Fresh face for Velana International Airport: Inside new passenger terminal
The new international passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) is scheduled to open on Saturday night, marking a significant expansion of the airport’s infrastructure. According to Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the terminal was developed at a cost of approximately MVR 7 billion. It is designed to accommodate the growing number of international travellers […]
When paradise becomes a powder keg: Navigating personal relationships in a remote resort
The Maldives. A name synonymous with paradise, luxury, and breathtaking escapism. For the discerning guest, it’s a dream destination. For the dedicated hoteliers who make that dream a reality, a resort is more than a workplace; it’s a remote, self-contained community. This unique environment, while fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork, also presents […]
Tourism sector reels under new currency rules: Investors, operators voice alarming concerns
The Maldives’ tourism-dependent economy is facing growing unrest among investors, resort operators, and industry stakeholders following the government’s enforcement of a new foreign exchange regulation. Marketed as a step toward economic stabilization, the regulation mandates foreign currency earners—primarily resorts and tourism businesses—to convert a significant portion of their earnings through the local banking system. But […]
Why constraints drive financial success in hospitality
There’s a curious paradox at work in resort finance: we often believe that freedom from limitations breeds creativity and productivity. But the truth is, in my experience managing multi-million-dollar operations in the Maldives hospitality industry, the opposite is far more accurate. Think about a luxury resort. Guests move through a seamless experience — from speedboat […]
TechEngExpo: Highlighting core of hospitality operations
The Maldives presents a unique operational challenge for the hospitality industry, where resorts are dispersed across remote atolls, making it vital for properties to function as a self-reliant system producing its own electricity, managing water supply, treating sewage, and sustaining uninterrupted digital connectivity. These are not value-adds; they are critical infrastructure requirements in a geography […]
Going paperless: Why Maldives resorts should embrace digital operations
The Maldives is globally celebrated for its turquoise waters, luxurious resorts, and pristine natural environment. But behind the scenes of this idyllic paradise, many resorts are embracing a shift toward paperless operations — while others remain reliant on outdated, paper-heavy processes that are costly, inefficient, and environmentally unsustainable. As the hospitality industry evolves, going paperless […]
Summer 2025 travel trends: What European travelers want from destinations like Maldives
Despite ongoing economic turbulence and climate concerns, European travelers are holding onto their summer holidays with renewed determination. Allianz Partners’ 2025 European Summer Vacation Confidence Index reveals that 75% of Europeans still intend to travel between July and September—good news for global destinations like the Maldives that rely heavily on European outbound tourism. However, for […]
Is destination marketing vital for a tourism-dependent nation like the Maldives?
The Maldives stands as one of the world’s most iconic and desirable travel destinations, renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious hospitality offerings. But behind this postcard-perfect image lies a critical economic truth: tourism is the lifeblood of the Maldivian economy, contributing over 70% of foreign exchange earnings, more than 40% of […]
Study reveals critical HR gaps, opportunities ahead of 2025 localisation mandate
A study by the Maldives Association of Human Resource Professionals (MAHRP) has shed light on the state of the nation’s HR sector, revealing a young, academically qualified workforce facing significant structural barriers to career progression. The “Maldives HR Capacity and Skills Study,” released in July 2025, comes at a critical juncture as large organisations prepare […]
An evening with Chef Jeffrey Vella: A Mediterranean culinary journey at Taj Exotica Maldives
It was an invitation that promised more than just dinner—it offered a sensorial journey. Hosted by Abnash Kumar, Cluster General Manager of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, the exclusive evening with Chef Jeffrey Vella unfolded as a celebration of Mediterranean-inspired flavours, soulfully crafted and elegantly served in one of the most breathtaking settings in […]
Jasim Janah: Gen Z leader behind Maldives’ next wave of ultra-luxury
If you happened upon Jasim Janah at a build or marine expo, you might not guess he’s behind some of the Maldives’ most ambitious ultra-luxury resort developments. Soft-spoken and just 27, he defies the archetype of those in his field. Yet behind the scenes, Jasim is reshaping the future of island resorts with calm command, […]