanes.
was quoted saying: “For Globalia, the
AVIATION 29
ETIHAD AIRWAYS, PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES RELAUNCH CODE-SHARE DEAL Etihad Airways and Pakistan International
Islamabad, and Lahore, and Abu Dhabi.
Airlines (PIA) announced that they have
PIA will also place its code on Etihad flights
relaunched their code-share partnership,
from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam, Bahrain,
allowing customers better access to each
Chicago, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Madrid,
airline’s routes. Code-share flights will be
Moscow, Washington D.C, and Zurich,
open for sale on November 13, with the first
allowing passengers from Pakistan access
travel date being November 26.
to these cities through Etihad.
The code-share deal will see Etihad place
Pending government approval, PIA also
its ‘EY’ code on PIA’s services between
plans to place its code on Etihad flights to
Abu Dhabi and Lahore, Islamabad, and
Amman, Athens, Nairobi, Rome, Sydney,
Peshawar. Meanwhile, PIA will place its ‘PK’
Melbourne, and Brisbane.
code on Etihad’s services between Karachi,
AVIATORS MALDIVES INTRODUCES ONLINE AVIATION SHOP The Facebook page dedicated to bringing
pens. They also have tie pins that come in
the Maldivian aviation community together,
models A350, B777, P51 Mustang, ATR,
Aviators Maldives has launched an Online
and Concorde.
Aviation Shop in the Maldives. Aviators Maldives page shares Maldives In order to further expand their operations,
aviation-related
information,
pictures,
Aviators Maldives introduced this shop with
videos and more on a daily basis. They
different aviation gifts, goodies and Pilot
have achieved rapid popularity in just a
supplies.
few months. The page also unveiled ‘The Aviators Maldives’ official logo (designed by
Products
available
right
now
Azmeel) recently.
include epaulets, ASA EASA logbooks, keyrings, B777 tie bars, and Airbus carbon
MALDIVIAN BEGINS FLIGHTS TO MAAFARU AIRPORT National airline carrier, Maldivian has begun flight operations to N. Maafaru earlier today. The airport which has a 2,200-metre-long and a 40-meter-wide runway was developed from a USD 60 million donation from Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. Maldivian has revealed that the one-way flight rate from Male’ to Maafaru is MVR 750.
30 AVIATION
FLYME WELCOMES BRAND NEW ATR 72-600 TO ITS FLEET Villa Air Flyme has welcomed a brand new
2011. In the past 8 years, Flyme has taken
expansion program. ATR, known for its
awaited seaplane operation, once the new
ATR 72-600 aircraft to its fleet today, 7th
delivery of three brand new ATR 72-600
economic and operational efficiency and
seaplane terminal at Velana International
November 2019.
aircraft and was the first company ever
with the already experienced professional
Airport is completed. Each seaplane livery
to bring a brand new ATR aircraft to the
workforce and facilities, this is the ideal
will be representing an indigenous fish in
Maldives.t
acquisition to spread our wings within the
the Maldives marine environment.
The new aircraft has a capacity of 72 seats with a seat pitch of 29 inches and
archipelago and beyond.”
a customer-friendly interior. This will be
Abdulla Nashid, Managing Director of Villa
In addition to this, Flyme will be commencing
the youngest turboprop aircraft under a
Air stated, “the new aircraft will be deployed
Flyme has stated that more aircraft will join
commercial operations to Ifuru Airport
Maldivian registration with the highest seat
for a commercial operation soon. Adding
the current fleet in the coming years with
soon and Maafaru Airport once the airport
capacity. Flyme has operated ATR aircraft
new aircraft to the fleet and expanding the
more routes to follow. The airline operator
is open for commercial operation.
since it began its operation in October
route network is part of Flyme’s intended
will add 4 twin otters to begin its long-
THE MANTA IS HEADING TO HUVADHU WITH SPECIAL FARES! The five-star experience in the skies of
in a short amount of time in making your
the Maldives, Manta Air, is starting its
tropical journey an amazing one. Our
commercial operations to Huvadhu via
promise to all passengers flying to Kooddoo
Kooddoo Airport today with special fares.
is that we will change your flying experience
Manta Air will operate on a pre-published
by making flying more mantastic, enjoyable
fixed schedule with daily flights between
and effortless for everyone!”
Kooddoo & Male’, which will provide customers
with
multiple
connectivity
With less than one year into its operations,
options throughout the day and allows
the airline has already become a game-
them to book their preferred flights well in
changer in the skies of Maldives. Manta Air
advance of their travel dates. The operation
has become famous for providing the first
is set to start from 1st December onwards.
on-time scheduled service in the Maldives
Manta Air tickets to Kooddoo are now
where passengers have finally let go of
available for purchase through online from
their worry for last-minute surprises and is
official website www.mantaair.mv and also
known for providing a top-notch five-star
through the authorized passenger sales
experience for all its guests which has also
agents.
impacted the airline industry.
Mohamed Khaleel, CEO of Manta Air, said,
For more details call our reservations
“We are excited to announce the start of our
number 3314477 or 7994405 during
services to a new destination. It has been
standard business hours
a very exciting year for us. We have been able to achieve back-to-back milestones
AVIATION
31
ETIHAD PARTNERS WITH BOEING FOR B787 ‘GREENLINER’ fuel consumption and carbon emissions.”
growing number of other operators, as
Boeing said that the partnership will see
well as engineer exchanges with a focus on
the Greenliner aircraft “periodically serving
further developing the skills and experience
as a testbed for assessing environmental
of UAE nationals”.
sustainability initiatives”. Commenting on the news Mohammad Al The two groups said they had signed “a
Bulooki, chief operating officer of Etihad
comprehensive agreement through which
Airways, said:
the companies will share knowledge, experience, and resources to continuously
“These
improve the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and
wider partnership and support future
reduce aircraft carbon emissions, a major
collaboration between Etihad and Boeing
challenge across many industries today”.
on supply chain management and both
The partnership includes commercial and
line and predictive maintenance, further
technical agreements valued at around
reinforcing the airline’s commitment to
$215 million, “encompassing a broad range
reliability.
agreements
complement
our
of services including a landing gear overhaul Boeing and Etihad have teamed up to
(which runs from January 11 to January
build and operate a very unique Boeing
18, 2020).
787, one that is designed to test new green technologies. The ‘Greenliner’ will be
Etihad said that the flight would incorporate
created to operate as environmentally as
“a wide range of environment-focused
possible, as announced at the Dubai Air
initiatives”, and commenting on the special
Show.
livery Tony Douglas, group chief executive officer of the Etihad Aviation Group, said:
The aircraft – which will sport a special
“The graduated blue tones of this design
green/blue livery – will enter service early
represent the importance of water in Arabic
next year, and will operate a special “eco-
life and culture and symbolize the ‘blue
flight” between Abu Dhabi and Brussels
sky’ thinking needed to deliver practical,
during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
incremental initiatives to progressively lower
SPICEJET TO INTRODUCE DIRECT FLIGHTS BETWEEN MALE’ & THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
program, high-value airframe components,
”They
and maintenance planning optimization
credentials as a global innovation hub, a key
tools”.
pillar of the Emirate’s 2030 economic and
also
strengthen
Abu
Dhabi’s
social vision. Etihad operates more Dreamliners than any other Middle Eastern carrier, with the
“As a next step, Etihad and Boeing will
aircraft comprising a third of the airline’s
explore partnerships with universities in
fleet, with plans to increase this to 50
both Abu Dhabi and Seattle, home to
percent by 2023. The two companies said
Boeing’s largest assembly facilities, to
that they have committed “to build upon
further increase capabilities that support
the significant technical capabilities which
the development of the aerospace sector in
Etihad has developed to support both
Abu Dhabi, and elsewhere in the UAE.”
its own 787 Dreamliners, and those of a
SpiceJet direct
airline flights
will
be
between
Thiruvananthapuram
introducing Male’
starting
•
and
SG 3074 Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai 5:55 PM, Daily
20th
SG 91 Thiruvananthapuram to Male’
November 2019.
12:30 PM, Daily SG 92 Male to Thiruvananthapuram
The Indian low-cost airline, SpiceJet
2:45 PM, Daily
announced new flights on its domestic as
well
as
international
networks.
SpiceJet said it has introduced all-inclusive
The carrier will operate flights on the
fares starting from Rs. 2,501 for flights
Chennai-Thiruvananthapuram
between Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram,
and
Thiruvananthapuram-Male routes at a
and
starting all-inclusive price of Rs. 2,501.
Thiruvananthapuram and Male’.
The airline said in a statement. “All the
“In
new flights will operate daily and SpiceJet
potential, SpiceJet is introducing a direct
will deploy its Bombardier Q400 aircraft
flight
on these routes”. Bookings are open on
Male route,” the airline said. “With the
the airline’s official website- spicejet.com,
increased demand from customers and
mobile app and through online travel
reaffirming its commitment to enhancing
portals and travel agents.
domestic connectivity, SpiceJet has also
The schedule of SpiceJet’s new flights
introduced new flights on the Chennai-
starting from November 20:
Thiruvananthapuram-Chennai sector,” it
•
added.
SG 3073 Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram 9:50 AM, Daily
Rs.
view on
5,539
of
the
the
for
those
significant
between
tourism
Thiruvananthapuram-
32 AVIATION
SRILANKAN AIRLINES CARRY OUT FREE MEDICAL CAMP AT ADDU ATOLL international airline to commence flying
them through Colombo with its network of
out of Gan Island three years ago, and we
destinations. SriLankan has a route network
are delighted to serve the traveling public
of 130 cities in 58 countries, including
in all of the nearby atolls with their travel
codeshare operations in partnership with
requirements, via Colombo, and also the
the world’s finest airlines. SriLankan takes
important air cargo business into and out
pride in operating three flights a week
of Gan.”
to Gan Island, provides with convenient connections to Singapore, Bangkok, London,
This CSR project was jointly organized
Beijing, Shanghai, Canton, Chennai, Delhi,
by SriLankan Airlines in partnership with
Mumbai, Bangalore, Karachi, Doha, Dubai,
the airline’s General Sales Agent in the
Abu
Maldives, Ace Aviation Services, Kauvery
Jeddah, Dammam and many more. A
Hospital,
of
member of the prestigious Oneworld global
Maldives Aasandha Company Ltd, and the
airline partnership, SriLankan Airlines also
Hithadhoo Regional Hospital. Ace Aviation
connects travelers to over 1,000 cities in
Services Maldives has held similar CSR
160 countries through its Oneworld partner
projects across the Maldives and are the
airlines.
the
insurance
company
Dhabi,
Kuwait,
Muscat,
Riyadh,
SriLankan Airlines, the largest carrier into
the Maldives, SriLankan is fully integrated
winners of 2019 South Asia Travel Awards
the Maldives, and the only international
into international travel into and out of the
(SATA) for the Leading Airline GSA award in
The airline has been consistently winning
airline that operates three flights a week
Maldives, as well as Maldivian society in
the Maldives for the third consecutive year.
prestigious accolades, including ‘Leading
to Gan Island celebrated three years of
general. We are pleased to be providing this
Kauvery Hospital is a chain of multi-
International Airline’ in South Asia and
operations to Gan Island by conducting a
CSR service in partnership with Kauvery
specialty hospitals with a total capacity
‘Leading Airline Passenger Class – Business’
free medical camp from 28th November to
Hospital
of 1,250 beds. Two of its multi-specialty
award, both for the second consecutive
1st December 2019 for the public in many
partners.”
hospitals are in Trichy along with one of a
year at the South Asian Travel Awards
kind exclusive state of the art cardiac care
2019 (SATA); ‘Best Marketing Innovation’
The medical camp was carried out in Addu
facility. The hospital has carried out more
award from APEX; two awards at the World
SriLankan flew in a high-level team of
Atoll for residents of Addu, Fuvahmulah
than 7,000 cardiac surgeries, 1,000 joint
Travel Awards 2018 Asia and Australasia;
medical specialists from Kauvery Hospital
and other nearby atolls. A significant
replacement surgeries, 2,500 complex
‘Best Full Service Airline in Central & South
in Trichy especially for this corporate social
portion of SriLankan’s passengers from the
cancer
angioplasties,
Asia’ at the Future Travel Experience Asia
responsibility (CSR) project, including a
Maldives travel to Trichy via Colombo for
5,000 open heart procedures, around
Awards; and ‘Innovation in Commercial
neurologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist,
medical treatment. SriLankan held a similar
50,000 dialysis, and over 1,000 major
Airline Cabins’ at the In-flight Asia Pacific
endocrinologist, a dietician and support
CSR event in 2017.
pediatric cardiology procedures.
Awards
Regional Manager Sri Lanka & Indian
Nayomi Tennakoon, Area Manager Gan,
SriLankan
Ocean, said: “As the largest carrier into
said: “SriLankan was the first scheduled
capital Male and Gan Island, connecting
and
several
other
valuable
atolls around the island.
surgeries,
5,000
staff. Jayantha Abeysinghe, SriLankan’s serves
both
the
TURKISH AIRLINE ANNOUNCES SPECIAL FARES TO ISTANBUL FOR EMITT 2020 Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier
EMITT annually attracts around 60,000
airline of Turkey has announced special
industry professionals and tourists seeking
fares for EMITT 2020 for direct flights
for new and exciting travel opportunities
starting from USD 999 from Male’ to
from
Istanbul.
companies from across the globe.
The 24th East Mediterranean International
Attending EMITT allows the chance to
Tourism & Travel Exhibition (EMITT) taking
network and do business with the leading
place at Tüyap Fair and Congress Center,
companies and discover new destinations
Büyükçekmece, Istanbul is one of the four
and offers. EMITT annually hosts around
biggest
1,200
tourism
exhibitions
worldwide
destinations
exhibitors
and
-
travel
service
destinations,
tour
and will take place 30th January to 2nd
operators, travel agents and other travel
February.
service providers from across the globe.
Maldivian
AVIATION 33
MANTA AIR BEGINS ITS FIRST SCHEDULED SEAPLANE SERVICE The arrival of Manta Air has already
of Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu atoll, and
been a game-changer in the domestic
Dharavandhoo Airport, located on the
aviation industry, removing the fears of
island of Dharavandhoo in Baa atoll, from
flight uncertainty for passengers flying in
the Maldives’ main Velana International
the Maldives, and setting new standards
Airport.
in service excellence along the way with pre-published schedules and a tailored
“Our service is designed specifically with
approach to provide an amazing experience
customers in mind, to relieve pain points
to all passengers. For its seaplane service,
and make domestic travel enjoyable and
Manta Air will publish monthly schedules —
effortless. Our aim is to give the best
a first in the Maldives’ seaplane sector as
of Manta Air’s hospitality to each and
Game-changing local airline, Manta Air,
Managing Director of airport operator
well as in the world. Passengers will receive
every customer who will be joining us on-
on Sunday launched the first scheduled
Maldives
confirmed flight timings along with their
board whilst they enjoy a spectacular view
seaplane service by the operator, bringing
(MACL), opened the airline’s seaplane
hotel confirmation.
across the blue,” said Manta Air CEO, Mr.
another revolutionary experience to the
terminal. Manta Air also operated its first
skies of Maldives. A purpose-built seaplane
commercial seaplane flight on Sunday,
In addition to the seaplane service, Manta
terminal at the Maldives’ main Velana
taking an exhilarating 40-minute journey
Air utilizes three brand new ATR 72-
International
south of capital Male to Hotel Riu Atoll
600 aircraft to operate domestic flights
aboard one of its Twin Otter aircraft.
to Dhaalu Airport, located on the island
Airport
was
inaugurated
Sunday afternoon. Moosa Solih, the acting
Airports
Company
Limited
Mohamed Khaleel.
EMIRATES ANNOUNCES $16B DEAL TO BUY 50 AIRBUS 350 PLANES Emirates Airlines has announced that it
good fit,” he said. “With our A350…we plan
region but also up to 15 hours of flying
plug on the costly plane, which airlines have
would buy 50 Airbus 350-900 widebody
to offer different cabin configurations.” The
time from Dubai,” he said, adding that the
struggled to fill to its capacity of 500-850
aircraft in a deal worth $16 billion, with
new cabin configurations on the aircraft
$16bn deal reflects Emirates’ confidence in
people.
delivery to begin in May 2023.
will include a premium economy, Sheikh
the future of the UAE’s aviation sector and
Ahmed added.
role as a travel hub.
At the time, Airbus said it would buy smaller A330 and A350 models instead.
“I am happy to announce we are purchasing 50 Airbus 350 for $16 billion,” the carrier’s
Together with Emirates’ fleet of A380s
Emirates serves a global network spanning
chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed Bin
and Boeing 777s, Sheikh Ahmed said the
over 158 destinations in 84 countries. Its
“It is very good news for Airbus,” the
Saeed Al-Maktoum told reporters at the
additional A350s will offer Emirates more
fleet stands at 267 large aircraft, including
European aerospace giant’s CEO Guillaume
Dubai Airshow. “We are confident in the
flexibility in terms of capacity, range and
more than 100 Airbus 380 superjumbos.
Faure said of the announcement in Dubai,
performance of the Airbus A350 XWB and
deployment. “We’ll be able to take new
Its move earlier this year to reduce its total
adding he was “very proud that Airbus 350
we believe this aircraft this aircraft will be a
aircraft to new markets, not only in the
A380 orders triggered Airbus to pull the
has been selected by Emirates”.
34 AVIATION
GOAIR RECOMMENCES FLIGHTS TO THE MALDIVES
GoAir has recommenced its flights to Velana
between Mumbai-Male’-Mumbai will be
International Airport on 1st December
on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
2019. Tourism minister Ali Waheed, Indian
Flights between Delhi-Male’-Delhi will be on
ambassador to the Maldives Sunjay Sudhir
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. And
and top officials of the airport operator
flights between Bengaluru-Male’-Bengaluru
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL)
will be on Wednesdays and Sundays.
welcomed the crew and passengers. Tickets for the flights can be booked GoAir launched its operations in November
through Voyages Maldives, by phone or in
2005 as a low-cost carrier to commoditize
person. Voyages Maldives is the appointed
air travel across India at a marginal
GSA for GoAir in the Maldives located on
fare. Today, the airline operates to 27
Chandhanee Magu, contact details are 301
destinations across the Indian subcontinent
8877 and goair@voyagesmaldives.com
and 9 international business metros and leisure destinations.
Voyages Maldives is also the General Sales Agent for British Airways, Lufthansa and
The airline will operate direct flights from
Passenger Sales Agent for Qatar Airways,
3 prominent cities in India; Mumbai,
Etihad Airways, Bangkok Airways, and
Delhi, and Bengaluru to Male’ on a state-
Maldivian.
of-the-art Airbus A320 aircraft. Flights
QATAR AIRWAYS LAUNCHES NEW IN-FLIGHT SAFETY VIDEO WITH NEYMAR JR With little more than two years until the
version of himself attach an oxygen mask
2023 FIFA World Cup, the host country’s
and Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar Jr
national airline has released a new soccer-
makes a special appearance to guide Qsuite
themed in-flight six-minute video safety
passengers. Qatar Airways said it hopes the
video staring Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr
video will add a playful spin to a vital part of
along with FC Bayern Munich star Robert
the in-flight experience.
Lewandowski and AS Roma legend Cafu – all three teams sponsored by Qatar Airways.
“At Qatar Airways, safety is priority one and
The all-star teams are led through the safety
we want to ensure everyone, including our
flight entertainment underway. The level of
risk with passenger safety, a spokesperson
routine by a comedy double act of coach
most frequent travelers, watches our safety
quality and attention to detail in this video
for the video’s production company said:
and kitmam, played by British television
briefings,” explained the airline’s head
is paramount and I am sure the content
“Humour has been shown to increase
actors Jason Thorpe and Ross Hatt.
of marketing Ms. Salam Al Shawa. “The
will both inform and amuse our global
memory, so there seems to be no better way
wonderfully creative concept will capture
passengers of all ages,” she continued.
to communicate such important information
Lewandowski demonstrates how to use
our passengers’ attention whilst providing
Addressing concerns that humorous in-foot
than by making it fun. As always, the world
a life jacket, while Cafu helps a younger
a fun, light-hearted video to get the in-
he safety videos may actually be taking a
of Qatar Airways enchants.”
QATAR AIRWAYS INTRODUCES SPECIAL FARES TO BERLIN Qatar Airways has launched a campaign
high demand for upcoming ITB, Qatar
with all-inclusive Economy class regular
Airways urges customers to make the
fare to Berlin at USD 1,025*. The purpose
booking in advance. Customers are advised
of this campaign is to promote Berlin for
to book by 10th December 2019 for travel
the upcoming holiday season and ITB
until 31st March 2020 for this special
Berlin 2020. Qatar Airways is one of the
promotion. For any sales queries, contact
few airlines that have the best connectivity
their team on 3334777 or e-mail them on
to Berlin from the Maldives. Due to the
mlereservations@mv.qatarairways.com
CRUISES 35
CRUISE SHIP MS COSTA VICTORIA ARRIVES IN THE MALDIVES Cruise ship Ms Costa Victoria has arrived
November 2013 which saw modernization
in the Maldives with 1,740 passengers and
to her public rooms and staterooms to
780 crew members.
more “Italian” design.
Costa Victoria is a Victoria-class cruise ship
The cruise arrived in the Maldives from
owned and operated by Costa Crociere.
1st November 2019 and will depart on 3rd
She debuted in 1996 and was refurbished
November 2019. The handling agent for
in 2004. She was designed to reflect
the cruise is AMSCO. MS Costa Victoria’s
the spirit of Italy. Features include the
last port before heading to the Maldives
panoramic Concorde Plaza, an indoor pool,
was Oman (Salalah) and the next port will
the ultramodern Pompei Spa, and the seven
be Colombo, Srilanka.
deck Planetarium Atrium. In 2004 the ship underwent an extensive rebuild which
During the visit, the passengers will visit
included balconies being added to 246
Male’ city along with other islands and
cabins. Costa Victoria underwent a refit in
resorts in the Maldives.
MALDIVES WELCOMES CRUISE SHIP AIDAVITA Cruise ship AIDAvita has arrived in the
The cruise arrived in the Maldives today
Maldives today with 1,174 passengers and
(7th November 2019) and will depart on
406 crew members.
8th November 2019. During the visit, the passengers will visit Male’ city along with
AIDAvita is the second ship in AIDA Cruises’
other nearby islands and resorts in the
fleet. AIDAvita was built in 2002 by the
Maldives.
German shipyard Aker MTW in Wismar. She is identical to AIDAaura. AIDA Cruises is an American/British-owned German cruise line based in Rostock, Germany.
MALDIVES WELCOMES MS MSC ORCHESTRA - THE LARGEST CRUISE SHIP TO ARRIVE IN THE MALDIVES The Maldives has welcomed MS MSC
3,200 passengers. Her crew complement is
Orchestra, the largest cruise to arrive in
approximately 990.
the Maldives to date with 2,476 passengers and 957 crew members. The cruise arrived
MSC Cruises is a global cruise line registered
on 3rd November 0600hrs and will depart
in Switzerland and based in Geneva. MSC
from Male’ by evening 1800hrs.
Cruises is the world’s largest privately held cruise company, employing about 23,500
MS MSC Orchestra is a cruise ship that was
people worldwide and having offices in 45
built in 2007 for MSC Cruises. She is the
countries as of 2017.
second ship of the Musica class. She could at the time accommodate 2,550 passengers
The handling agent for MS MSC Orchestra
in 1,275 cabins. Most inside cabins were
is Antrac. During the visit, the passengers
later refitted with two bunk beds and
will visit sites in Male’ city along with other
therefore she can now accommodate
nearby islands and resorts in the Maldives.
36 CRUISES
CRUISE SHIP AIDABELLA ARRIVES IN THE MALDIVES Cruise ship AIDAbella has arrived in the
The ship has 1,025 passenger cabins. There
Maldives with 2,071 passengers and 619
is a nude sunbathing area towards the rear
crew members.
of the ship. Amidships is a circular, glasswalled, and roofed Theatrium in the center
AIDAbella is a cruise ship operated by AIDA
of the ship.
Cruises. Built at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, she is a sister ship
The cruise arrived in the Maldives today
to AIDAdiva and AIDAluna. The ship has a
(11th November 2019) and will depart on
passenger capacity of over 2,050. The name
12th November 2019. The handling agent
AIDAbella was chosen after a competition
for AIDAbella is AMSCO.
to name the new ship. The name was meant to signify how beautiful the ship is.
COSTA VICTORIA ARRIVES IN THE MALDIVES FOR ITS SEASONS’ CRUISING ON INDIAN OCEAN On its seasons’ cruising on Indian waters,
Maldives, Mumbai to Maldives and Maldives
Costa Victoria has arrived in Male’ giving
to Mumbai.
the opportunity for its guests to relax on the white beaches of the Maldives before
The itinerary includes a two-day call to
sailing back to Mumbai.
enjoy the white beaches and coral reef of the Maldives and then the vessel moves
Costa Victoria offers 964 cabins that are
to Sri Lanka and includes a visit to the
accommodating 1,780 guests, looked after
Pinnawela elephant orphanage, one of the
by a crew of 791 on this voyage. It arrived
island’s major attractions.
in the Maldives on 15th November and will depart on 17th November 2019.
Then it is on to the Indian leg, with a stop in Goa, known for its beaches and
MALDIVES WELCOMES NORWEGIAN JADE – THE LARGEST CRUISE SHIP TO ARRIVE IN THE MALDIVES The Maldives has welcomed Norwegian
class ships, together with Norwegian Gem,
Jade, one of the largest cruise ships to
Norwegian Jewel, and Norwegian Pearl. The
arrive in the Maldives since the arrival of
cruiseliner is 294 meters in length and has
Costa cruise ships. The cruise arrived with
14 decks. It has nine restaurants, pools and
2,252 passengers and 1,019 crew members
a jogging track.
on 6th December 0600hrs and will depart from Male’ by evening 1800hrs.
Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA) announced that large cruise liners
Launched in 2006, Norwegian Jade is the
are expected to dock in the Maldives every
2nd of Norwegian Cruise Lines Jewel-
week during the cruise line season.
Costa Cruises is the only international
architecture, and finally Mumbai, where the
cruise company offering regular cruises
vessel overnights to allow guests to fully
from Mumbai to Kochi, Kochi to the
savour the capital of Maharashtra state.
TRAVEL TECH 37
MALDIVES IMMIGRATION BEGINS USING A MOBILE BORDER CONTROL DEVICE IN SEAPORT CLEARANCES Maldives Immigration has announced that
system to capture vital information of
they have begun to use a mobile border
travelers and allows them to identify and,
control device in seaport clearances to
if necessary detain individuals of interest.
further strengthen its capability to secure
Establishment of Country-wide Network
the border. Immigration will now be
and retrieval of desired information using
using the ‘Personal Identification Secure
the fastest communication channels by
Comparison
System
authorized persons only. PISCES project
about
will enable the linking of all ports of
(PISCES),
and
to
seek
Evaluation information
people who cross the border. The system
exit/entry
under
real-time
networking
is developed by a US Company, Booz Allen
environments and provide smooth working
Hamilton Holding Corporation. PISCES
coordination and standardization among
Project provides immigration officials and
different law enforcement agencies in the
law enforcement agencies with a tracking
area of immigration control.
BML & AMERICAN EXPRESS LAUNCH ‘EXPERIENCE MALDIVES’ DESTINATION CAMPAIGN (MMPRC) was launched by the Minister
campaign creates this year as well. We are
of National Planning and Infrastructure,
grateful for the strong support extended by
Mohamed Aslam at a special ceremony
MATI, MMPRC and all other stakeholders”.
held at Kurumba Maldives this evening. As
Commenting on the partnership Divya Jain,
part of this exclusive partnership, American
Vice President and Business Head, Global
Express Cardmembers can avail special
Network Services, South Asia, American
privileges, and discount offers at a number
Express said “We are pleased to partner
of resorts, guesthouses and merchants
with Bank of Maldives, Maldives Association
across the country who are participating in
of
this campaign.
Marketing & Public Relations Corporation
Tourism
Industry
and
Maldives
for the ‘Experience Maldives’ campaign.
Bank of Maldives and American Express
unique, authentic experiences for American
have partnered for a second time to
Express Cardmembers across the globe.
proceed
The
with
campaign
the
global
‘Experience
destination
Maldives’.
‘Experience
Maldives’
campaign,
This
endorsed by the Maldives Association of
campaign aims to promote the Maldives as
Tourism Industry (MATI) and Maldives
an international tourist destination offering
Marketing and Public Relations Company
WESTERN UNION MOBILE APP FOR ONLINE TRANSFERS Villa Travels has introduced the Western
long time and they can simply send the slip
Union new mobile application for online
through Viber. Farhath Abdul Latheef, the
money
money
Manager of Villa Travels said, “This app will
transfer application is free and can now be
facilitate the people working in resorts and
downloaded from the App Store and Google
distant islands for online transfers. They
Play. Customers can download and register
can do it from wherever they are without
through the online portal and send money
having the need to travel to Male’ to make
without having to wait in the queue for a
the transfer with the touch of a button.”
transfers.
This
online
Commenting on the campaign, BML CEO
The Maldives has always been one of the
and Managing Director Tim Sawyer said
most popular destinations for tourists from
“We are delighted to partner with American
across the world and we are committed to
Express for the second time to promote the
promoting and helping local businesses in
Maldives to Cardmembers across the globe.
the market growth through our partnership.
‘Experience Maldives’ has been a successful
With this campaign, we will continue to
campaign that contributed to growing
work towards providing newer and holistic
numbers in tourist arrivals to the Maldives
experiences to our customers.”
and we are excited to see the impact the
38 AWARDS/LISTINGS
SIX SENSES LAAMU & BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION WINS GOLD AT WTM’S RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AWARDS Six Senses Laamu and Blue Marine
the campaign was officially endorsed by the
Foundation have won the Gold Award
Maldives Ministry of Tourism, illustrating
for Wildlife and Nature Conservation at
that seagrass and tourism can indeed
World Travel Market’s Responsible Tourism
coexist. Diverse marine life, such as turtles,
Awards.
#ProtectMaldivesSeagrass
sharks, rays, and even seahorses can be
campaign was jointly initiated by Maldives
found in the seagrass meadows surrounding
Underwater Initiative and Maldives Resilient
Six Senses Laamu.
The
Reefs, with the aim of changing perspectives of seagrass in the Maldives tourism industry.
Six Senses Laamu is the first resort opened in the Laamu Atoll, deep in the Indian
The campaign resulted in one-quarter
Ocean. The resort is a combination of on-
of resorts in the Maldives pledging to
land and over-water villas constructed of
protect over 655,000 m2 of seagrass, the
sustainable materials and set around the
equivalent of 90 football fields. In addition,
palm-fringed paradise.
FAIRMONT MALDIVES SIRRU FEN FUSHI WINS BIG AT HAUTE GRANDEUR GLOBAL AWARDS 2019 Fairmont
Maldives
Sirru
Fen
Fushi,
outstanding hotels/spas that are committed
the resort won Best Island Resort, Best
to offering their guests a “wow” experience.
Destination Hotel, Best Honeymoon Hotel,
The Awards facilitate networking and at the
and Best Lifestyle Hotel while its Willow
same time inspire and improve both the
Stream Spa was named the Best Destination
hotel and spa industries.
Spa, Best Luxury Spa, and Best Resort Spa, in the highly coveted Haute Grandeur
Opened in 2018, Fairmont Maldives Sirru
Global Awards 2019. Haute Grandeur,
Fen Fushi is the only resort on the pristine
the
initiative
Shaviyani atoll with 112 luxury villas each
recognizing excellence within the hotel,
with their own private pool. The resort can
spa and restaurant industries representing
be reached in 50 minutes by domestic flight
60 countries worldwide. Haute Grandeur
from Velana International Airport followed
Global Hotel & Spa Awards is dedicated to
by a speedboat from Hanimaadhoo Airport
support and encourage excellence amongst
to the resort. Alternatively, guests can book
hotels & spas worldwide whilst aiming
a 50-minute scenic seaplane flight directly
to strengthen the market share of those
to the resort.
world’s
leading
Awards
AWARDS/ LISTINGS 39
CROWN & CHAMPA RESORTS NOMINATED IN 63 CATEGORIES IN THE MALDIVES TRAVEL AWARDS 2019 Crown & Champa Resorts has been
foreign partners, whose common interest
nominated in 63 categories in the Maldives
is to work together to achieve better
Travel Awards 2019.
business performance. These common interests include but are not limited
A statement released by the group stated,
to new development, design, concept,
“We are honored that Crown & Champa
construction, marketing & sales, operations,
Resorts have a total of 63 nominations in
finance, purchasing, and human resources
the 2019 Maldives Travel Awards. This is
development. CCR was established in 2000.
a testament to our continuous efforts in
CCR’s current resorts are:
exceeding guest expectations and providing
•
Hurawalhi Island Resort & Spa
exceptional hospitality. Thank you to our
•
Komandoo Island Resort & Spa
customers and partners for making such
•
Kudadoo Island Resort & Spa
recognition possible.”
•
Kuredu Island Resort & Spa
•
Meeru Island Resort & Spa
Crown & Champa Resorts, “CCR” is a
•
Veligandu Island Resort & Spa
trading name for a group of resort hotels
•
Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa
in the Republic of the Maldives, owned
•
Champa Central Hotel
and operated by various Maldivian and
MULTI-AWARD-WINNING DUSIT THANI MALDIVES ADDS FIVE MORE PRESTIGIOUS ACCOLADES TO ITS NAME Dusit Thani Maldives, a luxury Thai-
global hotel industry, the Haute Grandeur
inspired resort on Mudhdhoo Island in
Global Awards is designed to celebrate
Baa Atoll, was recently named the winner
the very best in hotel experiences across
of four prestigious categories of the Haute
seven continents, 172 countries and 90
Grandeur Global Awards 2019, held in
categories. Winners are selected annually
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, followed swiftly
based on quality feedback from guests,
by a regional win in the World Luxury Hotel
rather than the number of votes by a panel
Awards, held in Rovaniemi, Finland.
of judges or the general public.
At a glittering awards ceremony attended
Also
by representatives from many of the
Luxury Hotel Awards is a renowned global
world’s leading hotel companies, the
organization that provides recognition to
award-winning resort was declared Haute
luxury hotels for its world-class facilities and
Grandeur Global’s Best Beach Resort in
excellent services. Awards are presented to
the Indian Ocean, Best All-Inclusive Family
luxury hotels in over 50 different categories
Hotel on a Global Level, Best All-Inclusive
on a country, regional and global basis.
Resort on a Global Level, and Best Wedding
Public votes select all winners.
organized
annually,
the
World
Retreat on a Global Level. The success was shortly followed by
“We are deeply honored to have been
another impressive win – this time in the
recognized for these awards and I would like
World Luxury Hotel Awards 2019, where
to thank the whole team for their amazing
the resort was named the regional winner
contribution towards our success,” said Mr.
of the Luxury Beach Hotel category.
Thomas Weber, General Manager, Dusit Thani Maldives. “To be recognized as the
Established in 2014 as an independent
best hotel in so many categories reflects our
and unbiased initiative to honor the very
commitment to service excellence across
highest achievements from across the
the board. We now look forward to doing
everything we can to retain these titles
with three restaurants, two bars, and
while striving to become even better.”
Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa. The resort is surrounded by a rich house reef, white
Located just 35 minutes by seaplane
sandy beaches, and a turquoise lagoon.
from capital city Malé, and 10 minutes by
A well-equipped Kids Club adds to the
speedboat from Dharavandhoo Domestic
resort’s family-friendly appeal.
Airport in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives comprises 94 villas and residences, along
40 AWARDS/ LISTINGS
MALDIVES AMONG THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S LIST OF BEST TRIPS TO TAKE IN 2020 National Geographic has revealed its list of
as ‘forward-thinking islands on the front
sustainability
the
protect the Maldives’ fragile coral reefs,
the top 25 must-see travel destinations for
lines of climate change’.
effort to be carbon neutral by 2020—
which support a high diversity of coral,
are a matter of survival. According to
fish, and bird species, as well as sea turtles, whale sharks, and other marine life”.
2020 and the Maldives has made the list.
initiatives—such
as
This list features places from all over the
Marie-Amélie Carpio, senior editor of
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
world, and it’s part of the publication’s effort
Nat Geo Travel France stated, “The first
Change, much of the Maldives—which is the
to advocate for more sustainable tourism.
nation to champion the need to address
lowest-lying country on the planet (average
Divided into four categories, the list offers
Their picks take into account a number of
climate change in the United Nations
elevation: five feet) and whose territory is
suggestions for travelers with a focus on
factors, including cultural engagement,
General Assembly, in 1987, the Maldives
about 99 percent water—could disappear
culture, city life, nature, or adventure. The
diversity,
and
is an environmental protection trailblazer.
in decades due to rising sea levels caused
must-see sites were picked in collaboration
community benefit. National Geographic
For the idyllic, 1,200-island archipelago
by global warming. The 540-square-mile
with 17 of National Geographic Traveler’s
Traveler describes the Maldives archipelago
in the Indian Ocean, forward-thinking
UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve helps
editorial teams across the world.
value,
affordability,
MALDIVES WINS WORLD’S LEADING BEACH DESTINATION 2019 AT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS The Maldives has won the ‘World’s Leading
The Maldives won a total of 7 awards at this
Beach Destination 2019’ at the World Travel
year’s World Travel Awards including the
Awards held at Royal Opera House Muscat
awards won by the resorts. They include:
in Oman on 28th November 2019. The
•
Maldives also bagged the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination 2019’, ‘Indian
World Leading Airport Resort: Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH)
•
Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2019’
World Leading Honeymoon Resort: JA Manafaru
and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon
•
Leading Island Villa: W Maldives
Destination 2019’.
•
Leading Luxury Island Resort: St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The Maldives competed with 15 destinations
•
Leading Island Hotel, Restaurant: Ithaa
around the world including destinations
Undersea Restaurant, Conrad Maldives
from Thailand, Mexico, and the United
Rangali Resort
States to win the ‘World’s Leading Beach
•
Destination 2019’ at World Travel Awards. World Travel Awards serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.
World Leading Water Villa Resort: Sun Aqua Vilureef
•
World’s Most Romantic Resort: Baros Maldives
AWARDS/ LISTINGS
41
FUVAHMULAH ATOLL TOPS ‘BEST PLACES TO DIVE WITH SHARKS IN ASIA’ Fuvahmulah atoll has been named the ‘Best
sharks, thresher sharks, silvertip sharks,
Place to Dive with Sharks in Asia’ by ZuBlu
oceanic
diving.
barracudas, yellowfin tuna, bonitos, sailfish,
manta
rays,
big
schools
of
and even Mola mola and pilot whales. With over 20 known dive sites to explore and more being discovered every year,
Whilst the sharks are in no way aggressive,
Fuvahmulah’s
dive
it is recommended to take experienced
scene, unique location, and isolation
dive guides to ensure all necessary safety
make it one of the best destinations for
precautions are taken.
relatively
unknown
exploratory dives in the Maldives. The best suggested time to visit Fuvahmulah Nicknamed
the
Maldivian
Galapagos,
atoll to dive with sharks is from December
Fuvahmulah Atoll is crowned Asia’s hottest
to March. However, with the atoll’s
shark diving locations to dive with tiger
proximity to the equator, the monsoons are
sharks,
thresher
less pronounced compared to further north
sharks and more. Fuvahmulah’s relatively
in the Maldives and the weather is pretty
unknown dive scene, unique location, and
stable all year round. The dry north-east
isolation make it an ideal destination for
monsoon usually runs from December to
exhilarating diving in the Maldives. The
March with the wet south-west monsoon
atoll’s famous tiger sharks can be seen
from May to November.
hammerhead
sharks,
every day, but its also home to hammerhead
CROWN & CHAMPA RESORT’S LARS PETRE FEATURED BY FORBES AS ‘THE MAN WHO MADE THE MALDIVES A LUXURY DESTINATION’ Lars Petre, one of Crown & Champa Resorts
and six diving centers across the tropical
partner has been featured by Forbes as
archipelago.
‘The Man Who Made The Maldives A Luxury Destination’.
Being an industry pioneer in the Maldives, he talks about his challenges in opening
Petre talks about how he first came to
the Kuredu resort and gives an insight into
the Maldives and how he opened his first
the industry addressing the climate-related
resort, Kuredu, with Maldivian partners
issues and the changes in the market.
in December 1988. Over the past three decades, his company Crown & Champa Resorts has grown to own or manage 10 resorts, a dozen locations of Duniye Spa
42 ACCOMMODATION
ENJOY BAREFOOT LUXURY AT JUMEIRAH VITTAVELI THIS FESTIVE SEASON The Maldivian retreat will celebrate the
to New Year’s Day at Samsara restaurant
festive season with unique experiences,
where a decadent limited-edition menu will
live performances and culinary excellence
be served to celebrate on both days.
curated for the whole family. The culinary team will be offering up fresh Those looking to escape to tropical shores
oysters, lobster, tiger prawns as well as
this festive season will not only enjoy the
suckling pig and a range of other delicacies.
sand beneath their feet at the luxury
At the stroke of midnight, the island’s
Jumeirah Vittaveli resort in the Maldives
lagoon will be lit up by a mesmerizing
but are set to experience unique activities
firework show to ring in the New Year, while
and entertainment in keeping with the most
guests are invited to party beachside, with
wonderful time of the year.
molecular cocktails and champagne. The theme of the NYE celebrations will be the
Situated in the South Male Atoll, the
Great Gatsby with guests invited to dress in
exclusive Maldivian isle with its 90 suites
roaring 20’s style or take advantage of the
and villas will commence the festivities with
in-house tailor to create a Charleston-style
the lighting of its Christmas Tree on 22nd
dress or dapper suit. will
December before its in-house choir takes
showcase
a
progressive
journey
and wellbeing in everyday life including
to the stage on the 24th and 25th for the
Jumeirah
Manager
from exclusive vintage drinks to festive
masterclasses in Breathing, Meditation, and
resort’s annual carol singing tradition. In the
Abhijit Ghosh is already in the festive mood,
nibbles and a lavish dinner buffet for the
Yoga, as well as his signature Saki Massage.
past, Santa has made surprise appearances
stating: “Our team is excited to surprise our
festive galas, planned for Christmas Eve,
For children, the Kuda Koli Kids Club will
on a jet-ski and by catamaran, and it is
guests with this year’s festive celebrations
Christmas Day and Russian Orthodox
host a range of fun-filled festive activities
hoped he will delight kids staying in the
– the Christmas tree will be a highlight
Christmas on 6th January. On other nights,
to make it their most memorable holiday
resort on the 25th December once again.
onto itself, and the Great Gatsby style New
a Louis Roederer crystal champagne dinner
season yet. From Christmas t-shirt painting
Live performances and music will also get
Year’s festivities are the extravagant icing
at Cuvée and an oyster and caviar night
and a festive scavenger hunt to gingerbread
the resort into the swing of the festive
on top! It is a pure joy to see the enthusiasm
at Fenesse await guests who are eager to
house-making, there’s something on every
season with everything from ballet to
of my team in making sure everything is
excite their palate.
day to keep young minds entertained.
acrobatics and even a touch of magic. A
ready for a joyous festive holiday and am
resident five-piece band, saxophone soloist
looking forward to welcoming guests for
For travelers looking to disconnect over the
and DJ will entertain guests from 24th
this magical time of the year.”
holiday season, visiting holistic practitioner
Vittaveli’s
General
Isaac Vidjrakou will be at Talise Spa at
December through to 7th January at venues across the island paradise. The party will
Indeed, a special culinary flair is a must for
Jumeirah Vittaveli with a range of practical
continue from New Year’s Eve through
the festive season, and Jumeirah Vittaveli
techniques to help encourage mindfulness
THE MARINA AT CROSSROADS CONDUCTS EDUCATIONAL VISIT FOR STUDENTS OF MUHYIDDIN SCHOOL The Marina at CROSSROADS has conducted
the visit, students had the opportunity
an educational on 21st November for a
to learn about Maldivian arts and crafts,
group of students from Muhyiddin School
its unique geography, marine life, and
in Villingili.
conservation activities (coral propagation methods) carried out by the centre.
18 students from the school participated in this visit to the Maldives Discovery Centre
Apart from the coral propagation program
and Marine Discovery Centre located at
aimed at saving coral reefs, the Marine
The Marina at CROSSROADS. This was a
Discovery Centre also hosts a laboratory
fruitful and fun-filled visit for the students,
where marine research and longitudinal
conducted to raise awareness about the
studies are conducted.
Maldives’ culture and environment. During
ACCOMMODATION 43
‘OCEAN ENCOUNTERS’ PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION AT SHANGRI-LA’S VILLINGILI RESORT & SPA project to support the regeneration of coral
Nature project, protects the local habitats
reefs in the Indian Ocean.
of
numerous
Shangri-La
properties
throughout the globe. Shangri-La’s Villingili To further enhance the aquatic experience,
Resort & Spa, Maldives’ Reef Care project
visitors to Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard,
focuses on replanting fragmented corals
London and Shangri-La Hotel, Paris can
to regenerate the reefs. The resort has
enjoy ocean-inspired cocktails created
successfully planted over 2,000 healthy
by each hotel’s talented bar teams. At
corals, which are essential for underwater
Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London,
biodiversity.
the team at Gong Bar has created “The Azure” cocktail, priced at £18, is made with
‘The waters surrounding the resorts in
bergamot-infused gin, Blue Curacao, saline
the Maldives and Mauritius are teeming
solution and sea samphire. While Paris’s Le
with life, creating incredible opportunities
Bar Botaniste team have concocted “The
to encounter marine animals; a true
Nautilus”, priced at €27, made with oyster
underwater paradise for divers,” said
leaf–infused gin, dill-infused vodka, Noilly
Lecoeur. “Through sharing my photography
Prat and smoked salt. In Paris, the CHI,
of this underwater world, I am proud to
The Spa therapists have also created the
contribute to Shangri-La’s SANCTUARY
60-minute Indian Ocean inspired treatment
project to raise awareness of the importance
to bring the relaxed atmosphere of the
of biodiversity protection.”
islands to the city’s 16th arrondissement.
Discover the vibrant marine world captured
The “Ocean Encounters” exhibition will run
by
Greg
at Shangri-La Hotel, Paris from 29 October
Lecoeur, at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort
to 22 November 2019 and at Shangri La
& Spa, Maldives and Shangri-La’s Le
Hotel, At The Shard, London from 30
Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius. The
October to 15 November 2019. In Paris,
“Ocean Encounters” exhibition will also be
20 large-scale photographs will be on view
exhibited across the four hotels:
throughout the ground floor public areas of
•
Shangri-La Hotel, Paris
the palace hotel open for all guests to enjoy.
•
Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard,
In London, visitors to The Shard will be able
London
to view 15 of Lecoeur’s photographs with
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa,
five exhibited at the ground entrance to the
Maldives
hotel, five in the reception lobby on the 35th
Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort &
floor and five displayed in the Sky Lounge on
Spa, Mauritius
the 34th floor. The underwater photography
• •
award-winning
photographer,
displayed will feature manta rays, colorful Corals reefs, pods of dolphins, tropical
surgeonfish indigenous to the Maldivian
fish, sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, and
coral reef, endangered hawksbill turtles,
majestic manta rays will swim through
humpback whales breeding in Mauritian
Shangri-La’s
this
waters, and many other fascinating marine
autumn as part of the “Ocean Encounters”
encounters showcasing the diverse life of
photographic exhibition created by Greg
the Indian Ocean. Following the European
Lecoeur. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
shows, the exhibition will travel home to
commissioned the National Geographic
be exhibited at the group’s Indian Ocean
award-winning photographer to capture
resorts where the images were captured.
the beauty of the underwater worlds of
All photographic prints created by Greg
Shangri-La’s resorts in the Maldives and
Leceour and exhibited across the four
Mauritius. With this exclusive series of
hotels will be available for purchase and
images, the group hopes to inspire visitors
priced from 250 to 850 Euros. Benefitting
to learn more about the Indian Ocean
the region’s marine ecosystem, 100 percent
environment and how to protect this vitally
of the proceeds of each sale will go towards
important ecosystem.
SANCTUARY, Shangri-La’s Care for Nature
European
properties
A percentage of the proceeds from the
A haven for sea life including turtles,
cocktails and spa treatments will also
dolphins and hammerhead sharks, Shangri-
benefit the SANCTUARY fund to protect the
La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives is
Indian Ocean coral reefs.
perfect for both beginner underwater explorers and experienced divers. Travelers
Sharing
the
beauty
of
the
marine
can discover a myriad of life snorkeling
environment and inspiring its protection is
in the house reef or can explore further
a cause close to Lecoeur’s heart and one
afield and further underwater at over 25
nurtured since his childhood in Nice on the
world-class dive locations surrounding the
Mediterranean Sea. Lecoeur has traveled
private island, including the British Loyalty
throughout the globe training his lens on
shipwreck.
the teeming communities of life underwater to share his experiences with the public
During his time in the Indian Ocean, Lecoeur
and raise awareness of the fragility of
also explored the stunning marine life of
our ecosystems and the need to preserve
Mauritius at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok
biodiversity. His work has won numerous
Resort & Spa. Located on the most secluded
awards, including National Geographic
bay in Mauritius and boasting its own
“Nature Photographer of the Year” in 2016.
private island, the resort offers multiple
“We are thrilled to have had Greg visit
opportunities
our wonderful resorts in the Maldives and
underwater life. Mauritian waters are home
Mauritius and that he had the opportunity
to brightly colored tropical fish, sperm
to explore the thrilling marine life of both
whales, dolphins, and whale sharks. Almost
islands. His extraordinary photographs
completely encircled by a barrier coral
capture the stunning beauty that surrounds
reef, travelers can explore hundreds of
our resorts and we hope this will inspire
diving sites, shipwrecks dating back to the
travelers to discover the natural wonders
18th and 19th centuries, and a dramatic
of the Indian Ocean for themselves,” said
topography including grand caverns, caves,
John Northen, Executive Vice President -
and arches, which, when the light filters
Middle East, India, and the Indian Ocean,
through, offer incredible sights.
Shangri-La Group. Launched in 2010 with the aim of making a concerted effort towards biodiversity conservation SANCTUARY,
and
habitat
Shangri-La’s
protection, Care
for
to
discover
nature
and
44 ACCOMMODATION
SUN ISLAND RESORT CELEBRATES 21ST ANNIVERSARY
Sun Island Resort and Spa, owned and
progress of the company. We started with
operated by leading local hotel group
a few, but now we have grown not only in
Villa Hotels & Resorts celebrated its 21st
numbers but also in talents and creativity.
anniversary on 07th November 2019. The
I would like to dedicate this success to all
General Manager of Sun Island Resort,
staff of Sun Island Resort and Spa who are
Abdulla Fathhey’s anniversary message
the ones turning vision into reality with their
was posted on the resort’s social media
hard work, commitment and loyalty towards
accounts. The message read as follows:
the company throughout the years.”
“We are proud and honored to celebrate
Faththey ended the message by thanking all
the 21st anniversary of Sun Island Resort
their customers who have chosen the resort
and Spa today, the 7th of November
as the holiday destination and by wishing all
2019. On behalf of the Sun Island team, I
a very Happy Anniversary. Sun Island
would like to express my sincere gratitude
offers over 460 guest rooms, including
to our honorable Chairman and our MD for
Standard Beach Bungalows, Superior Beach
creating a wonderful environment where
Bungalows, Beach Pool Villas, Sunset Villas,
there are plenty of opportunities for growth
Water Bungalows and Presidential Suites,
and development.”
making it the largest resort in the Maldives.
He further highlighted, “An achievement
Sun Island has also recently introduced
of 21 years wouldn’t have been possible
brand new Beach Pool Villas, offering
without their vision, guidance and learning
enhanced living and relaxation facilities to
opportunities for our betterment and
guests.
TWIN ISLAND FESTIVE EXPERIENCES AT BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU & ANGSANA IHURU Underwater
adventures,
festive
Guests are encouraged to come as they
performances and Christmas activities
are for New Year’s Eve, even barefoot if
set against a stunning backdrop of the
they prefer but they can dress up and get
Indian Ocean await guests of Banyan Tree
that perfect Instagram-worthy Christmas
Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru this year.
shot on the specially designed Festive Photobooth.
Island Festivities The Festive Celebration will begin with the
New Year’s Eve at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
Decorating and Lighting of the Christmas
will be for those who seek laid back
Trees on the 22nd of December. Christmas
celebration under the stars. The resident
Eve will be traditional with a small twist as
acoustic
Santa will arrive by boat instead of the sleigh
throughout the evening until the countdown.
on the 24th, followed by lively Christmas
For guests who prefer to dance their night
Carols while guests enjoy cocktails and
away and welcome the New Year under
canapés.
twirling disco lights, they can head over to
On the morning of 25th, Santa and his
band
will
serenade
guests
Angsana Ihuru and show their moves on the
by the time-honored treatments at Banyan
For non-swimmers, swimming lessons or
dance floor during the DJ performance.
Tree Spa. Guests can reconnect to nature
guided snorkeling can be arranged.
by meditations and yoga classes led by
divers will visit the Rannamaari Wreck to check out the resident guitarfish and other
‘Tis the Season for the Kiddies
the resorts’ in-house Yoga instructor. A
Guests can visit the Marine Lab to
marine creatures.
A series of fun activities await for the kids!
romantic cruise on the Indian Ocean during
participate in conservation activities such
The little ones can try kids-yoga on the
the Christmas or New Year’s Eve is also a
as coral planting, citizen science snorkeling,
Fun activities will commence at Banyan
beach, coral planting, or bracelet making
one of a kind Festive Experience.
and Marine Talk.
Tree Beach such as Festive Games, Zumba
from recycled fishing nets. For something a
Session, and Beach Volleyball every day
little more festive, kids can decorate their
A team of experienced dive instructors
For something a little extra, in case the
before the sunset. Live arts with local
own gingerbread man or create Christmas
will offer the most wonderful underwater
North East wind blows a little bit stronger,
market experience and t-shirt painting
cards using recycled paper.
adventures to divers and non-divers alike.
guests can expect a kiteboarding show from
Divers can meet the resident guitarfish,
the resorts’ kite surfers including one of Maldives’ finest, Ahmed Hamdhan (Hambe).
are available for the crafty and the muchanticipated activity ‘Swim Across the
Activity Highlights
batfish and moray eels of the legendary
Channel,’ an 890-meter swim between the
Those who seek tranquility can retreat to
Rannamaari Wreck while beginners can
two islands will also take place.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and be rejuvenated
explore Angsana Ihuru’s vibrant house reef.
ACCOMMODATION 45
VAKKARU MALDIVES TO HOST ‘A SEASIDE ADVENTURE’ WITH CLARIS THE MOUSE & MEGAN HESS This festive season, Vakkaru Maldives
Ferragamo and more. She has illustrated
welcomes internationally-renowned fashion
live for bespoke fashion shows around
illustrator and author, Megan Hess for the
the world like Viktor & Rolf, Christian
exclusive launch of her third book in The
Dior Couture, and Chopard at the 2019
Claris Collection, Claris: Bonjour Riviera on
Cannes International Film Festival. She
5 and 6 January 2020.
has written and illustrated numerous bestselling books, including Fashion House, The
Surrounded by glistening turquoise waters
Dress and Coco Chanel, New York, Paris,
and luxurious island settings, Vakkaru
Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris, Iconic,
Maldives will set the scene for Claris’ new
Elegance and more. Today, Megan Hess
adventure in the French Riviera. Guests
is one of the world’s most sought-after
5 January 2020 - Claris: Bonjour Riviera Book Launch and Poca who pre-book their seats, will be the first in fashion illustrators with a revered client list & Poca Fashion Launch (Limited the world to receive signed copies of Claris: that includes Michelle Obama, Gwyneth Seats) Bonjour Riviera hot off the press, view the
Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman
unveiling of Claris’ new resort collection by
and most recently Sarah Jessica Parker.
luxury fashion house, Poca & Poca, attend an exclusive illustration masterclass conducted
The Claris Collection was officially launched
by Megan Hess and enjoy a bespoke Megan
in 2018 offering readers delightful rhyming
Hess dessert table on Orthodox Christmas
tales about courage, compassion and a
night.
stylish little mouse. From chasing her
Megan Hess’ 2006 illustration of the New
dream of moving to Paris in Claris: The
York Times number one selling book,
Chicest Mouse in Paris, to racing against
Sex and The City by Candace Bushnell
the clock to attend Paris Fashion Week in
catapulted her onto the world stage where
Claris: Fashion Fiasco, follow Claris’ next
she began illustrating portraits for the New
adventure as she stows away on the family
York Times, Italian Vogue, Vanity Fair,
trip to the French Riviera in Claris: Bonjour
TIME magazine and more. Megan’s skills
Riviera. “The Claris Collection is destined
and iconic designs have also been specially
to delight fashion-obsessed readers of all
commissioned by Bergdorf Goodman in
ages. It is about a little mouse who loves
New York, Harrods of London and used in
fashion, has an enormous heart and chases
global campaigns for FENDI, Tiffany & Co,
her dreams with courage and compassion,”
Prada, Cartier, Dior, Valentino, Salvatore
says Megan Hess.
AMILLA FUSHI BANS USE OF PLASTIC STRAWS As part of its commitment to protecting
Amilla Fushi in partnership with Parley has
the marine environment, Amilla Fushi has
also implemented a strategy to no longer
removed all plastic straws from the resort
purchase single-use plastic bottles, rather
and replaced them with paper straws.
converting to reusable glass bottles, as well as limiting plastic usage throughout the
Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO World
resort. The resort has a water bottling plant
Biosphere
is
on the island to provide guests and Amilla
committed to marine conservation. As such,
Islanders with pure water; negating the
the resort is striving to reduce all single-use
need for plastic bottles.
Reserve,
Amilla
Fushi
plastics (that can end up in the ocean and harm marine-life) and to work in harmony with the natural bounty of the area.
Set
against
the
crystal-clear
Timeless creations that are to be cherished and treasured forever. 6 January 2020 - Megan Hess Fashion Illustration Masterclass (Limited Seats)
waters
Limited to only the first 10 guests who
surrounding Vakkaru Maldives and under
book, this is an exclusive experience where
the shaded coconut trees, guests will be
Megan Hess will be conducting a fashion
treated to a Megan Hess book reading of
illustration masterclass.
Claris: Bonjour Riviera and a conversation with Megan on her inspiration behind
Vakkaru Maldives’ collection of ultra-
Claris as a character and the concept of
immersive and cherished guest experiences
her new book. Alongside the book launch,
is created in partnership with guest
luxury fashion brand Poca & Poca by sister
experiences
and brother duo Karolina and Wiktor
Creative Collaborations. Watch out for more
Gniewek, will unveil their newest Claris
experiences from culinary greats, wellness
fashion collection consisting of six key
mentors and scent experts to fashion
looks – a resort collection in hues of blues
collaborations and exquisite artisanal pop-
and creams inspired by Claris’ upcoming
ups as Vakkaru Maldives aims to inspire
seaside adventure. Crafted by a team of
guests by creating timeless memories and
master tailors in Poland with precision and
effortlessly beautiful moments.
skill, each design is of the highest quality, exemplifying an energetic and youthful spirit.
specialist
The
Magnolia
46 ACCOMMODATION
TODDY INC. OPENS FLAGSHIP OUTLET AT THE MARINA AT CROSSROADS MALDIVES
Local apparel brand, Toddy Inc. has officially
showroom at STO Trade Centre (in Malé).
of its kind introduced in the Maldives.
outlets such as Hums, Toddy, Raidha’s
opened its flagship outlet at The Marina
According to Toddy, prices are the same for
Toddy tees are made to the Global Organic
Maldives and some of the world’s premium
at CROSSROADS Maldives on November
both locals and tourists. One of their aims is
Textile Standard (GOTS) and by a fair trade
shopping outlets featuring extraordinary
16th, 2019 under the slogan “Toddy x
to make Toddy an internationally recognized
certified factories. Besides this, they also
fashion-forward
Party”. Founded in 2009, Toddy Inc. is a
brand and also provide a platform for local
use biodegradable organic cotton paper
beauty products, souvenirs and luxuries,
100% locally owned and operated apparel
artists to showcase their unique talents.
bags and sell environmentally friendly
or want to take yourself on a gastronomical
related company that seeks to tell the
With the opening of this outlet, it is a good
products such as reusable flasks and more.
journey in one of the world-renowned F&B
untold story of Maldives through its unique
opportunity for them as well as local brands
The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives
outlets such as The Hard Rock Café, Café
t-shirts, souvenirs, and other products.
to enter into the international market. In
is the first of its kind destination in the
del Mar or Ministry of Crab, this is the place
addition to this, Toddy is hoping to launch
Maldives. Conveniently located just 15
to be. Keep an eye out for more events to
its online shop in the near future.
minutes away from Malé City, they offer
come.
The event saw live music by local musicians Shiuz, Nish Nashid, and Symbolic Records.
clothing,
a wonderful range of facilities, services,
There was a special storewide discount
All clothing materials available at Toddy
and entertainment to ensure a remarkable
of 20% on all products including two new
are made with 100% organic and eco-
experience for every visitor. Whether you
additions which will also be available in their
friendly cotton. Notably, this was the first
are in for a shopping spree at trending
RANAURAA’ INN BECOMES THE FIRST GUESTHOUSE TO BAN SINGLE-USE PLASTIC IN DHIFFUSHI Ranauraa’ guesthouse
Inn
has
become
the
to
ban
single-use
first
plastic
Velana International Airport. This is just a 45 minutes scenic ride on a speedboat.
in Dhiffushi. Instead, Ranaura Inn and Ranaura Cafe’ & Resto have started serving
The guesthouse offers a unique experience
purified water in reusable glass bottles to
where guests are made to feel at home with
protect the rich marine life.
spacious air-conditioned rooms, equipped with a flat-screen TV, a work area and free
Ranauraa Inn sits on one of the most pristine
WIFI. All rooms have Safe, Minibar, Tea/
islands of the Maldives and is designed to
Coffee maker, Ironing facilities and Modern
mesmerize and leave you with priceless
Bathroom facilities.
memories to last a lifetime. Surrounded by the crystal clear blue waters of Maldives, this guesthouse is built on the island of Kaafu Dhiffushi – 37.60km away from
accessories,
ACCOMMODATION 47
‘GUESS WHO’S COOKING’, A WHOLE NEW DINING EXPERIENCE BY SONEVA JANI Soneva, the leading eco-luxury resort
Soneva Jani’s specialty chefs, visiting chefs
and Chef Ansari (Indian thali) from Soneva
There will also be the occasional lunch pop-
operator, recently unveiled a new surprise,
from Soneva Fushi, its sister resort in the
Jani; Chef Sobah (Maldivian cuisine) from
up from 12:30-3 pm.
pop-up dining experience, called ‘Guess
Maldives, and Soneva Kiri on Koh Kood
Soneva Fushi; and Chef Benz (Thai cuisine)
Who’s Cooking’, at Soneva Jani.
island in Thailand, as well as international
from Soneva Kiri.
visiting chefs. A rough idea of the menu will
Guests with dietary restrictions, food allergies or those who prefer not to eat
The new dining experience has a secret
be revealed on the day of the experience,
The price per person varies based on the
certain food items should let their Mr./
menu concept, where the diners won’t
but only once diners are seated at the tables
particular menu of the day, starting at
Ms. Friday knows when booking secret/no
know which chef is cooking or what cuisine
on the sand will the chef emerge from the
$175 for Soneva’s chefs and $350 for a
menu dining experiences well in advance.
they will be preparing until just before the
cooking tent to present the menu – outlining
degustation menu by a visiting international
This will ensure that the chef knows what
meal. The kitchen is housed within the
the concept, ingredients and the inspiration
chef. “Guess Who’s Cooking” is only
or what not to cook.
walls of a Bedouin tent, and while there is
for the dishes.
available two to three nights a week, seating
room for dining inside the tent in case of
just 16 diners. Dinner is served from
rain, the main experience is on the beach.
The lineup of Soneva chefs will include Chef
7:30-10:30 pm, while a sunset cocktail
The chefs who will be featured include
Kat (Thai cuisine), Chef Sun (Asian cuisine)
experience is offered from 6:30-7:30 pm.
EXCITING ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON AT FUSHIFARU From 20th December to 1st January 2019,
The festivities will continue with Boxing
festivities will be in full swing at Fushifaru,
Day Mini Olympics, sunset yoga, mocktail
Maldives. With Christmas and New Year’s
making classes and live music in the
Eve around the corner, Fushifaru is getting
evenings. The main event on New Year’s
ready to create unforgettable memories for
Eve will be the Pre-Dinner Party, Grand
its guests and staff this festive season.
Gala Buffet and the Countdown Party to make sure we say farewell to 2019 the right
Fushifaru is going to celebrate Christmas
way!
in style with a mixture of Maldivian and Western traditions. Christmas activities
Fushifaru is extremely excited to celebrate
will range from decorating the Christmas
this festive season and to start the new
tree, singing Christmas carols and going
year with an abundance of happiness and
on a Christmas treasure hunt, to authentic
success.
Thaana
writing
classes
and
coconut
painting. On Christmas Day, be prepared
For those interested in staying at Fushifaru
for Santa’s arrival, a Christmas feast and
this festive season, reservations can be
snowman making throughout the day along
made by visiting www.fushifaru.com or by
with a champagne party and a family movie
calling +960 662 0202.
under the stars!
48 ACCOMMODATION
‘MALDIVES KIMONO’ OFFICIALLY UNVEILED AT THE FIVE CONTINENT KIMONO COLLECTION SHOW Imagine One World’s Kimono Project has
The “Imagine One World Kimono Project”
unveiled the ‘Maldives Kimono’ at the
is a Japan-headquartered endeavor sharing
Five Continent Kimono Collection Show in
the beauty of the traditional hand-made
Japan. The Kimono was sponsored by Ms.
Japanese kimono. Unique garments for
Akemi Sakai and designed and made by Mr.
each of 206 countries are created to unite
Sekiya Yukihide.
the world in peace and harmony in Tokyo 2020.
The ‘Maldivian Kimono’ showcases the national symbols of the country and what
The Project intends to make one Kimono
the Maldives represents for including the
and its appropriate fitting, the Obi (sash),
national flower; pink rose, the colors of the
for every country in the world, based on its
Maldivian flag, mesmerizing images of the
image for the country.
sea world and the lacquer work which is the most distinctive forms of handicraft.
INDIA TO DEVELOP ‘MALDIVES STYLE’ LUXURY WATER VILLAS Looking to develop high-value tourist
“Bids have been invited for the seven
destinations with the added luxury of
coveted projects, which will be developed on
‘Maldives style’ water villas, Niti Aayog,
a priority basis in public-private partnership
the Indian government’s think-tank, has
mode. The idea is to make India a major
prepared a Rs 1,500 crore water and land
tourist destination,” an official stated.
villa project in the lagoons of Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The Aayog has proposed the development of 125 rooms in water villas to be constructed
It is reported that along with the villas,
on Minicoy island, Suheli island and Kadmat
infrastructure
developed,
island of Lakshadweep. It plans to construct
including the building of new airports,
460 rooms inland villas on Long Island, Aves
the introduction of seaplanes to these
Island, Smith Island and Shaheed Dweep
destinations and strengthening helicopter
island in Andaman & Nicobar.
would
be
services as well as floating jetties to ensure smooth accessibility.
NOKU MALDIVES INTRODUCES #SAYYESTOREUSEABLE WITH ECO BAGS As part of its continued efforts towards
the importance of the use of eco-bags
social sustainability and to protect the
throughout Noonu Atoll with this campaign.
environment, Noku Maldives has initiated
As part of its commitment to social
a campaign #sayyestoreuseable with eco-
responsibility, the resort has also carried
bags.
out island cleanups and island fumigation when needed.
Noku Maldives presented the Speaker of the Parliament, former President Mohamed
Noku Maldives is situated in Noonu Atoll,
Nasheed and the Deputy Speaker of the
just 45 minutes by seaplane from Velana
Parliament Eva Abdulla with the very first
International Airport. With 50 modern
design of the reusable eco bags to inaugurate
private villas on Island, the resort offers
the #sayyestoreuseable campaign. The
comfort, space, and tranquility.
resort aims to spread awareness about
ACCOMMODATION 49
JUMEIRAH VITTAVELI INTRODUCES APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME Jumeirah Vittaveli has introduced an
Vittaveli apprenticeship programme is open
apprenticeship
the
for Maldivians who passed O-Level exams
first batch of 14 apprentices inaugurated at
along with an assessment conducted by the
a special ceremony held at the resort eli on
resort.
programme,
with
15th November 2019. The ceremony was officiated by Former Maldives President
On successful completion of the programme,
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
apprentices will be offered employment opportunities at Jumeirah Vittaveli as well
This apprenticeship programme is an eight-
as sister properties across the world. The
month-long programme aiming to train
second batch of the Jumeirah Vittaveli
passionate Maldivian school graduates
Apprenticeship Programme will be open
in various areas of the hospitality sector.
for applications in summer 2020, for entry
During the first two months, the participants
in November 2020. The General Manager
will be trained in all major fields, including
at
culinary, food and beverage, front office and
and Former President Maumoon Abdul
housekeeping. The participants will also be
Gayoom addressed the participants and
given on-the-job training in their chosen
guests at the event.
Jumeirah
Vittaveli Abhijit
Ghosh
area of specialization. The Jumeirah
SONEVA TO WELCOME RENOWNED SCULPTOR SCOTT CHASELING AT ITS ART & GLASS STUDIO Soneva Fushi will welcome cross-medium
of materials. His recent work has drawn
sculptor Scott Chaseling for an exclusive
upon his travels on the Camino de Santiago
artistic residency between December 1 to
and kayaking the River Murray, where
22.
he made sculptures from the detritus he collected along the way. His many accolades
With a collection displayed in some of
include the 2017 Hindmarsh Glass Prize,
the world’s most prestigious institutions,
the 2004 Ranamok Glass Prize, and the
including Japan’s 21st Century Museum of
2002 Bavarian State Prize Gold Medal.
Contemporary Art and Germany’s Museum Kunst Palast, Dusseldorf, Chaseling’s work
Located at Soneva Fushi, Soneva’s world-
examines the notions of mobility, transition,
leading resort in the Baa Atoll, the Soneva
and liminality – the ‘non-place’, positioned
Art and Glass Studio opened in August 2015
at the threshold between things.
and is the Maldives’ first and only hot glass studio. Hosting some of the world’s top
During his Soneva residency, Chaseling
glass artists, guests can watch the experts
will be creating his unique and thought-
in action, commission custom artworks or
provoking works of art from recycled glass
even have a go at learning the age-old art
bottles – with these one-of-a-kind pieces
of glassblowing for themselves to create a
available for guests to purchase.
masterpiece with the experienced glassworking team.
A
multi-award-winning
artist,
Scott
Chaseling’s career spans two decades
An estimated five tonnes of glass waste is
and has been inspired in part by his own
produced in the Baa Atoll alone each month,
nomadic existence – born in Australia,
with resorts typically crushing waste bottles
he has lived and worked as an artist in
and selling this on to recycling companies
Germany, France, Japan, and the US. While
or, worse, dumping the waste directly into
his earlier works focused on this personal
the sea.
narrative, Chaseling’s later collections have examined the environment and the impact
50 ACCOMMODATION
‘BUY A T-SHIRT AND PLANT A PALM TREE’: BEYYAA CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF Local private company, ‘The Beyyaa’ has
former President Mohamed Nasheed and
for every t-shirt purchased. Speaking at
The t-shirts will available for purchase at
launched a campaign together with national
Maldivian’s
Director
the ceremony, former President Nasheed
Maldivian airline lounges in four days for
airline Maldivian to plant a coconut palm
at a special ceremony held at the airlines
emphasized the campaign’s significance
USD 30 (approximately MVR 462.30).
tree for every purchase of a t-shirt under
‘Moonima’ lounge at Velana International
and remarked upon how it can play a huge
the campaign. The campaign titled ‘Beyyaa
Airport (VIA) on Saturday. Under this
role to improve the greenery that is being
T-Shirt
inaugurated
campaign, a palm tree will be planted and
lost to climate change and to man-made
by the Speaker of the Parliament and
nurtured in the Maldives by Beyyaa company
environmental consequences.
Movement’
was
Deputy
Managing
FILITHEYO ISLAND RESORT WELCOMES 1.5 MILLIONTH TOURIST OF 2019 TO THE MALDIVES, MS. MARINA KAZAKOVA Filitheyo Island Resort, managed by AAA
Ahmed Nazeer, Secretary-General of MATI.
Hotels & Resorts has welcomed the 1.5
The venue was decorated for the ceremony
millionth tourist of 2019 to the Maldives, and the couple was awarded congratulatory Ms.Marina Kazakova from Russia.
certificate and special gifts representing traditional Maldivian culture and tourism.
Mrs. Marina Kazakova was commemorated with the stamping of her passport by the
This is the couple’s 7th time to the Maldives
Maldives Immigration officer. Mrs. Marina
and they are staying at Filitheyo Island
Kazakova and her husband were then
Resort, a natural tropical island which
escorted with a traditional Maldivian Bodu
is lush in vegetation and surrounded by
Beru performance to the VIP lounge area.
a stunning house reef. The resort offers
They were welcomed by the honorable
guests what can be only be described as a
Ali Waheed, Minister of Tourism, Mr.
barefoot luxury retreat.
Thoyyib Mohamed, Managing Director of MMPRC, Mr. Moosa Solih, Acting Managing Director of MACL, and Chief Guest Mr.
TRAVEL AGENTS 51
TRIP.COM GROUP AND TRIPADVISOR ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP China’s largest online travel agency Trip.
In addition, Trip.com Group and TripAdvisor
com Group, formerly known as Ctrip,
have reached a governance agreement, with
announced a strategic partnership with
which the former will have a nomination
US travel and restaurant website company
right for one TripAdvisor Inc board seat.
TripAdvisor to extend the footprints of both
The nomination will be subject to related
companies to more parts of the world.
regulatory bodies’ approval.
Under this partnership, Ctrip Investment
To maintain the board seat, Trip.com Group
Holding Ltd, the subsidiary of Trip.com
will acquire up to 6.95 million shares of the
Group, has entered into a joint venture
Nasdaq-listed TripAdvisor, which are valued
with TripAdvisor’s subsidiary TripAdvisor
at $317.6 million. The acquisition should
Singapore Private Ltd. Trip.com will hold 60
be carried out in open market transactions
percent of the new joint venture, providing
and completed one year upon regulatory
cash and market expertise. TripAdvisor
approvals.
will take the remaining 40 percent, and be responsible for providing a longterm
Stephen
Kaufer,
president
and
chief
exclusive brand and content license and
executive officer of TripAdvisor, said that the
down 7 percent year-on-year, according
to promote Chinese travel destinations to
certain other assets to the joint venture.
latest strategic partnership will help expand
to the statement. As the company’s Chief
more parts of the world.
its global reach. As one of the largest and
Financial Officer Ernst Teunissen explained,
Both companies have agreed to share
fastest-growing travel markets in the world,
hotel click-based auction trends have to
Globalization will be at the heart for the
inventories in travel categories at the
China is also home to an increasing number
some extent dampened its 2019 outlook.
company’s development strategy in the next
joint venture level. TripAdvisor China will
of outbound travelers. In this sense, the
Therefore, they are “prudently reducing and
decade, said Trip.com Group’s co-founder
manage the joint venture’s business on a
partnership with Trip.com Group will help
reallocating expenses” in certain parts of its
Liang Jianzhang at the travel agency’s
global scale.
TripAdvisor to reach its long-term goals in
business “to preserve strong profitability
20th anniversary in late October. Founded
the Chinese market.
while investing in strategic growth areas”.
in 1999, Trip.com has seen its number of
Also announced was the global content
TripAdvisor made its debut in China in 2009
users surge to more than 400 million by
selected
Established in 2000, TripAdvisor provides
and made a new Chinese branding in 2015.
the end of September, among which 100
TripAdvisor content can be distributed on
services to nearly 460 million travelers every
In a news conference at the end of last
million are overseas.
Trip.com Group’s brands, including Trip.
month, according to its third-quarter results
year, TripAdvisor China president Zhu Ming
com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar.
the quarter total revenue was $428 million,
said that it is one of TripAdvisor’s goals
agreement
under
which
ACCOR AND ALIBABA FORM ALLIANCE TO IMPROVE ‘CONSUMER EXPERIENCE’ Accor and Alibaba Group, the world’s
hotels, access catering services, book
largest retail commerce business, have
entertainment and take advantage of other
announced a strategic collaboration to
lifestyle services. Payments can be made
develop a series of digital applications and
using Alipay, a digital payment service
loyalty programs to improve the consumer
operated by Alibaba affiliate Ant Financial.
and traveler experience over the next five years.
Accor will also offer Chinese consumers a hassle-free hotel experience through
The strategic collaboration will leverage
its “Haoke” program – geared towards
Alibaba’s nearly 700 million consumers
Chinese travelers. Haoke, which means
across its China retail marketplaces to
“welcome” in Chinese, is a certification
enable more Chinese travelers to enjoy
program that ensures Accor’s hotels are
Accor’s world-class consumer offerings.
ready to welcome Chinese guests by
The collaboration between Accor and
and benefits available to its massive
It will allow for seamless integration of
incorporating Chinese-language, Chinese
Alibaba will be instrumental to the roll-out
consumer base, leveraging its ecosystem,
Accor’s customer journeys within Alibaba’s
dishes on menus, Chinese-speaking staff,
of Accor’s soon-to-be-launched lifestyle
consumer insights, and digital marketing
comprehensive ecosystem. Alibaba’s travel
and other services and payment systems
loyalty program, ALL – Accor Live Limitless.
capabilities, accelerating the roll-out of ALL
arm Fliggy will allow consumers to book
that meet the needs of Chinese travelers.
Alibaba will make the program’s services
in China and around the world.
52 CELEBRITY NEWS
•
Who: Indian Actor Aayush Sharma
•
with wife Arpita and son Ahi
Who: Former Italian football
•
Who: Indian Actress Mandira Bedi
player Gianluca Zambrotta
•
Where: OZEN by Atmosphere at
•
Where: Cheval Blanc Randheli
•
Where: Maldives
•
When: November
•
When: November
• •
Maadhoo •
•
Who: Famous football star Yaya Touré
•
Who: Indian star Sonu Sood
player Martina Hingis and family
•
Where: Maldives
•
Where: Maldives
Where: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
•
When: November
•
When: November
Maldives When: November
•
Who: UK’s artist Josh Daniel
•
Where: Angsana Velavaru Maldives
•
When: November
•
Who: Indian television actors Karan
•
Who: Model, Emily Ratajkowski
Mehra & Nisha Rawal
•
Where: Waldorf Astoria Maldives
•
Where: Maldives
•
When: November
•
Who: Serena Williams & husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian
•
When: November
Who: Swiss former professional tennis
•
•
Where: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
•
When: November
•
Who: ‘The Most Interesting Man In the World’, Gianluca Vacchi
•
Where: Waldorf Astoria Maldives
•
When: November
•
Who: World No. 2 tennis player, Novak Djokovic
Ithaafushi
•
Where: Maldives
When: November
•
When: November
CELEBRITY NEWS 53
•
Who: Tennis legend Roger Federer
•
Where: Cheval Blanc Randheli
•
When: November
•
Who: British decathlete Ashley Bryant
•
Where: Dhigali Maldives
•
When: November
•
Who: Czech tennis player Jiří Veselý
•
Where: Maldives
•
When: November
•
Who: Indian actors Vatsal Sheth &
•
Ishita Dutta
Who: Stranger Things star Millie
•
Who: Indian model and actress Saiyami Kher
Bobby Brown
•
Where: Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
•
Where: Soneva
•
Where: Reethi Faru Resort
•
When: November
•
When: November
•
When: November
•
Who: Victoria’s Secret model
•
Who: Tennis player Karen Khachanov
•
Who: Egyptian actress & beauty queen
Alessandra Ambrosio
•
Where: One and Only Reethi Rah
•
Where: Waldorf Astoria Maldives
•
When: November
•
Yasmine Sabri
Maldives
•
Where: Maldives
•
When: November
•
When: November
Who: Portuguese actor Lourenço
•
Who: Brazilian footballer Kaká
•
Who: Indian actor Jagapati Babu
Ortigão
•
Where: The St. Regis Maldives
•
Where: Maldives
Vommuli Resort
•
When: December
•
Where: Maldives
•
When: December
•
When: December
54 TTM
TTM HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019
TTM 55
MALDIVES LEADING INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TRADE SHOW
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