TIME Hotels expands into Asia with two new brands set to launch in Maldives
UAE-headquartered hospitality brand TIME Hotels has announced its expansion into Asia with the introduction of two new brands, HALO by TIME and VIVI by TIME, at the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai this week. Both brands are set to debut in the Maldives, with openings scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. This development highlights […]
Baros introduces festive calendar of exquisite dining, wellness retreats, and cultural journeys
This festive season, Baros invites guests to step into a world of wonder, where the timeless elegance of the tropical island blends seamlessly with a celebration of sustainability and curated cultural, gastronomic, and wellness experiences. Whether returning to this cherished destination or visiting for the first time, Baros offers an enchanting escape designed to captivate […]
Ifuru Island Maldives appoints Marcel Sawyer as General Manager
Ifuru Island Maldives has announced the appointment of Marcel Sawyer as the new General Manager, effective August 2024. A distinguished Swiss national with an 18-year career in luxury hotel management, Sawyer brings a wealth of expertise, innovation, and a strong commitment to guest satisfaction to his new role. Sawyer holds a Master Certificate in Hotel […]
Recap: GM Forum 2024
The GM Forum 2024, organized by Hotelier Maldives, brought together key figures from the Maldivian hospitality industry to discuss the future of tourism, focusing on sustainability, luxury travel trends, and differentiation among resorts. With expert panels, breakout sessions, and presentations, the forum covered critical topics such as strategic insights from industry leaders, leveraging the Maldives’ […]
Chef of the Year Harshal Kumar: Crafting culinary journeys at Hurawalhi, Kudadoo Maldives
Chef Harshal Kumar, the Cluster Executive Chef for Hurawalhi Island Resort & Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, was recently honoured as the Chef of the Year at Hotelier Maldives Awards 2024. This recognition marks an important moment in his career, which has been characterised by a continuous focus on precision, sustainability, and innovative approaches to guest […]
President calls for peace preservation to sustain Maldives’ tourism
President Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday emphasised the importance of preserving the peaceful ways of the Maldives to ensure the sustainability of tourism in the country. In a post on his official X account, the president stated that the foundation of tourism is brotherhood, friendship, compassion, peace and security. The Maldives celebrated National Tourism Day for […]
New foreign exchange policy risks collapsing Maldives’ tourism industry, economy
Government’s misguided foreign exchange policy will destroy the economy. The government’s newly announced policy to force tourist resorts to convert US$500 per head into local Maldivian Rufiyaa will spell a disaster for the industry and the economy as a whole. There is a belief amongst certain officials and the general public that Maldives resorts are […]
New foreign currency exchange regulations ‘unacceptable’, MATI says
Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has raised concerns over the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA)’s new foreign currency regulations, stating that the association’s objections were not considered in the final version of the regulation. In a statement issued following the MMA’s press release on Tuesday, MATI emphasised that the proposals presented by the Authority during […]
The Nautilus Maldives celebrated in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards
The Nautilus Maldives, an ultra-luxury private island hideaway in the Maldives, has been recognised as one of the top five resorts in the Indian Ocean in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. With only 26 highly private boho-chic island houses and residences, The Nautilus is the sole resort in the Maldives that offers […]
MACL, Island Aviation joint venture to manage Maldivian seaplane operations
President Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to establish a strategic partnership between Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) to modernise and expand the Maldivian seaplane industry. The initiative aims to sustain the growth of the seaplane operations currently managed by IASL and further develop the country’s aviation sector. A joint […]
Maldives requires foreign currency deposits from tourism sector
The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) on Tuesday introduced a new regulation requiring all foreign currency income generated by the tourism industry to be deposited in local banks. As per the regulation, businesses active in the tourism industry and registered with the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) are required to re-register with MMA within 30 days. […]
Maldives imposes new regulations on foreign currency exchange, restricts to Maldivians
The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) on Tuesday introduced new foreign exchange regulations, replacing a 37-year-old rule. The newly enacted Money Exchange Business Regulations require the establishment of a special company to conduct foreign exchange transactions. Under the new rules, two types of licenses will be issued: Tier-1: A license to trade in foreign exchange. Tier-2: […]
