Tourist Arrivals Reach 1.2 Million in 2014
The number of tourist arrivals reached 1,204,857 in 2014, marginally surpassing the tourism ministry’s target of 1.2 million visitors during the year.
Asia Pacific Hotel transaction volume to reach US$8.5 Billion in 2015
Hotel transactions in the Asia Pacific region is expected to increase 15% this year with a projected deal volume of US$8.5 billion.
Club Med showcases Finolhu Villas to international media
Club Med unveiled its flagship luxury resort to travel journalists from across the globe at a pre-opening event on January 23. More than 50 journalists from major publications attended the event on Friday. In his opening remarks, Club Med CEO and Chairman Henri Giscard d’Estaing said he was “extremely happy” to welcome the international journalists to “celebrate the birth” of the new high-end resort. Giscard d’Estaing sketched a brief history of the French corporation from its origins 65 years ago.
Tourism Ministry conducts training for Tourism Adaptation Project, Mangroves for the Future programme
The Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the UNDP conducted a project cycle management (PCM) training workshop this week for grantees of the Tourism Adaptation Project (TAP) and potential grantees of the Mangroves for the Future (MFF). According to the ministry, the workshop took place from January 25 to 26 with 15 participants.Experts from the MFF regional office conducted the technical sessions. “The PCM included sessions on project document development, compilation of logical..
Coco Collection Partners with Olive Ridley Project to set up Turtle Rescue Centres
Coco Collection announced an official partnership with the Olive Ridley Project to set up turtle rescue centres during a ceremony at the Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu on January 18.“This partnership will see the construction of the first Olive Ridley Project Turtle Rescue Center at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu with a dedicated team member of the Project at the Center to oversee the operations,” Coco Collection explained.
Maldives Marine Expo 2015 to be held in March
Maldives Marine Expo 2015 will be held from 17th to 19th March 2015 at Dharubaaruge’. It is the annual official exhibition of Liveaboard Association of Maldives (LAM), a three-day event organized and presented by BLAK. BLAK has been designated the organizer of the event for the next three years and have organized the successful Maldives Marine Expo of 2014.. MTCC is the main sponsor for the event, with Marine Equipments Pvt Ltd and Gulf Craft Service Centre Maldives Pvt Ltd as the co-sponsors.
Industry insiders raise concern over US$6 green tax
Resorts and tour operators have raised fears that imposing a US$6 a day ‘green tax’ on tourists from November 2015 onward could adversely impact the Maldivian tourism industry. Industry insiders expressed concern that the Maldives could become an overpriced destination, reports TTG Asia. “The green tax will definitely have an impact. It is (already) becoming too expensive to go to the top resorts because of all the service charges and taxes,” Managing Director of Viluxur Holidays told TTG.
Atmosphere Kanifushi awarded number one all-inclusive resort in Maldives by Thomas Cook
The Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives has earned the number one spot in the top ten listing of all-inclusive resorts in Maldives by Thomas Cook Intercontinental. “This is a great recognition indeed,” said Dinesh Bhaskar, director of sales and marketing at the Atmosphere Kanifushi Resort. The five-star resort opened for business in December 2013 and is located in Lhaviyani Atoll, a 30-minute seaplane transfer from the Male’ international airport.
Environment ministry conducts Energy Audit Training Programme
The Ministry of Environment and Energy has conducted an energy audit training programme in collaboration with the German International Corporation (GIZ). Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary Ajwad Musthafa officially inaugurated the 3-day programme at the SHE building in Male’ on Tuesday, January 20.
Food and Hospitality Asia Maldives 2015 Expo to take place in August
The annual ‘Food and Hospitality Asia Maldives (FAHM) 2015 Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge’ is due to take place at the Dharubaaruge convention centre in Male’ from August 10 to 12. The exhibition offers an opportunity to showcase products and services from international companies to the local hospitality industry, Mohamed Ajmal, managing director of the event organiser Dhivehi Expo Services, told the press after Tuesday night’s ceremony.
Gili Lankanfushi earns top spot in Traveller’s Choice Award for Best Hotel
TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website, announced the winners of the 13th annual awards on Wednesday, January 21. According to TripAdvisor, the winners were selected based on millions of traveller reviews, opinions and ratings. Gili Lankanfushi was also named the best hotel in Asia. “TripAdvisor’s community of millions of travelers have helped us highlight some of the very best hotels from around the world,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor.
British Airways to operate flights to Sri Lanka, Maldives seasonally
According to Voyages Maldives, the General Sales Agent of British Airways, flights from London and Colombo to Male’ will cease operations on March 29, 2015. However, flights to the Maldives will resume in November for the winter holiday period, said Mohamed Nashath, Airline Ticket Reservation Manager at Voyages Maldives. There are currently three British Airways flights a week to the Maldives.
