Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Arrivals from China exceeds 40,000 as of February 14, 2024 reports the Ministry of Finance. According to the statistics posted by the ministry, tourist arrivals from China reached 40,892 as of January 13, which is exactly 11,919 ahead of the second strongest market; Russia. Italy is the third strongest source market while UK has maintained fourth spot. India is in fifth place, with each of these markets above 20,000 arrivals so far in 2024. Top 10 Markets 2024 China: 40,892 Russia: 28,973 Italy: 27,552 UK: 26,120 India: 20,903 Germany: 17,943 France: 10,542 USA: 9,651 Poland: 7,875 Switzerland: 6,752 The total…

Bank of Maldives (BML) on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 has announced the launch of instant approval for personal loan and financing facilities. The first-of-its-kind service was launched by the bank allowing eligible customers to view and apply for loans and financing through their internet and mobile banking platforms. Upon submission the forms will be approved instantly and disbursed in just four hours; provided the documents of applicants sufficiently prove their eligibility. “Improving customer satisfaction through digitalization is an important part of our strategy, and we are continuously working hard to bring positive changes to our processes and implementing systems that…

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 welcomed the first direct flight from Fujian Province, China to the Maldives. A special ceremony was held at the Velana International Airport (VIA) to commemorate the arrival of China’s Xiamen Airlines, flight MF8017. The guests who visited from the maiden Xiamen flight was greeted with a vibrant and traditional boduberu performance and were presented with a special gift pack. The event was attended by dignitaries including the Ambassador of China to the Maldives Wang Lixin, representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Customs Service, Maldives Airports Company Limited…

The Forbes Travel Guide has presented The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort with an elite Five-Star designation for the fifth year in a row. The property represents the first-ever St. Regis resort on a private natural island offering “rare encounter with preciously guarded marine life in an eco-conscious setting”. “It is an honor to uphold the prestigious Forbes Five-Star award for a fifth consecutive year,” said Vincent Pauchon, the General Manager of the property. “This celebrated rating not only honors the consistent delivery of unparalleled service by our passionate Hosts, but also recognizes our ability to continue exceeding the expectations…

Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has attended the Invest Maldives 2024 Dubai, held at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. The forum is aimed at bringing investors and business leaders from around the globe together. It also serves as a unique platform to showcase the unique investment opportunities in the Maldives. The Invest Maldives 2024 Dubai was organized by Invest Maldives and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. The forum featured a video presentation to showcase the strategic investment areas and a keynote address by the President. President Dr. Muizzu is currently in the UAE…

The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) on Sunday, February 10, 2024, announced the launch of its “Roadha Promo 2024”. The promotion was officiated by MTCC Chief Executive Officer Abdulla Ziyad at the Maldives Marine Expo 2024, which ends on Monday. According to MTCC, the promoted launched Sunday will run until April 9, 2024. Customers visiting MTCC outlets can expect special discounts on numerous marine products, MTCC said. For every purchase of over MVR 5,000, customers will receive the change to participate in a lucky draw and stand a chance to win an Umra trip for two.

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) along with 50 industry representatives from 33 companies showcased the Maldivian tourism industry’s diverse range of offering at the OTM Mumbai from February 8 to 10, 2024. The Indian travel trade event was held at the Jio World Convention Center, in Mumbai. The OTM Mumbai, a three-day B2B travel mart, serves as one of the largest international gatherings of travel trade buyers and professionals in India. The event also provides numerous opportunities for visitors and exhibitors to connect with the travel trade partners and investors from India and beyond. MMPRC aimed to…

Maldives Integrated Tourism Development Corporation (MITDC) has launched ‘Savadheeththa Dhathuru’ on February 10, 2024. The event invites yachtsmen from all over the world to participate in a “journey across the Maldives seas”. It is also regarded as the largest yacht rally in the Maldives as well. MITDC highlights the event as a tribute to one of the greatest kings to rule the Maldives, Sultan al-Gaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam, more popularly known as Bodu Thakurufaanu. The ‘Savadheeththa Dhathuru’ was organized to trace the journey taken by Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu to liberate the Maldives from its colonizers; the Portuguese. The event includes…

According to the latest travel updates from the Ministry of Tourism, the total tourist arrivals as of February 6, 2024 reached 236,730 which is a 13.7% increase. While China has cemented its position as the top source market to the Maldives with a little over 28,000 arrivals so far, Italy has replaced Russia as the second strongest source market to the Maldives. Top 10 Markets 2024 China: 28,304 Italy: 23,749 Russia: 23,399 UK: 19,897 India: 17,794 Germany: 14,558 France: 8,302 USA: 7,997 Poland: 6,629 Switzerland: 5,130 While UK has remained at the fourth spot, Germany has slipped from fifth to…

Beond, the world’s pioneer in premium leisure aviation airline, has officially announced the lease and acquisition of a new aircraft to address the growing demand for exclusive travel experience to the Maldives. According to the airline, on its website, Beond is currently in process of reconfiguring the Airbus A321 plane to accommodate 68 passengers in premium, all-lay flat seating. Earlier in November 2023, Beond successfully launched passenger services from Munich, Zurich, and Riyadh to Male, marking the commencement of operations from airline’s primary hub. The maiden flight of Beond, a reconfigured A319 with 44 all-lay flat seating, made landing at…