Fuvahmulah named Best Shark Diving Destination at Hong Kong DRT Show
Fuvahmulah has been crowned the ‘Best Shark Diving Destination’ at the 2024 Diving Resort & Travel (DRT) Show held in Hong Kong. This prestigious recognition solidifies the Maldivian island’s reputation as a global hotspot for thrilling and sustainable shark diving experiences. Renowned for its exceptional underwater ecosystem, Fuvahmulah offers divers a unique opportunity to encounter […]
Manta Air, Crown & Champa Resorts partner for luxurious guest transfers
Manta Air has announced an exclusive domestic transfer partnership with Crown & Champa Resorts, a premier luxury hospitality brand in the Maldives. This strategic collaboration aims to provide seamless and luxurious transfer services for guests of Crown & Champa Resorts. Starting from 17th December 2024, Manta Air will operate scheduled flights to Madivaru Airport using […]
Maldives welcomes first cruise ship following regulatory overhaul
Maldives recently welcomed the Italian-flagged cruise ship AIDA, carrying 2,139 tourists. Operated primarily for Swiss, Austrian, and German visitors, the ship arrived on December 8, 2024, from Muscat, Oman. This visit marks the first cruise ship arrival since regulatory changes were implemented at the request of the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA). The AIDA’s […]
Forex bill proposes optional $500 per tourist exchange
Parliament on Monday received the new foreign exchange bill, which proposes to change the current mandatory requirement for resorts to exchange $500 per tourist optional or to enable them to exchange 20% of revenue instead. The bill was presented by Inguraidhoo MP and PNC parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falah on behalf of the government. It […]
Discovering depths: new fish species emerges in Maldivian seas
In a breakthrough for marine science, a new species of fish has been discovered in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Named Chromis Abadhah, the species derives its name from the Maldivian Dhivehi word Abadhah, meaning perpetual, symbolising the ongoing commitment to planetary conservation. The name also acknowledges the support of the Rolex Perpetual Planet […]
Maldives surpasses 2023 tourist arrival numbers; set for 2 million record for 2024
Maldives has achieved a milestone in its tourism sector, surpassing the total tourist arrivals recorded in 2023. By December 7, 2024, the country had welcomed 1,877,567 tourists, exceeding last year’s total of 1,723,838. Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal announced the achievement on X on Sunday, sharing, “Proud to share that the Maldives has surpassed last year’s […]
Closer look at the impact on tourist arrivals in the Maldives
The Maldives has recently implemented tax hikes that have raised concerns about their potential impact on tourist arrivals. While the nation celebrated a strong 9% average growth in arrivals throughout the year—surpassing 2023 figures and reaching a total of 1.85 million visitors—a recent 6.2% decline in the first week of December has sparked debate and […]
Behind the scenes: Mastering maintenance management in resorts
In the Maldives, where luxury resorts are set on isolated islands, meticulous maintenance plays a crucial role in ensuring a flawless guest experience. For the unsung heroes—maintenance managers and engineers—keeping operations smooth demands foresight, adaptability, and a proactive approach. This article delves into key strategies for effective maintenance management in this unique island environment. Island […]
SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS announces development of 6 resorts in Maldives
SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS has announced the first phase of its plan to develop six resorts in the Maldives. Co-founded by CEO Laith Pharaon, the company aims to establish a hospitality model based on personalised service, artistic design, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. The initial two resorts are set to open in South Malé Atoll […]
Maldives named World’s Leading Destination for fifth year, unveils new airport signage
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) hosted a special event to celebrate the Maldives’ achievements at the World Travel Awards 2024. The Maldives secured the title of the World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year and, for the first time, the title of the World’s Leading Green Destination. The event took […]
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 […]
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 […]
