Travel Trade Maldives Magazine by Orca Media Group

TTM TAKEOVER :

The Newest Luxury Address in the Idyllic Raa Atoll — Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

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The lush lull of the waves and the call of the bountiful ocean! Explore the exquisite shores of the Maldives as you fly from London, Paris and Frankfurt on board SriLankan Airlines.

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PEOPLE

EDITOR‘S NOTE

Ahmed Siaar – General Manager at Fushifaru Maldives

MMPRC FAIR LIST

EDITOR‘S PICKS

MARKET OVERVIEW

TTM TAKEOVER Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

Artistic Innovation at its Finest at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

TECHNOLOGY

NEW APPOINTMENTS

WELLNESS Discover an Oasis of Health and Wellness at Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives

WHAT‘S ON

AVIATION

SUSTAINABILITY

Sun Siyam Resorts Take to the Skies!

Reethi Faru Resort Collaborates with Sustainable Clothing Brand Playa London

EMERGING RESORTS

TTM MALDIVES 2022

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

ORCA TEAM Managing Director & CEO

Director - Digital Strategy

Akhmeem Abdul Razzaq

Ibrahim Areef

Director - Content Creation

Chief Operating Officer

Mohamed Khoorsheed

Ahmed Nasir

Manager - Accounts & Admin

Chief Design Officer

Ali Sageef Ibrahim

Zaya Ahmed

Zeek Ashraf Nashama Mohamed

The rapid advancement of modern technology has transformed the landscape of all industries, and tourism is no exception. In this edition, our cover story focuses on trending technologies in hospitality, and how they are shaping guest experiences like never before.

Assistant Manager – Media & Marketing Raaya Abdulla

Fathimath Zeen Mohamed Aminath Suha Mohamed

Digital Marketeer Mohamed Mizyan

Fathimath Shaaira

Website orcamedia.group qrco.de/orcamediagroup

Design Manager Hamdhoon W.

Published By

Designer Thoo Nazim

Moothi

Manager – Content Production Senior Content Creator Ma’aan Abdulla

Content Creator Ziyaan Ibrahim Hussain

As part of our TTM Takeover for this issue, we are showcasing Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, the newest luxury address in the idyllic Raa Atoll. Our Editor’s Picks explore innovative properties making waves in the industry, including Patina Maldives, Siyam World, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Cheval Blanc Randheli, and Dhigali Maldives. Under our People section, we bring you the story of Ahmed Siaar, the General Manager of Fushifaru Maldives. We also sat down to have chats with Mohamed Shuhail, the Director of Human Resources at Brennia Kottefaru Maldives, and Iyufa Amir, the Assistant Manager of Talent Acquisition at Soneva Resorts Maldives. As usual, our regular news segments touch on all aspects of the industry, such as aviation, wellness, sustainability, as well as awards and accolades. To wrap up the issue, we’re highlighting the upcoming TTM Maldives 2022, the leading international travel trade show of Maldives.

Consultant

Kudie

Dear Readers, Welcome to the July 2022 edition of Travel Trade Maldives, our print publication dedicated to all things travel, trade and tourism in the Maldives.

Managing Editor

Associate Editor

Editor‘s Note

2022 Orca Media Group. All rights

reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited. Opinions expressed in the articles are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or publishers. While the editors do their utmost to verify information published they do not accept responsibility for its absolute accuracy. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the consent of Orca Media Group.

Enjoy!

MMPRC Roadshows & Fair List 2022 MARCH

11th April - 13th April

27th May - 29th MAy

14th August - 23rd August

3rd March - 4th March

WTM AFRICA

LTM MOSCOW

Cape Town, South Africa

MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL DIVE EXPO (MIDE)

MALDIVES ROADSHOW IN RUSSIA RUSSIA

SEA

Moscow, Rostov–on-Don,

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Novosibirsk, St. Petersburg

Moscow, Russia

South Africa

Russia

MAY 14th March - 16th March

May

31st May - 02nd June

OTM

MIDDLE EAST ROADSHOW

Frankfurt, Germany

Berlin, Germany Germany, Global

24rd March - 27th March

BRUSSELS HOLIDAY FAIR Brussels, Belgium Brussels Expo - Exhibition Center, Brussels, Belgium

Riyadh, Kuwait & Doha Middle East

01st May

MALDIVES ROADSHOW IN GERMANY Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, Dusseldorf & Frankfurt, Germany Germany

Germany Germany

JUNE

Kazakhastan Kazakhastan

04th May

MALDIVES ROADSHOW IN THAILAND SEA Bangkok, Thailand

30th March

MALDIVES ROADSHOW IN DUBAI (COINCIDING WITH EXPO 2020) MIDDLE EAST & GCC Dubai, UAE

WTM LATAM São Paulo, Brazil LATAM

Maldives, Male’

SEPTEMBER 01st September

KINGDOM BUSINESS & LUXURY TRAVEL (KBLT CONGRESS) 2022

New York, Miami & Los Angeles, USA USA

Saudi Arabia

JULY

01st September

1st July - 3rd July

TTF Calcutta, India

Middle East

MALDIVES ROADSHOW IN FRANCE 3 Cities (TBC) France

8th May - 11th May

THAILAND DIVING EXPO SEA

July

VISIT MALDIVES TRAVEL EXPO Indonesia

5th April - 7th April

Maldives

MALDIVES ROADSHOW IN USA

India

Bangkok, Thailand

APRIL

TRAVEL TRADE MALDIVES

01st June

25th March

DELUXE TRAVEL MARKET (DTM)

23rd August - 25th August

SEA

12th September - 15th September

MALDIVES ROADSHOW IN NORDIC REGION NORDIC weden, Finland, Norway & Denmark

9th May - 12th May

ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET (ATM) Middle East Dubai, UAE

13th July

MILT CONGRESS India Mumbai or Bengaluru, India

20th September

LTM KIEV RUSSIA, CIS Kiev, Ukraine

18th May - 20th May 9th April - 10th April

MATTA SEA

SATTE India Greater Noida, India

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 22nd May - 24th May

BIT MILAN

RIYADH TRAVEL FAIR (RTF)

Italy

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

10th April - 12th April

Milan, Italy

Middle East

AUGUST 01st August

NATAS Singapore

September

IFTM TOP RESA Paris, France France

SEA 22nd September - 25th September

TOURISM EXPO JAPAN Japan Osaka, Japan

B2B

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

October

01st November

MALDIVES ROADSHOW IN INDIA

QATAR TRAVEL MARKET

Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Trivandrum and Ahmedabad India

Doha, Qatar

TTW ZURICH

01st October

ITB ASIA Singapore

01st November

Shanghai, China Spain

MALDIVES ROADSHOW IN CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE TBC

MALDIVES ROADSHOW IN CHINA Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu & Guangzhou

Naples, Bologna, TBC

Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya Turkey

ROADSHOW IN AUSTRALIA Sydney, Melbourne,Brisbane Australia

ROADSHOW IN SPAIN Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia , Bilbao, Malaga

Spain

DECEMBER 29th November - 01stDecember

01st December

IBTM WORLD

ILTM CANNES

Fira Barcelona Gran Via venue Av. Joan Carles, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat Barcelona

Cannes, France France

Spain

01st December

ROADSHOW IN SWITZERLAND

USTOA ANNUAL CONFERANCE + MEMBERSHIP + SPONSORSHIP

Zurich, Geneva, Basel

USA

01st November

MALDIVES ROADSHOW IN ITALY

ROADSHOW IN TURKEY

China

CEE

01st October

01st November

01st November 01st November

SEA

01st October

Trade

01st November

Zurich, Switzerland Switzerland

Dive

Middle East

IBTM CHINA 01st October

B2C

Switzerland

USA

Italy 07th November - 09th November 01st October

LUXPERIENCE Sydney, Australia

WORLD TRAVEL MARKET (WTM) LONDON United Kingdom UK

Australia

01st December

INTERNATIONAL MALDIVES TRAVEL MART (IMTM) Maldives TBC

01st November 12th October - 14th October

MALDIVES ROADSHOW TTG TRAVEL EXPERIENCE IN UK

Rimini, Italy Italy

London, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham UK

01st November

ATTA ELEVATE NORTH AMERICA CONFERENCE Oregon, USA USA

Market Overview Statistics publicised by the Tourism Ministry show that Maldives has recorded over 940,000 tourist arrivals so far this year. The statistics show that Maldives saw a total of 1,321,932 tourist arrivals during last year, of which 572,123 tourists arrived as of 20th July 2021. The number of tourist arrivals this year as of 30th July 2022 stands at 942,444. This is a 55.2% increase. India accounts for the highest tourist source market to the Maldives this year, with 14.5% of total arrivals from the country as of 30th July. In second place is United Kingdom with 11.6%, while Russia takes third place with 10.7% of arrivals. The highest number of tourists visiting from India, sees about a 35% increase compared to the same period last year. The second highest number of tourists visiting from the UK is also approximately a 600% increase compared to last year. The statistics also reveal that tourist arrivals from Italy this year have risen significantly. Statistics from the Ministry show that Italy is the fifth largest market with 51,850 visits so far as of 20th July this year, which is about a 1,024% increase compared to the same period last year. Tourist arrivals to the Maldives have increased for all markets this year, with the highest number of tourists visiting from India, the UK, Russia, Germany, and Italy. A large number of tourists have also visited from the US, the UAE, France, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia. There are 1,167 tourist facilities currently in operation, which is a total of 57,473 beds. The average stay of tourists in the Maldives is 8.2 days.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

The Newest Luxury Address in the Idyllic Raa Atoll The hallmark of world-renowned hotel brand Alila is the combination of innovative design and luxury in unique locations, set apart by an unprecedented level of private space, personalised hospitality, and bespoke journeys. Alila means “Surprise” in Sanskrit, which suitably describes the refreshing character of its properties. Now, Alila is making its debut here in the Maldives with a swanky new resort on the lush island of Kothaifaru.

Surrounded by a stunning house reef, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers guests serenity and adventure in Raa Atoll, a scenic 45-minute seaplane journey from Malé. Designed for serene relaxation in harmony with nature, each of the resort’s 44 beachfront villas and 36 overwater villas comes with a private pool for your enjoyment. Featuring contemporary interiors in a palette of soothing colours with natural textures, these spacious hideaways are carefully positioned to provide privacy and comfort in understated, sophisticated style. Unwind in peaceful seclusion with awe-inspiring views as the resort’s gracious hosts deliver personalised experiences in this all-pool-villa sanctuary. To stay at any of Alila’s hotels or resorts is to embark on a destination experience – be it in recreating the flavours of the local cuisine, enhancing your well-being through ancient healing arts or the thrill of adventure sports. It’s no different at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, where guests will be spoilt for choice with the number of restaurants, bars, and activities on offer. What’s more, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives aims to drive positive impact through innovative and intuitive ways, from protecting the environment to advancing the local community. In line with the brand’s goal to achieve the EarthCheck certification, the world’s leading environmental certification for the tourism industry, green initiatives have been implemented from the ground up. This includes thoughtful architecture built around the island’s natural landscape, conserving up to 70% of the existing vegetation and the maximum number of native trees.

Experience an Other-Worldly Stay Want to experience the seclusion of a castaway island without the hardship? Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers visitors a wide variety of accommodation options with seclusion and privacy.

Lagoon Water Villa

Spread across the entire island, these villa categories are each unique and contemporary in their own way, meeting every traveller’s needs.

Perched over the lagoon, these Water Villas at Alila will lull you into peaceful relaxation. Unwind in the comfort of an open-concept bedroom and living room seamlessly flowing to a private pool. Best of all are the decks, delightful spots to sunbathe or from which to plop into the sea when you’re feeling a little too hot.

Beach Villa

Sunset Beach Villa

Perfect for early birds, Alila’s Sunrise Beach Villa located on the sunrise side of the island where you can kickstart your day with the most captivating views. The Sunrise Beach Villa is a contemporary bedroom with high roof and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto a plunge pool and then to the sea.

Dreaming of catching perfect Maldivian sunsets? These Sunset Beach Villas are the way to go. Steps from sunkissed sand, these spacious villas are havens of privacy and comfort with a separate bedroom and living room. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors give a panoramic view that open to their own patch of sand, while the bathroom leads you to a plunge pool in a walled garden with a deck for sunbathing.

Sunset Water Villa An overwater sanctuary, perfect for the golden hour, designed to showcase nature’s immaculate beauty. The villa features an open-concept bedroom and large bathrooms brimming with products, almost begging you to take a bath as you look over the ocean through mirrored glass.

Beach Villa

Lagoon Water Villa

Sunset Beach Villa

Sunset Water Villa

Sunrise Water Villa

Sunrise Beach Villa

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

A Bespoke and Immersive Culinary Journey Offering a plethora of restaurants, bars and activities to choose from, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is full of delightful culinary experiences. For those who want to indulge in a wide selection of bespoke dishes, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is the perfect destination to be at.

Seasalt An all-day dining restaurant and bar located on a relaxed beachside of the island, you can savour a creative medley of international flavours here. Serving a coastal cuisine that blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences and traditions in dishes bursting with bold flavours, spices and colours, you can enjoy the fresh taste of the sea at Seasalt. Local fish caught and delivered by the neighbouring local fishermen is the star of the show at Seasalt. A daily rotation of local and international favourites, as well as freshly baked loaves of bread, are served for breakfast. Lunch includes light and sharing-style dishes complemented by daily specials and Seasalt’s unique salt-baked fish dishes are a highlight during dinner.

Mirus Bar Mirus Bar, named after the Dhivehi word for “chilli”, offers a refreshing assortment of cocktails inspired by the region’s former Portuguese and Arabic spice trade routes and concocted with ingredients from their herb garden on the island. You can also enjoy a wide range of Old and New World wines including organic and biodynamic kinds while cosying up to light bites at the bar.

Umami Treat your palate to a vibrant mix of epicurean experiences at Umami, offering modern Japaneseinspired cuisine and drinks. Umami – also known as the fifth element of taste means “essence of deliciousness” in Japanese. It perfectly describes the variety of mouthwatering experiences that await in this relaxing open space cooled by the gentle ocean breeze. The teppanyaki theatre offers a premium range of organically grown vegetables, Wagyu beef, and sustainably sourced fish and seafood. You can also enjoy a wide range of traditional and modern a la carte Japanese meals including fresh-caught fish grilled over charcoal and served with exquisite speciality sauces along with sushi and sashimi featuring Maldivian seafood. Seasalt

Mirus Bar

Yakitori Bar The place to go for sundowners, Yakitori Bar includes Asian-inspired creative cocktails and mocktails created by the talented team of mixologists as well as premium Japanese sakes and spirits. The robata grill’s delicious smoky fragrances pervading the bar will whet your appetite.

Pibati In Sanskrit, Pibati means “to drink, absorb, imbibe”. You can stop for a quick gourmet snack or a refreshing drink en route to your excursions. Comfort food ranging from pressed sandwiches to hand-pulled Roma-style pizzettes, organic salads, cakes and pastries, gelato and more, as well as freshly brewed barista coffees, forest-friendly teas, juices and wellness concoctions will satisfy your daytime cravings at this laid-back beachside café.

Umami

The Shack The Shack is Alila’s private sand cay (giri) providing a true island hideaway experience. Every day, two different trips to the Shack are available a 4-hour day trip including a picnic-style lunch, and a 4-hour evening trip with a private chef to cook up a sunset BBQ. You can take a short sail in the traditional Maldivian Dhoni to this private sandbank.

Dining Escapes Dine your way, wherever you want and select your gourmet menu curated by the culinary expertise at Alila. You can dine at a sunken table by the beach, poolside in your villa or at other secluded corners of the island haven. Venture further and take a sunset sail or visit the private sandbank for a romantic and intimate soiree while enjoying a magical outdoor movie night under the stars.

Yakitori Bar

Explore Rich and Diverse Marine Life Enter a whole new world of rich and diverse marine life in the Maldives or simply lose yourself in the lagoon at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, where the water teems with exotic reef fish and stunning corals. As one of the deeper atolls in the archipelago, the Raa Atoll offers abundant snorkeling and diving options to discover its rich marine life, from colorful corals to manta rays and sharks. Beyond swimming in Alila’s stunning house reef, enjoy easy access to the famous Hanifaru Bay UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in the period from May to November. This protected marine sanctuary is the largest feeding and breeding hotspot in the world for manta rays and if you’re lucky, you’ll see whale sharks, which at times congregate here in their hundreds. Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is also close to Vaadhoo Island, one of the best spots to witness the spectacular “Sea of Stars” phenomenon, an extraordinary sight to behold.

Water Sports Activities Guests can choose a variety of water sports activities such as stand-up paddling in the calm lagoons which is suitable for all ages. For those who want to discover the magnificent coastline and the island’s blue lagoon they can choose kayaking with either a double kayak or glass bottom kayak. For a bit more adventure, you can choose to windsurf or catamaran sailing at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives with the beautiful crystal-clear lagoons and strong consistent winds.

Diving The in-resort Dive centre by Euro at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers a wide range of PADI courses to explore the underwater hidden gems in the remote location offering healthy corals and vibrant life. This being one of the deeper atolls in the Maldives, certified divers have the option of about 20 wonderful dive sites nearby the resort waiting to be explored. Some of the top dive sites handpicked by Euro divers at Alila Kothaifaru includes the Vadhoo Thila, Kottefaru Kuda Thila, Sola Corner, Vandhoo Thila, Beriyan Bodu Thila, and Labryinth.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

Experience a Sanctuary for the Senses Revel in sensational sea views, double treatment suites, Ayurvedic treatments, floor-to-window offering views and ancient healing techniques – plus an all-round wellness experience at The Spa at Alila Maldives. In keeping with the seaside location, the spa offers indulgent spa treatments using a range of products, and a significant range of movements and principles that will help you achieve inner peace for the body, mind and soul. Here are a few treatments offered by Alila Spa:

ALILA KOTHAIFARU RITUAL A deep cleansing earthy body care treatment for smooth and radiant skin. Alila’s expert therapists will dry brush your skin before a deep exfoliation with a specially curated Himalayan Pink Salt with Coconut extracts and guide you to take a tropical flower bath. Releasing any tension fade away after each calming stroke of Alila’s Massage. BEAUTY AND BALANCE Soothe yourself by trying Alila Spa’s Beauty and Balance treatment which starts off with a gentle exfoliation with cocoa, coffee and coconut helping you to deeply condition your body and give you a vivacious glow. Experience ultimate relaxation with a soothing signature Alila Foot Ritual and your choice of therapeutic massage, and conclude your session with a spirulina and aloe body mask. AFTER SUN SOOTHER After an intense tan session, visit Alila spa to replenish your skin with a healing and cooling treatment that will help revive your skin and restore hydration.

ALILA KOTHAIFARU MASSAGE Experience the essence of peace evolved by gentle and smooth massage techniques, with Alila’s aromatherapy massage oils help calm the mind and stimulate blood flow. BALINESE MASSAGE Feel your muscles loosen up and dissolve with ancient holistic Balinese massage techniques and gentle stretching. Palm and thumb pressure techniques are also applied to unravel the deepest stress and improve your blood circulation. DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE For those who want to target deeper layers for more profound and lasting effects, experience a complete body awakening with a combination of massage techniques using different ranges of intensity for improvement of lymphatic drainage and circulation.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

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5 Technology Trends Sweeping the Tourism Industry The rapid advancement of technology has transformed the landscape of all industries. The tourism industry is no exception. Not only does technology help businesses with day-to-day operations, it also greatly improves the customer experience. As such, it is imperative that resorts, hotels, airlines, restaurants and other hospitality businesses keep up with the latest technology trends within the industry. This is especially vital in the era of COVID, with customer expectations shifting to prioritise contactless, paperless options.

VIRTUAL REALITY Augmented and virtual reality technologies are revolutionizing the industry like never before, offering boundless potential in introducing more interactive elements in the search results of travellers’ mobile phones. At its crux, virtual reality is a powerful marketing tool that offers virtual tours to satiate the wanderlust of travellers. Virtual tours offer 360-degree views of rooms and locations, enabling potential travellers to virtually explore the destination before making the physical trek there.

Here are five technology trends that are taking the tourism industry by storm.

ROBOT TECHNOLOGY Robotics is one of the most exciting forms of travel technology and it is constantly improving. Within hotels, for example, robots have been used in concierge-like roles, helping to greet guests when they arrive and provide information. At restaurants, robots have the potential to engage in food preparation, while at airports they can be used to detect concealed weapons. As with many other technology trends within the travel industry, the uses for robots have actually increased in response to COVID, especially as they have the potential to reduce human-tohuman contact.

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY Smartphones are an integral part of many people’s lives, and that’s why many businesses have made mobile technology part of their business plans. Through mobile apps, travel companies can enhance their visibility and presence in the competitive travel industry. For resorts and hotels, mobile apps are a great way to remain connected with users before, during and after their travel. These applications can provide information about a destination, help with directions, and provide recommendations for activities and restaurants. CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS Amid the COVID-19 virus and its ever-changing variants, demand for contactless payment options has skyrocketed. A secure, fast, and hygienic manner accepting and processing credit card payments is getting more and more popular day by day. Regarding the present global health situation, it is now a must to go for an extremely convenient, fast, and secure payment method rather than using cash. INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) While many industries can benefit from IoT technology, the travel and tourism sector is particularly well-placed to reap the rewards. IoT can eliminate frequent touchpoints, and enable further automation and more personalisation. An example of IoT technology in hotel rooms would be the use of an in-room tablet, whereby guests can control the curtains, temperature and lighting from a singular device.

Maldives Virtual Tour: Revolutionizing the Maldives Travel Experience Maldives Virtual Tour (maldivesvirtualtour.com), a platform showcasing the unparalleled beauty of Maldives, has taken over 1000 virtual tours of Maldives since the project was launched in 2020. With Maldives Virtual Tour, prospective travellers are able to immerse themselves in breath-taking 360° virtual tours of various luxury resort properties across Maldives. Travellers can also experience virtual tours of local islands and liveaboards as well. While Maldives Virtual Tour showcases virtual tours of Maldives, providing travellers with the chance to not only experience Maldives like never before, it also offers the chance to book the best rates directly from hotels. MVT’s pioneering platform goes hand in hand with the everchanging dynamics of the travel industry, whereby augmented and virtual reality is now playing a greater role than ever in shaping and enhancing the experience of travel consumers. Maldives Virtual Tour Expo, the largest virtual consumer travel fair of the Maldives, is currently ongoing until 31st August 2022, reaching millions of travellers across the globe. This fair will feature over 1000 virtual tours from 50 different islands across the country including resorts and local islands. These tours also support virtual reality headsets, allowing visitors to experience Maldives in the most realistic way from anywhere in the world.

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Ahmed Siaar General Manager at Fushifaru Maldives

the bread and butter for most of our population. For me personally, I believe that the role of Maldivians has to be wider in terms of driving the tourism industry forward, with the ratio of locals versus foreigners. It is, and it will be, very difficult to maintain industry growth going forward with the current ratio as it is.

Ahmed Siaar is the General Manager of Fushifaru Maldives, a local boutique resort tucked away in the untouched Lhaviyani Atoll. Our team had a chat with Ahmed Siaar to find out more about his illustrious career, and to dig deeper into what sets Fushifaru apart from the rest.

What we need to do is strategize nationwide in order to develop and capitalize Maldivians. There are several ways we can do this, such as establishing institutions to train Maldivians for these roles. We can also increase awareness among locals that either work or aspire to work in the industry.

Could you tell us a bit about your career so far?

The percentage of growth of Maldivians in top hospitality positions is definitely not sufficient. Collectively, we have to work hard to ensure that locals are given opportunities to take on senior roles.

It has been a really wonderful journey from the very beginning. I have been in the industry from the late nineties onwards, and have worked with many different brands including One & Only, Shangri-La, Anantara, as well as some local brands. Now I’m finally here at Fushifaru, and it has been really, really fantastic. We started this beautiful little resort back in 2017, which was a great challenge. But at the end of the day, we came up with a really wonderful product. I would say the journey of my career has never been better. Fushifaru is one of very few local resort brands in the Maldives. What sets Fushifaru apart, and how does it compete with international brands? Fushifaru is a relatively new brand which is owned by a local company, Muni Enterprises. As a local brand, we have shaped our services around authentic Maldivian experiences that you will find on our island. When we created this brand, we looked at it from those angles, and focused on playfulness with a bit of colour to bring it life, to which we then integrated local culture. The result of this is a very fine, picturesque boutique resort in the heart of Lhaviyani Atoll. Fushifaru is also surrounded by several attractions. We have one of the largest sandbanks in Lhaviyani Atoll, if not the entire Maldives. We have Fushifaru Thila, which is a marine protected area, where you have seasonal mantas that visit every year. This atoll is also quite famous for its marine life, namely sharks and turtles. Apart from that, I think our employees play a huge role in setting Fushifaru apart. They have been key to the success of Fushifaru from the very beginning. As a team, we pride ourselves as custodians of the Maldivian heritage. That’s where our strengths lie. Right now, we are at a stage of the market where we’ve positioned ourselves as an authentic Maldivian service provider, and we are really proud of that. As a Maldivian General Manager, what are your thoughts on the tourism industry’s local versus foreign ratio in senior roles? How can we improve this? As we reach the great milestone of 50 years of tourism in the Maldives, it is safe to say that this industry has been

What do you consider to be your greatest personal success? I think my whole journey has been a great success of mine. I started out as a trainee in the late nineties, and then gradually climbed the ranks to my current position. I worked hard, but I knew that I would reach this position one day. That’s where my ambition was set. As you know, during that time, there were not that many opportunities in terms of global experiences. There were very few education and training institutions as well, so you had to put in double the effort to get ahead in your career. But even in the face of great difficulty, I never gave up. I have loved every single moment of my journey in this industry. Another success is the friends I have made from all over the world, and the valuable lessons I’ve learned from them. Those who have worked with me have always given me the courage and inspiration to keep moving forward. Do you have any words of advice for those looking to succeed in this industry? Success never happens overnight. Jobs are not to be given; they are to be earned. Senior positions are to be earned. The reputations are to be earned. So, work hard for it. You never know when the right opportunity will arise. We are really, really lucky that our tourism industry is among the most flourishing in the world. This is the best place where you can learn, and plenty of opportunities are there within our reach. My advice is to set your goals, grab opportunities as they come, and work hard to earn your place in this industry.

Mohamed Shuhail Director of Human Resources at Brennia Kottefaru Mohamed Shuhail is the Director of Human Resources at the new island resort of Brennia Kottefaru in Raa Atoll, Maldives. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Sunderland in International Tourism and Hospitality Management, Shuhail has held significant posts before joining the Brennia Family. Can you tell us about your career before joining Brennia Kottefaru? Just after school, I joined hotel school to build my career in this field. But because of my height, I was forced to join MNDF since there was a mandatory bond to serve the government. So, I had to leave hotel school. But after I completed 21 years in the National Service, I thought again of joining this field, because I always had the interest to work in the hospitality industry. What do you consider to be your greatest personal success? My greatest personal success I would say is being able to use the experience and training that I gained during my time in the National Service in this industry. Even during my studies, I learned that it is not only the qualification but experience that allows us to apply what we study. Within a short period of time, since I entered the industry, I have achieved the milestone in my carrier and have been holding the highest position in HR throughout my career. What are your views on the local talents currently working in senior roles in the tourism industry? If we look at Brennia itself, 8 out of the 10 senior management positions are Maldivians. We have welleducated and experienced locals in the country waiting for an opportunity in the tourism industry. Some of the leading establishments in the industry are now opening up this opportunity. This trend of appointing locals to the senior positions is growing very fast among many resorts that I know. At Brennia Kottefaru, we have almost all the facilities that someone will look forward to when joining a resort. On top of that, we are upgrading our staff gym facilities and will be starting on the staff futsal ground shortly. With this new futsal ground, we will also have a new staff recreational hall with a lot of games and a bar that our staff can enjoy.

Do you have any words of advice for anyone looking to join the industry? I will advise them to join resorts that have predominantly local management like Brennia Kottefaru. My experience is that in resorts where Senior Team that includes more locals creates aspirations for the young and role model for younger locals. Even now, we are looking for young, energetic, and trained local staff to give them a touch of Brennia that they will always cherish in their whole hospitality career. We have started to build a strong local team that can start a new chapter in this industry. We also encourage more females to join Brennia to create an environment where female empowerment is as equal as males.

Iyufa Amir Assistant Manager, Talent Acquisition at Soneva Resorts Maldives Iyufa Amir is the Assistant Manager, Talent Acquisition at Soneva Resorts (Maldives), the award-winning luxury resorts brand. Our team had a chat with Ms. Iyufa to find out more about her career in the industry so far, and to delve further into her personal challenges and successes as a talent acquisition specialist. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you started your career. I was exposed to the hospitality industry at a young age as my father has been in the tourism industry for a very long time. We would be staying in the resort he worked on most of our weekends and school holidays, and I always remember seeing my father engaging with guests from different parts of the world; I guess I was inspired. After ten years, I moved back to the Maldives from Australia; I did my first internship in the tourism industry with Conrad Maldives. At the time, I was planning to do my bachelor’s in hospitality before diving in so fast; I thought the best would be to understand the operations by getting practical experience. Towards the end of my internship, I visited undergraduate opening days at a few universities in Malaysia. I was at Monash Campus; they had student recruitment day at the same time, and there were many HR professionals. I loved the way the HR professionals interacted with the students and the way they gave the presentation. I just loved the behavioural element of this job and the professionalism with which they conducted themselves. I want to meet people, help them, listen to them, work with them, motivate them, and guide them when they join the company. Let’s say HR just clicked! After I finished my bachelor’s in human resources management, I had to return to the Maldives when the pandemic hit and most of the places were in lockdown. I emailed a lot of resorts, and at most resorts, recruitment was on hold. A few months in, I discovered an opportunity at Soneva Fushi Resort. I was lucky enough to join the Soneva family as a human resources assistant. After five months, I got promoted to a Human resource coordinator, and now I am currently working as an assistant talent acquisition manager for Soneva Maldives, looking after Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. What does your role entail? My main role in the Soneva is to find the best talent that would best fit the organization’s needs. These days there is an oversupply of qualified individuals who are actively searching for new opportunities, and you have to be vigilant when hiring, i.e. searching for the cream off the top. It involves building a social network and building a web of connections in the industry. Modern advances have added a new dynamic to recruiting; it has enabled me to search for talent through social media platforms such is LinkedIn, which gives me a wider field of scope.

What do you consider to be the greatest challenge you have faced in your career? What about your proudest achievement? Earlier in my career one of the biggest challenges is breaking through the language barrier, as a native Maldivian there is a stigma around those who not on par as a fluent speaker. After spending most of my childhood in Australia, when I moved back to the Maldives, I found that my command of Dhivehi is at best rudimental. But I am currently overcoming this challenge as I have been in the Maldives last two years and am practicing it more. A challenge I face in the field I am in is finding and recruiting skilled Maldivian talent. Currently, Maldives is opening a lot resorts and there is an absence of local Maldivian talent which leaves a large gap in the native talent pool. We must empower Maldivian stakeholders to gain a foothold in the tourism industry; hospitality is forefront of what we bring forward to the visitors to the Maldives, which must showcase our pride and authentic culture. An achievement I would say is overcoming all my obstacles and being able to gain peoples’ trust. There is still more to achieve and learn. I believe that my biggest achievement is yet to come. What differentiates Soneva from other properties when it comes to its people? We at Soneva don’t consider ourselves workers; we view ourselves as a family. We don’t refer to our workers as staff or employees. Soneva gives a lot of opportunities and is actively empowering women in the workforce and giving emphasis on hiring Maldivian women. Maldivian women are not often seen in the tourism industry as resort managers, boat captains, as chefs or in the housekeeping department, but we at Soneva encourage and empower women to break the social norms. We also have a very diverse culture at Soneva; we get to interact with and learn from people of many different nationalities. Soneva is different from all the other places I have worked, and I am very happy that the company is giving these opportunities to locals, and especially local women. What message would you like to give to someone who wants to join this field? Be open-minded, be respectful, and have a thirst for knowledge. I believe you should get hands-on experience through internships throughout your university. That’s why you must take every opportunity you can find and find a work placement that will give you inside knowledge of the profession. You must keep up this steady process of learning. Never cease your quest for knowledge. Go to seminars, read books to gain knowledge, pick up ideas from other people. In this decade, you must be much smarter than you have been in the last decade. If you are a fresh graduate or searching for a job, the competition in the job market is higher than ever, so you need to educate yourself to stand out.

New Appointments

DAVID CASTAÑO

ZAYAN FAYAZ

NIKA KIM

General Manager at Milaidhoo Maldives

PR & Communications Manager at Milaidhoo Maldives

Senior Sales Manager at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

ANUJ SINGH

SOVAN DAS

ANTONIO SAPONARA

Executive Chef at Cora Cora Maldives

Executive Chef at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru

General Manager at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

HASSAN ADIL

MARSHALL ORTON

AMINATH SHALY

General Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Maldives

General Manager at Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi

Human Resource Director at Oaga Art Resort

AHMED SAEID

PIUMI GAMANAYAKE

AHMED ASAD HASHIM

Human Resource Manager at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives

Marketing and Communications Manager at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives

Chief Financial Officer at Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL)

PARAG KATHURIA

FLORIAN NIESSING

MOHAMED SHAREEF

Director of Marketing and Sales at Baglioni Resort

Director of Food & Beverage at Siyam World, Maldives

Director of Residential Life at Villa Hotels and Resorts

ALEXANDRE GLAUSER

KIRAN SONAWANE

AMIR BADR

General Manager at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

Director of Sales and Marketing at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

Resident Manager at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

Artistic Innovation at its Finest at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands Contemporary design and imaginative displays coalesce at this impeccably curated island resort, which opened quietly last summer. Not only is Patina Maldives a stunning property in its own right, but it also employs innovation in seeking art through multiple mediums, aiming to establish itself as a destination of deep cultural character. Here are four chic and innovative art structures based in Patina Maldives, to add some arty flair to your holiday in paradise.

Amatra – A Skyspace Amatra was created by James Turrell, a devoted artist of light and space for nearly five decades. He designed a specifically proportioned chamber with the ceiling open to the sky – a life-long vision of James Turrell coming to life. It allows the traveler to behold their views in different perspectives as this art structure is an abundance of light, color and openness.

Synthesis Monoliths – Reflective Sculpture A structural evolving around the transformative pieces of metal. Designer Hongjie Yang blends fact and fiction bringing in a wide range of discipline into the world of art. Through the origins of aluminium and steel in rock ores, these sculptures are reflective bringing the travelers presence into the structures living and form.

Momento Fahr 021.3, a creative experimental studio founded in Portugal, Fahr, developed an architectural intervention at a different scale. Momento, the work of art is a temporal moment that hovers between the lush greens and the sea. Simply said, it puts together a new space of dialogue between the human body and the landscape with the time that surrounds it.

Los Limites De Lo Posible IX Jose Davilia’s sculptural work is based on the incorporated materials, and their origin, symbolic value as well as their formal characteristics are elements that take great significance. This series of sculptures are comprised of recinto, a type of volcanic rock and raw sandstone boulders all in relation to contrast, the main message Davilla want travelers to decipher.

Amatra – A Skyspace

Synthesis Monoliths – Reflective Sculpture

Los Limites De Lo Posible IX

Momento

3 Resorts Heralding the Technological Transformation of Maldives’ Tourism Industry In an age where advanced resort technology plays a vital part in the continuing evolution of the travel industry at a faster pace than ever before, resorts in Maldives are looking to scale their platforms in a process of digital transformation. Changing both expectations of patrons as well as the way in which the travel industry conducts its business, some trends in the industry are allowing resorts to integrate advancements that have notably amped up their hospitality and services over the years. Here are three resorts that are re-inventing the guest experience via technology in different aspects.

Cheval Blanc Randheli – Contactless Hospitality Experience Cheval Blanc has partnered with Innspire; a business that builds a hands-on digital experience, where features, brands, networks and devices blend into one in order to adopt a guest connectivity platform to provide the full suite of guest connectivity and digital guest journey solutions across the property. The private island now expands its ‘art de recevoir’ hospitality to every corner of the guest experience and provides guests with its user friendly mobile app, full streaming and mirroring capabilities through their connected TV services, movie library, networking services and many more sources of convenient entertainment. Impossibly tranquil and undeniably divine, Cheval Blanc was born from the desire to redefine the notion of hospitality experiences in rare and exceptional destinations, allowing their trove of technological advancements to illustrate their quest for excellence.

Cheval Blanc Randheli – Contactless Hospitality Experience

Dhigali Maldives – First Unique Resort App

Soneva Fushi – Pioneering VR Experience

Dhigali Maldives – First Unique Resort App

Soneva Fushi – Pioneering VR Experience

At the start of 2020, Dhigali Maldives announced the launch of the very first interactive resort app coming in different languages, and real time service booking for guests enabling you to check into your room, book excursions, activities or even book a table for dinner through the app itself. The Restaurant concierge will also provide information of dining options and how best to use the restaurant booking application.

Soneva Fushi, the original barefoot luxury resort in the Maldives launched an exclusive new Virtual Reality (VR) experience. At a time when many around the world are still facing limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Soneva VR headset overcomes restrictions to bring an enchanting insight into island life into viewers’ homes.

The app features a fully interactive map of the island which shows your current location on the island and all of the mandatory locations you will need to keep a track of during your stay. From current promotions to tracking the shuttle around the island, the Dhigali Maldives App makes your travel experience significantly easier and convenient with most services carried out through the Dhigali Maldives App.

A curated experience with discovery at its heart, the VR series shares Soneva’s SLOW LIFE ethos and champions the beautiful Maldives archipelago as a bucket-list destination. To achieve this, the Soneva team partnered with a UK-based studio to create a best-in-class, personalised VR content series that showcases Soneva Fushi’s one-of-a-kind charms to a global audience.

E-Surf’s Up! Catch the Latest Adrenaline-Pumping Trend at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa There’s no more waiting for the perfect wave at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa and its Signature Collection. Together with its Watersports partner Deep Blue, the resort has released this exhilarating experience. Now guests can hop on the hottest watersports trend by trying their hand at E-Surfing. This new craze involves being propelled through the water on a motorized, electric surfboard, as friends, family and impressed onlookers cheer you on. Though there are no great surfing spots in North Maldives, this is an excellent alternative for guests looking to have some surfing fun while experiencing the latest in watersports innovation. Whether you’re looking to master a new skill or perfect your technique at an existing sport, there is plenty to keep thrill-seekers and sports enthusiasts entertained at this exclusive all-suite Maldives resort where space

and privacy are key. Enjoy a golf game at the state-ofthe-art in-house Golf Simulator, work up a sweat in the extensive gym, take a gander at the other evergreen surfing option – windsurfing, jump around a floating aqua park, and more. As a large, spacious island with a year-round tropical Maldivian summer, it’s also the perfect location for doing outdoor activities such as running to keep fit and healthy – even on vacation. With this addition to the great number of recreational activities available at the resort, this is yet another exciting experience which adds to the Hideaway guarantee to be one of the leading recreation resorts in the Maldives with many novel offerings for guests to enjoy.

A Family Beach Escape at OBLU Xperience Ailafushi Your ideal tropical getaway, OBLU Xperience Ailafushi is home to one of the most family friendly free-spirited Maldivian holiday journeys.

Pot Food Truck. Find yourself at the Only BLU Under Ocean Restaurant, to experience delicious dining in a different scenery.

In the Maldivian Language ‘Aila’ means family and ‘Fushi’ means island, creating the ultimate holiday experience, whether it be for couples, families or friends.

With unlimited activities and adventures for children and family, a sprawling multi-level kids’ club with a pool and buffet area, as well as fun learning experiences organized daily, Aila’s little guests will be occupied while the adults can enjoy a worry-free full day by the beach.

The four-star resort consists of 268 villas of four different types with all-day dining at several restaurants including; Element X Restaurant, poolside indulgence at X360 Bar, and chilled-out dinners at The Copper

Siyam World ‘Pimps’ Guest Rides with Seabreachers, Mini Mokes & World’s First Water Bikes Indian Ocean iconoclast Siyam World has unleashed a new fleet of custom Mini Mokes, adrenaline-pumping Seabreachers, and “the world’s first water bike”, Manta5’s Hydrofoiler XE-1, providing guests with three more eyepopping ways to motor away from the Maldives mainstream. On a mission to bring its guests the broadest offering of memorable escapades and never-done-before experiences, Siyam World made waves last year when it opened with the Indian Ocean’s biggest floating water park. Now, it has rivals trailing in its wake once again after launching the Maldives’ first ever Seabreacher. With the aerodynamic lines of a fighter jet and a sculpted shark-like body, the Seabreacher represents a dramatic breakthrough in recreational boating. Operating more like an aircraft than a watercraft, these extraordinary semisubmersible vessels can jump over, dive under and carve left and right through the waves – and are even capable of 360-degree barrel rolls on the water. The Seabreacher’s acrylic canopy and underwater view ports give pilot and passenger near-360-degree views, while its supercharged 260hp engine propels them across the water at speeds of up to 50mph. For a more tranquil, yet singularly surreal take on conquering the waves, Siyam World guests can also experience the extraordinary Manta5 Hydrofoiler XE-1 – the world’s first hydrofoil e-bikes. Capable of speeds up to 11 knots, these emission-free, wake-free, near-silent wave-riding phenomena harness the same technology as America’s Cup yachts to create a completely new cycling experience on water.

Back on dry land, guests staying at The Beach House Collection – Siyam World’s exclusive enclave of 24 show-stopping one- to six-bedroom Residences – can also now explore the island’s trails in style with their very own custom Mini Moke. Recently revived and relaunched as the first heritage car marque to go fully electric, the British-made Mini Moke is the ultimate retro-chic beach whip. Each of Siyam World’s Mini Mokes comes with an onboard sound system and is named after a colourful 90s music legend – think “Green Day”, “Red Hot Chilli Peppers” and “Pink Floyd” – with a vibrant paintjob to match.

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Eid-Al-Adha Celebrations at CROSSROADS Brought Out Maldives’ Multiculturalism at Its Best Eid al-Adha is celebrated in all parts of the Maldives on a grand scale, and CROSSROADS Maldives celebrated Eid just like any other local island. This year’s ‘Bodu Eid Foari’ was held with many activities at the resort, including a special lunch, beach sports, mali parades, children’s stalls, a special dinner, and a grand Eid show. The Eid celebrations were open for everyone, including people from the capital city of Male’, local islands, staff of CROSSROADS Maldives, and guests staying at Hardrock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives by Curio Collection. The celebrations held at CROSSROADS Maldives made them stand out as Eid is generally celebrated separately for resort employees and guests. However, CROSSROADS Maldives set an example showing no discrimination and inclusivity with their Eid celebrations.

“Words are not enough to describe how thrilled we are at CROSSROADS. After two years, we were separated by a pandemic; this year, we are celebrating Eid Al Adha together again,” said Tolga Unan, Managing Director, CROSSROADS Maldives. “We are one with all of you on this special occasion where cultures meet to create joy, celebrate and share blessings with those in need.” Bodu Eid Foari was held at CROSSROADS Maldives from the first day of Eid, with hundreds of people from the Greater Male’ area participating in different activities and games with their guests and employees. Eid-al Adha concluded at CROSSROADS Maldives with their street market at the Marina. CROSSROADS Maldives welcomes all nationalities from all islands, making it an easy and accessible location. This location is one of the happiest places for the people living in the Greater Male’ area, with just a 20-minute ferry ride away, giving everyone access to an enjoyable time with various leisure activities.

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Soneva Welcomes a Star-Studded Line-Up of Sporting Legends Pioneering luxury resorts brand Soneva is inspiring a lifetime of rare experiences through its Soneva Stars calendar, an ever-changing Roster of visiting experts and one-of-a-kind guest experiences at its resorts in the Maldives and Thailand. This year is shaping up to be exceptionally exciting for sports fanatics in particular, with a highly anticipated line-up of football, rugby and cricket legends from around the world landing on the shores of Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani in the Maldives, including World Cup champion David Villa, former FC Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez and football freestyling sensation Marcel Gurk. As part of the upcoming summer 2022 programme, international sporting superstar David Villa will be at Soneva Jani from July 20–31. Hailed as one of the best football strikers of all time, Villa is a FIFA World Cup champion, UEFA Champions League winner and the Spanish National Team’s all-time leading goal scorer. After his retirement, he founded his own company, DV7 Group, offering football camps, clinics and other curricula to boys and girls around the world. Regarded as one of the best Mexican players of all time, Rafael Márquez also recently joined the summer roster at Soneva Fushi. The current youth coach of Spanish Tercera División club Alcalá, he’ll Will be putting Young Sonevians through their paces during a series of football camps from July 25–August 8. Adding to the high-flying excitement,football freestyling sensation Marcel Gurk will be hosting daily workshops from July 1–13 for both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani’s youngest guests too. Looking ahead to the October half-term break, from October 15–30 world cup-winning English rugby player Ben Cohen will be helping guests stay in shape during his renowned fitness workshops at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. Following his visit to Soneva Fushi during Easter, Soneva Stars’ regular Mikaël Silvestre will be making a welcome return to the Maldives to host his ever-popular children’s football camps during the October half-term and December festive breaks at Soneva Jani. The former French international player will later be returning to Soneva Fushi too as a commentator

for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is set to take place in Qatar this year from November 21–December 18. Joining him in the commentators’ booth but from the sandy shores of Soneva Jani is professional footballer Yaya Touré. Born in Côte d’Ivoire, he has represented his country at an international level since 2004 and has become one of the most influential players from the continent of Africa. Kicking off the star-studded roster, Rohit Sharma recently shared his experiences and leadership lessons during a one-off Talkers’ Table at Soneva Jani. The

current captain of the Indian Men’s National Team and captain of IPL’s Mumbai Indians, Rohit is widely acknowledged as one of cricket’s most outstanding and gifted batsmen. Launched in early 2020, the annual Soneva Stars programme promises that every Soneva stay is utterly unique, curating an eclectic and thought-provoking lineup that includes legendary sportsmen and women, Michelin-starred chefs, leading wellness specialists, acclaimed artists, best-selling authors and more. No matter what time of year they visit, guests can enjoy

an array of unforgettable experiences, from intimate 3 dinners hosted by the world’s top chefs and engaging talks with luminary experts to one-on-one coaching from sporting heroes or healing sessions with leading wellness therapists.

MACL Shows Glimpse of New Seaplane Terminal The new seaplane terminal built at Velana International Airport (VIA) has been shown to the media. The seaplane terminal has been built under the VIA development project, which is the largest infrastructure project of its kind in the Maldives. The seaplane terminal has been constructed at a cost of USD 55 million. The new seaplane terminal consists of 4 floors, each of which span 7000 hectares. As per MACL, this terminal will allow 4 operators to operate conveniently with ease. International aviation standards prohibit the existence of building-like facilities in the runway and a area with a certain distance. The new seaplane terminal was given high priority under the airport development project as the new runway can be opened once the old seaplane terminal is cleared. Seaplane services are currently provided by Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), Manta Air and Maldivian.

Maldivian Signs as the Official Airline Partner for Neyvaa 2 Maldivian has signed as the official airline partner for Neyvaa 2, a new world record attempt organized by Freedive Maldives. The agreement was signed by Aishath Jennifer – Deputy Managing Director on behalf of Maldivian and Hawwa Naufa Nizam – PR Manager on behalf of Freedive Maldives. This record-breaking attempt will feature the most number of people performing static apnea simultaneously. Organized to commemorate Golden Jubilee – 50 years of tourism in the Maldives, this event will promote the passion for free driving and highlight Maldives on the map for free divers worldwide. Neyvaa 2 will execute static apnea as a group performance from

all over the Maldives with multiple locations across the archipelago at the given time. Maldivian is the leading domestic carrier in the Maldives and currently operates to India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia and China from its main hub at Velana International Airport. The nation’s carrier today operates daily frequent flights to 16 airports within the country and offers competitive air transfers to all resorts in the Maldives. Participant registrations are now open for the event and all those who wish to register from the participating resorts for the event can now start the registrations by contacting the resort HR departments.

Tourist Facilities by Atoll, 2022

SriLankan Airlines and Kuwait Airways Launch Codeshare Partnership SriLankan Airlines and Kuwait Airways has announced the launch of a new codeshare partnership effective 20 June 2022, which provides enhanced connections and convenience to customers of both airlines. Each airline will place the other airline’s marketing code on its flights operated between Colombo and Kuwait with the alliance coming into effect. The new codeshare partnership will strengthen and take to new heights the cordial commercial relationship that has existed between SriLankan Airlines and Kuwait Airways since 1999. SriLankan Airlines has carried passengers between Colombo and Kuwait for over four decades and currently operates a daily flightto Kuwait. Similarly, Kuwait Airways has been serving passengers on this route since 1978 and plans to operate three weekly flights to Colombo starting from October 2022. Passengers may essentially expect to gain all the benefits of codeshare flights including seamless connectivity and the convenience of having their entire journey managed by one airline from the point of purchasing tickets until they arrive at their final destination with the

launch of this partnership. Furthermore, passengers of both airlines willenjoy increased alternative flight options, specifically to the Middle East and Europe via Kuwait and to the Indian Subcontinent and the Far East via Colombo. Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines stated, “We are delighted to enter a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between Kuwait Airways and SriLankan Airlines that is expected to generate value to our customers in multiple ways. The Middle Eastern market has always been important to SriLankan Airlines, and we continually endeavour to expand our network and product portfolio to serve this segment better. We look forward to working with Kuwait Airways and creating greater synergy between our combined networks for the benefit of our passengers.”

Sun Siyam Resorts Take to the Skies! Sun Siyam Resorts has finally officially unveiled their first Sun Siyam-branded, private seaplane. Their new luxury aircraft boasts a bespoke exterior which combines visual elements ubiquitous to Maldivian culture, such as patterns found on the traditionally-worn Libaas, stylized descriptions of the ‘Fattaru bai’ (gold medallions traditionally worn with the libaas), as well as the meticulously hand-carved patterns found in Liyelaa jehun – lacquered, handwrought containers or bowls originally crafted to be presented to the sultan, other royalty, or guests of honor. Affectionately dubbed Kamana, meaning lady in Maldivian language, the design and idea was created and brought to life by local talents that work in the company. With Sun Siyam being a 100% Maldivian company, the team wanted to bring this concept to life,

showcasing the traditional and beautiful Maldivian art to a visually compelling platform, such as a branded seaplane. Kamana will transfer passengers travelling from Velana International Airport to Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, as well as providing transfer services to their most recently opened property, Siyam World, where never-before-seen experiences abound. Between Kamana, and their world-class lounge, Sun Siyam Resorts has elevated their already seamless guest transfer experience to even greater heights, providing a level of exclusive services that only industryleading giants can offer.

Fushifaru Maldives

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Hilton’s Flagship Brand Makes Highly Anticipated Debut in the Maldives Leading global hospitality company Hilton has announced the opening of Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, on 1 July 2022, marking the expansion of Hilton’s award-winning flagship brand into the Maldives. The all-villa resort features an array of thoughtful amenities which are new to the archipelago, setting a new benchmark in hospitality that will captivate the next generation of travelers. Hilton Maldives Amingiri is the fourth resort under the company’s portfolio of brands in the country, complementing Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, bolstering Hilton’s ability to take care of different travelers and their unique needs in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. The hotel is owned by Amingiri Holdings Pvt Ltd and managed by Hilton. “The Maldives is one of the most desired vacation destinations for travelers around the world – seeing a continued pace of bookings even throughout the last two years when it was the first country to open its borders to international travelers during the pandemic. The expansion of our flagship brand here underscores our commitment to bringing our world-class brands to key locations, and we are confident Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa will build on our legacy of delivering an exceptional stay to delight and inspire our guests,” said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton.

“Today’s milestone launch is a celebration of our shared vision with Hilton to deliver the most exceptional levels of service and hospitality in the Maldives. At Amingiri Holdings, we are committed to continuously contribute to the Maldivian economy and further strengthen its tourism industry, and Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa will enable us to continue with this mission,” said Daniel Welk, Amingiri Holdings Pvt Ltd. Nestled in Amingiri Island in the North Malé Atoll, Hilton Maldives Amingiri is directly accessible from Velana International Airport via a scenic 20-minute premium speedboat ride. The resort features 109 expansive beach and overwater villas, each offering a private pool and enticing views of the surrounding turquoise lagoon. Embodying a harmony of Maldivian accents and contemporary touches, the villas invite an abundance of natural light through its floor-to-ceiling windows, enhancing a refreshing colour palette that mirrors the warm hues of the sea and sky. Designed to immerse guests in nature’s wonders, the overwater pool villas are outfitted with stairs to lead directly to the island’s lagoon, and a hammock by the pool to enjoy the melody of waves; while beach villas feature direct access to sparkling white sand, a deck swing and a gazebo on the shore. All villas boast generously proportioned bathrooms with ocean-facing bathtubs, as well as indoor and outdoor rain showers that create a sense of relaxation. A key highlight of Hilton Maldives Amingiri is the sixbedroom Amingiri Residence, the ideal escape for larger groups of travelers looking for privacy in its truest sense. Set apart on a landscaped cove, the residence will welcome guests with its own arrival pier and a dedicated sundeck with uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Maldivian horizon when it debuts in November 2022. “Hilton Maldives Amingiri represents what we continually strive for in our brand portfolio – innovative offerings and exceptional stays complemented by our signature hospitality. Introducing several new concepts to the Maldives, such as a rooftop lounge exclusive to teenage guests, a cocktail lab and the six-bedroom

residence, Hilton Maldives Amingiri is set to capture guests of all ages looking to reconnect during their stay with their selves, nature or close ones,” said Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton. Home to six distinctive dining concepts, Hilton Maldives Amingiri will take guests on a culinary sojourn. From Origin, a dining experience that celebrates sustainable seafood sourcing, ageing techniques and a foodupcycling approach, to all-day dining restaurant Habitat, to rustic beach restaurant Beach Shack with its feet-inthe-sand dining experience, the resort’s dining offerings are thoughtfully curated to satisfy every palate. Celebrating tea cultures from all over the world, modernday tea house Sip Tea Lounge’s extensive tea collection allows guests to refresh and relax over rare flavors and perennial favorites. Champagne and gin are on showcase at the adults-only overwater bar Eden, while poolside bar Aura features a cocktail lab dedicated to the art of mixology. A slew of inspiring experiences await seasoned holidaymakers and junior explorers: Krakengiri Kids’ Club features an outdoor children’s play pool and mini splash park, while rooftop bar Re:Fuel offers teenage guests a tranquil retreat and a hidden entrance designed exclusively for them. Purposefully designed as a sanctuary, Amingiri Spa offers an extensive menu of rejuvenating treatments and purifying hammam rituals that bring an enlightened sense of wellbeing.

Bulgari to Open New Resort in the Maldives Italian luxury brand Bulgari is to open a new luxury resort in Raa atoll of the Maldives. Located in one of the most northerly and visited atolls in the archipelago on an exclusive private island, the resort will consist of exquisite beach and water villas, each with individual pools and a range of luxury facilities being available for guests. The Bulgari Resort Ranfushi is set to open in the year 2025 and will be the thirteenth jewel in the Bulgari Hotels and Resorts collection. The resort is set to feature highly acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs that are already working in other Bulgari hotels, as well as featuring Italian, Chinese and Japanese gastronomy.

Architecture and design of the resort will be in line with the existing contemporary and refined style of Bulgari, managed by the architectural firm ACPV Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. The thirteenth hotel in the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts collection will open in 2025.

Experience Maldivian Hospitality True to its Ancestral Roots at Oaga Art Resort Experience Maldivian hospitality true to its ancestral roots. Delve into the magic of the monsoons, art, music, and rich flavours curated just for you. Blissful creative hospitality – a true homegrown experience; good vibes coming soon to an island near you. Scheduled to open its doors for guests in Q4 of 2022, Oaga Art Resort aims to provide an authentic cultural hospitality experience by immersing guests in small doses of true Maldivian art, culture, food, and heritage. Situated in North Malé atoll, 35 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport; Oaga Art Resort is a singular island. The property boasts 60 cosy and intimate villas with beach and over water options, 4 dining venues and a spa inspired by Maldivian traditional

healing. Oaga Art Resort’s artistic and creative spaces offer an immersive experience curated by local and visiting artists, and craftsmen from the Maldives. Oaga Art Resort prides itself on collaborating with local and visiting artists to create whimsical spaces and imaginative micro-experiences, and is open for artists of all talents.

The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives Introduces World-Class Wellness Practitioner Numthip Puntha Found nestled in the Raa Atoll on Huruvalhi Island, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives has brought a fresh approach to their retreat resort, offering a series of world-class wellness practitioners to channel mind, body and spiritual connection. The property has announced a special residency by Numthip Puntha, a Master Reiki and Sound Healing Practitioner and Physiotherapist. Numthip joins the island to bring a selection of her exclusive practices for guests to discover their spiritual and physical self, whilst relaxing in the pristine sandy beaches and indulging in one of the resort’s 115 Overwater Villas, each with a private pool overlooking the ocean. Renowned for her practices with exclusive resorts including The Standard, Hua Hin and Amatara Wellness, Numthip performs unique treatments that incorporate energy integrative body work, healing, stress management and coaching. Numthip’s unparalleled practices exclusive to The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives include: Integrative Healing Massage for physical tension and energy enhancing; Tibetan Sound and Reiki Healing for emotional wellness and energy enhancing; Vacuum Cupping Massage for physical tension and detoxification and Postural Integration Exercise for posture alignment and core stability. “We are thrilled to welcome Numthip Puntha as our newest wellness star, providing our guests with a chance to refresh, rejuvenate, and reset while on vacation,” says Jesper Soerensen, General Manager of The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives. “Just like the other wellness masters who join our residency programme, Numthip (Khun Amp) brings a wealth of knowledge and techniques to provide customised health and wellbeing experiences that enhance our guests’ wellness journey and make their stay at The Standard even more exclusive.” “I am really excited by the opportunity to provide a lifechanging experience to the guests of The Standard. My range of treatments and workshops that includes Reiki, integrative bodywork, cupping, and sound therapy are designed to allow them to discover new ways of wellness. They can expect a holistic experience that helps them incorporate healing practices and methods into daily life.”, adds Numthip Puntha (Khun Amp).

Numthip Puntha’s treatments will take place in The Spa’s Ocean views from one of the nine private rooms, along with an indoor hydrotherapy playground boasting a traditional communal Hamman, cypress aroma steam room and contract plunge shower. The perfect place to recover, play, chill and explore.

Discover an Oasis of Health and Wellness at Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives Well known as an island playground where fun and relaxation are always at the centre of every day’s activities, Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives is also an oasis of health and wellness. Whether you pamper yourself with the signature treatments at Fehi Spa, or engage in the search for a better you through the wide variety of health and wellness activities, you are sure to find the perfect balance at Finolhu Baa Atoll. Meaning “green” in the local Dhivehi language, Fehi Spa fully embraces the role of nature in the journey to wellness and inner peace. The luxurious treatment rooms are surrounded by lush tropical flora to add a deeper sense of tranquillity to your experience, while the relaxation area offers stunning views of the ocean and sunset. There is no doubt you will feel refreshed and reinvigorated after your favourite treatment. The holistic treatments at Fehi Spa offer the best of East and West in a fusion of philosophies and therapies. The variety of revitalising signature treatments include the Maldivian Healing Treatment, a journey to the bliss that begins with a massage of long and circular strokes using virgin coconut oil, followed by a warm sand poultice on the back, and completed with a warm coconut milk polish. East Meets West delivers transformative energy healing from Tibetan Singing Bowls, followed by a combination of Eastern and Western massage techniques, including Shiatsu, Tibetan Indian Head and Swedish. Signature treatments designed especially for couples include the Finolhu Royal Signature, an exfoliating dry body brush and oil massage followed by a clay mud body polish that promotes cleansing and detoxing to generate fresh skin growth. Romance at Finolhu begins with a shared massage using warmed olive oil and wine, complimented by a Cleopatra Milk Body Polish and brought to a blissful conclusion with a glass of wine. Spread across the day, the Sun and Moon Chi treatment starts with private sunrise yoga followed by a classic massage later in the day and then finished off with a private sunset yoga session. Aside from its spa treatments, Finolhu also offers guests a choice of weekly health and wellness activities at the gym, in the Yoga Pavilion or on the island’s beaches. Complimentary activities include selected Yoga sessions, Island Jog, Boot Camp, Spin and Core, and Stretch & Flex, as well as use of Tennis Court. So whether you are looking to be passively pampered or actively engaged, you’ll find the perfect balance between body, spirit and mind in an oasis of health and wellness at Finolhu.

Several Initiatives Carried Out by Villa Hotels & Resorts for World Environment Day World Environment Day was celebrated on 5th June this year. As part of a continuous pledge to protect the Maldives natural environment, Villa Hotels & Resorts planned several initiatives to preserve the environment and work towards a greener #OnlyOneEarth. In the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Royal Island Resort & Spa organized a schedule of events to pledge protection to the planet and celebrate World Environment Day. Initiatives included in the ‘Green Fest’ event schedule included island clean ups, a B. Kudarikilu Island to clean the mosque as part of an ongoing CSR project, educational talks about sustainability at the resort and tree planting at B. Kihaadhoo. In the theme of caring for nature and giving back to the environment, Royal Island, Sun Island and Paradise Island all contributed to each islands greenery by planting a number of trees around the islands. The diveOceanus team carried out several dive surveys of the surrounding reefs in the lead up to the event and on the day. The underwater team were thrilled to find the reefs in pristine condition with little to no plastic found. The event proved a success and raised awareness while setting a conscious and environmentally sustainable example. Morover, recognizing that sustainability starts at the core of the company’s practices, several departments of Villa Group joined together for a large clean-up at Thilafushi Island on June 3. Focusing on the harbor and beach areas, the event aimed to collect plastic and rubbish to donate as recycling while raising awareness and encouraging protection for the environment on World Environment Day. The clean-up at Thilafushi covered 300 meters of the island, with a focus on the beach area to prevent debris and plastics from entering the ocean. All plastic collected was recycled and donated to WAMCO, with a total of 149.47 Ton collected on the day. The year 2022 signifies a global historic milestone as it marks 50 years since the first United Nations conference on the human environment. Held annually since 1974, World Environment Day has grown to become the largest global platform for environmental outreach with millions of people around the world engaging in events to protect the planet. Recognizing the importance of environmental protection, Villa Hotels & Resorts pledge to maintain thorough environmental practices across all resorts and operate sustainable initiatives to help preserve and protect the natural environment to live in harmony with nature for a greener future.

Reethi Faru Resort Collaborates with Sustainable Clothing Brand Playa London Renowned for its sustainability initiatives and marine conservation effort, Reethi Faru Resort has announced the launch of ‘Reethi Shirt’ in collaboration with the organic clothing brand Playa London.

Playa London is based in London, UK and designs shirts that are socially responsible in every way throughout the production line and are tailored as per a location’s culture and climate. Their shirts are produced for destinations such as Bali, Maldives, the Mediterranean and the UK. Appreciating the sustainability effort of Playa London, Reethi Faru Resort collaborated with the brand that shares similar visions and goals toward corporate environmental responsibility.

‘Reethi Shirt’ is not just about naming a garment after Reethi Faru Resort. In the Maldivian language, Dhivehi, the word ‘Reethi’ means ‘beautiful’. This ‘beautiful shirt’ is made of thin and white organic peshtemal cotton and sustainably sourced oak buttons, with a grandad collar and ¾ length Playa sleeves. Its classic fit design and lightweight fabric perfectly suit the warm climate and summer vibes to be worn in the Maldives . Cast adrift in Raa Atoll, Reethi Faru Resort is blessed by Mother Nature for its tropical flora and fauna. Keeping its promises to the environment, the boutique resort continues to preserve the sustainable environment for the guests to enjoy their holiday getaway in the bioluxury paradise.

Fushifaru Maldives Achieves Prestigious Green Globe Certification Fushifaru Maldives, an exquisite island getaway in Lhaviyani Atoll, has been awarded the prestigious Green Globe Certification for its notable sustainability efforts. Green Globe is the premier sustainability certification and performance improvement program developed specifically for the travel and tourism industry. It provides organisations with a framework to conduct a comprehensive assessment of their sustainability performance, through which they can monitor improvements and obtain the certification. At Fushifaru Maldives, sustainability projects are led by the General Manager, Ahmed Siaar, who has been incorporating sustainable tourism principles and practices into his operation since Fushifaru’s opening on October 24, 2017. Fushifaru is determined to be actively involved in conserving biodiversity and the surrounding ecosystem. Fushifaru also invites guests of all ages to partake in its many pioneering, eco-friendly projects:

Coral Propagation Project In collaboration with Best Dives, Fushifaru has initiated and developed a coral propagation project to assist the rejuvenation of the coral reefs around the island, which is vital to sustaining biodiversity. The team is committed to planting coral fragments in several frames and one distinctly manta-shaped frame in the lagoon. The team continues to plant, monitor, and clean frames to ensure the success of the project. Both certified divers and snorkelers can visit the site by joining a dive excursion or the coral restoration snorkelling tour.

No Plastic, Fantastic! Fushifaru Maldives is an eco-friendly island, with zero single-use plastic. Every guest now has the opportunity to contribute to Fushifaru’s green community by purchasing a reusable bag for $15 USD, which they can use to take their plastic back home. Fushifaru is committed to making a positive impact, that’s why 50% of proceeds of the bags will go towards educating the local community on sustainable living.

Plant Your Own Tree’ Program At Fushifaru, they make it easy and fun for guests to help mother nature by planting trees on the island through their “Plant Your Own Tree’ Program”. In addition, at Fushifaru food waste is composted through their composting machine and the product is used as manure for the trees within the property.

Partnership with Kind Traveler Fushifaru Maldives is also a partner of Kind Traveler. By being a Kind Hotel, guests will be able to unlock exclusive rates with a minimum donation of $10 to a local charity, aiding both the resort and guests to create a positive community and environmental impact. Fushifaru will be donating 100% of the guest contributions to The Olive Ridley Project. The Olive Ridley Project (ORP) is on a mission to protect sea turtles and their habitats through rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education and outreach. The $10 that is donated by the guests will help provide antibiotics and fluids for one small turtle patient for one month. Fushifaru looks forward to empowering travellers to travel kindly and make a meaningful positive impact on the community.

Cora Cora Maldives Receives Prestigious Accolade at Travel + Leisure Best Awards Cora Cora Maldives has achieved another milestone and won in Asia’s Best Awards 2022 – Maldives. As such, Cora Cora Maldives placed as 3rd Best Resort in Maldives in this year’s Travel + Leisure Best Awards. “It’s the little things. True hospitality is authentic. It may not always be about what it looks like, but it will always be about how you made someone feel. I feel proud as a part of this wonderful team. Everyone is so motivating and inspiring here. Congratulations on your amazing achievement,” says Justin Swart, General Manager of Cora Cora Maldives. Set on the pristine island of Raa Maamigili in the Raa Atoll, the Cora Cora Maldives resort features 100 contemporary style villas overlooking the Indian Ocean, four restaurants, two bars, seven wellness treatment rooms and is the first resort in the Maldives to showcase a licensed art gallery and outdoor museum. Cora Cora Maldives is 45-minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport or 30 minutes by domestic flight followed by a 20-minute speedboat journey.

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Maldives Nominated for World Travel Awards Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2022

Visit Maldives has announced that that Maldives has been nominated for the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2022 at the World Travel Awards. World Travel Awards is a prestigious annual award program that serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence. Its annual program is renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive in the travel industry. Each year World Travel Awards covers the globe with its Grand Tour – a series of ceremonies to recognize excellence within each continent, culminating in a Grand Final at the end of the year. This year also celebrates an exceptional year, marking 50 years – the Golden Jubilee celebration of tourism in the Maldives.

Komandoo Island Resort

Komandoo Island Resort Wins TripAdvisor Awards 2022 as Top Romantic Hotel and Best of the Best

The Crown and Champa Resorts Collection’s Komandoo Island Resort has won TripAdvisors Awards under the category of ‘Best of the Best’ and has been featured among the Top 25 TripAdvisor’s 2022 Most Romantic Hotels in Asia. The truly adults-only Komandoo Island Resort & Spa was named Most Romantic Hotel in Asia for the third year in a row. The boutique Komandoo Island Resort nestled on its private island in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll and is recognized as the only adults couples-focused resort in the Maldives, delighting honeymooners and romantic travellers alike with its intimate atmosphere and inspired tranquility. At Komandoo, romance and relaxation come naturally, with poolside enjoyment, renewing spa treatments, snorkeling in the easily accessible house reef, dolphinspotting, and private dining experiences.

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TTM Maldives 2022 to be Held From 23rd – 25th August 2022 The highly anticipated international travel trade show of Maldives, TTM Maldives 2022 will return this year and will be held from 23rd to 25th August. The event will showcase over 150 properties and over 200 travel trade professionals from 30 different markets are also expected in attendance for the 6th edition of TTM Maldives. The exhibitors will get access to the invitation-only TTM Travel Summit, scheduled to be held on 25th August 2022. The registered exhibitors of TTM will also get a lot of added benefits including the usage of “Connect” software to pre-arrange meetings online prior to the event. Every year, TTM Maldives sees over 3000 pre-scheduled meetings among 500 travel trade professionals with over $1 billion worth of contracts discussed. Furthermore, they will also receive an invitation to the official TTM Awards and Gala Event to be held on the final night. TTM Awards 2022 will be grander than ever this year, as Travel Trade Maldives has announced new categories for TTM Awards, which will feature expanded classifications for resort properties. TTM Awards & Gala will be held on the final night of TTM Maldives 2022 and is dedicated to tourism industry professionals who work around the clock to ensure that Maldives is the leading tourism destination in the world.

LEADING INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TRADE SHOW IN THE MALDIVES

23 - 25TH AUG 2022

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TTM Travel Summit 2022 to Focus on “50 Years of Tourism in the Maldives” TTM Travel Summit 2022, focused on “50 years of tourism in the Maldives”, will be held on 25th August at CROSSROADS Maldives. TTM Travel Summit is an invitation-only event that brings together thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are professionally engaged with tourism in the Maldives. This year, the TTM Travel Summit will see stakeholders and pioneers of the industry discuss the evolution of tourism in the Maldives over the past five decades coinciding with the Golden Jubilee of Maldives Tourism. The Summit will be carried out as panel discussions together with one-on-one sessions and will be streamed live on the social media platforms of Travel Trade Maldives. TTM Maldives is the leading international travel trade fair held in the Maldives and will showcase over 100 resorts/hotels/airlines and the leading 250 operators from the top 30 countries to the Maldives. Partners of TTM Maldives 2022 include Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation, CROSSROADS Maldives, Jalboot Maldives, HRS International and IDeaS.

Stunning New Award Design Revealed for TTM Awards 2022 Travel Trade Maldives has introduced the new award design with additional award categories for TTM Maldives 2022. The concept behind the new award design is to showcase significant elements from our archipelago in an award. Hence, the design incorporates varying shades of blue you can see in the oceans and lagoons of the Maldives, along with corals and a majestic whale shark. TTM partners can now apply for the awards until 31st May 2022 and resorts can apply to a maximum of 3 categories if they fit the criteria. Award winners will be selected through a voting process. The voting process will consist of 25% votes from the TTM editorial team, 25% vote taken from an expert panel and 50% vote taken from the public for all the categories except for

the top producer’s award. Top producer’s award winners will consist of 100% vote from travel trade professionals from hotels and resorts. TTM Maldives 2022 is scheduled to take place from 23rd to 25th August 2022 and the Awards and Gala Night will be held on 25th August 2022 at CROSSROADS Maldives. With the addition of new award categories, the award and gala night is set to be even larger and better this year, providing all tourism industry professionals with a fun-filled evening.

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15 New Award Categories Introduced for TTM Awards 2022 Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) expands their award categories and introduced 15 new awards to reward and celebrate the excellence in the travel and tourism hospitality industry of the Maldives. Previously, TTM Awards were only given to top producers for the Maldives tourism industry which were handed over during the TTM Awards & Gala night.

8. Best Design Hotel

The new award categories for TTM Awards 2022 consist of:

This award recognizes the resorts offering outstanding delicacies with a variety of enthralling restaurant options.

1. Best Beach Resort

This award recognizes the resorts with outstanding beauty of white sandy beaches surrounding the resort where guests can have the true sun, sand, and beach experience.

This award recognizes the resort that have created astounding architecture combining technology and aesthetic for a startling look.

9. Best Culinary Resort

10. Best City Hotel

This award recognizes the hotel with the best room categories, services, and facilities provided for the guests in the city

2. Best Wellness Resort

This award recognizes the resorts with the most unique spa and wellness facilities offering pre-eminent services where guests can wind down.

3. Best Honeymoon Destination

This award recognizes the resorts with the most intimate room categories for couples to spend their honeymoon along with outstanding special offers for honeymooners.

11. Best Fun & Friendly Resort

This award recognizes the resorts that maintains friendly relationships with guests, outstanding hospitality and, fun on-site activities for guests looking for an indelible experience.

12. Best Emerging Resort

This award recognizes newly opened resort that have made prominent and apparent progress in less than a year.

4. Best MICE Resort

This award recognizes the resort with the best services and facilities for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.

13. Most Innovative Resort

An outstanding technology or a unique hotel concept breathing new life into the world of tourism industry in the Maldives.

5. Best Wedding Destination

This award recognizes the resort with the best locations for wedding venues along with the most distinctive services and facilities provided for the groom and bride.

6. Best Family Resort

This award recognizes the resorts with the best family room categories and features crafted specially to make it child friendly along with the best entertainment for families.

7. Best Boutique Resort

This award recognizes the best resorts with rooms between 10 to 80 with upscale accommodations and individualized unique features.

14. Most Sustainable Resort

This award recognizes resorts with unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.

15. Most Picturesque Resort

This award recognizes resorts that provides their guest an environment to take the most “Instagrammable” photos.

1st July - 31st Aug 2022

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