Maldives’ tourism under increasing pressure from high taxes, foreign exchange rules
The Maldives is facing mounting challenges that could dampen its appeal as a leading tourist destination. Recent regulatory changes, particularly those imposed by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), have raised concerns among industry stakeholders. In addition to significant increases in departure taxes, airport development fees, TGST, and the Green Tax, the MMA has introduced new […]
Atmosphere Core appoints Alain Trefois as GM of OBLU NATURE Helengeli, Mohammed Belhacen as Cluster Director of Revenue
Atmosphere Core, an international hospitality company, has announced two strategic appointments to its leadership team. Alain Camille Trefois joins as the General Manager at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, a 4-star superior resort and renowned diver’s paradise. While, Mohammed Belhacen takes over the role of Cluster Director of Revenue for Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts and […]
Forex bill retains $500 requirement for resorts; introduces adjustments for guesthouses, liveaboards
Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has circulated a draft bill on foreign currency exchange to various stakeholders, seeking comments on its provisions, with the proposed legislation mandating that resorts still exchange $500 per tourist and guesthouses exchange $25 per guest, with certain exemptions. The MMA has invited stakeholders to submit comments via email by Sunday afternoon. […]
Madifushi Private Island launches coconut palm initiative to transform Meemu Atoll
Madifushi Private Island has initiated an ambitious Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project aimed at planting 5,000 coconut palms across the islands of Meemu Atoll within the next year. The initiative was officially launched on November 25th at M. Rayimandhoo, with the participation of the resort’s management, MIC Group board members, and representatives from local and […]
Bandos Maldives hosts annual Blood Donor Camp
Bandos Maldives demonstrated its commitment to community health by successfully organising its Annual Blood Donor Camp on November 25, 2024. This event, a cornerstone of the resort’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, underscores its dedication to supporting the local community. This year, 45 associates from Bandos Maldives participated enthusiastically, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the […]
Maldives main airport’s new terminal reaches 85%, opening set for July 2025
The new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) is 85% complete and scheduled to open by July 2025, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) said Tuesday. The update was provided by MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed in response to a query by Gadhdhoo MP Mohamed Ali during a meeting of the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Committee’s […]
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives appoints Frank Wackerhagen as Executive Chef
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has announced the appointment of Frank Wackerhagen as its new Executive Chef. With over 15 years of experience in culinary excellence at some of the world’s most esteemed hotels and restaurants, Chef Frank is poised to elevate the resort’s gastronomic offerings. Chef Frank brings a wealth of expertise from his previous roles […]
Maldives triumphs with 9 prestigious wins at World Travel Awards 2024
The Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has announced that the Maldives received recognition in nine prestigious categories at the World Travel Awards 2024. Tourism leaders and dignitaries from across the globe gathered in Madeira, Portugal, for the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2024, which celebrated excellence, innovation, and prestige in the […]
Island Aviation’s debt to MACL reaches MVR 1.12 billion
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) informed parliament’s state-owned enterprises sub-committee on Tuesday that Island Aviation Services (IAS) has an outstanding debt of MVR 1.12 billion. MACL officials were summoned to discuss strategies to improve the company’s financial position and address loans. MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed stated that providing credit to government-owned companies poses […]
MACL plans seaplane operations at Hanimaadhoo Airport
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) is planning to construct a seaplane terminal at HDh. Hanimaadhoo Airport, set to reopen next year. The announcement was made during a session of the State-Owned Enterprises Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, where MACL officials provided updates on the project. Responding to questions raised by committee members, MACL Deputy Managing […]
Transformative wellness: Dr. Dinesh Singh’s retreat at Ifuru Island
Ifuru Island Maldives has announced the arrival of Dr. Dinesh Singh, a renowned expert in holistic wellness and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies. From November 25, 2024, to January 4, 2025, guests will have the unique opportunity to engage in his transformative, personalised wellness programs amidst the tranquil and luxurious environment of Ifuru Island. […]
Cosmic Christmas: Sirru Fen Fushi hosts astronaut-led stargazing celebration
Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, situated in the pristine Shaviyani Atoll, is preparing to host a remarkable celestial celebration this Christmas. In collaboration with SpaceCat Astrotourism, the resort will welcome retired NASA astronaut Dominic A. Antonelli and Analog Astronaut Anisa Qureshi for a series of exclusive events beneath some of the world’s clearest, […]
