Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Tourist arrivals to the Maldives have exceeded 510,000 as of 29th March 2023, according to the Ministry of Tourism. According to the ministry’s statistics, tourist arrivals as of the review date reached 513,795. This is a 21.0% increment compared to the 424,610 arrivals in annual terms by the same period in 2022. Meanwhile, tourist arrivals exclusively from 01st to 29th March stood at 163,381 which is a 13.6% increment compared to the 143,834 arrivals during the same period last year. While the average duration of stay in annual terms remains unchanged at 8.0 days, by the review duration it was…

The State Trading Organization (STO) announced it has begun accepting applications for the Board Directorship from interested parties. The opportunity is open for public shareholders to become involved in the company’s decision-making process. According to STO, candidates for the Board of Director position should meet certain requirements, including completing an application form and submitting the required documents. The largest-state owned enterprise further noted that applicants can submit their forms via email at [email protected] or through the platform on STO’s website. The application submission is open until 10:00hrs of 24th April. While STO is seeking a new director to its board,…

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has launched a digital marketing campaign with Thrillophilia targeting the Indian traveler market. The digital campaign will run from March to May 2023. The campaign will further promote the different products and experiences available in the Maldives. Additionally, the marketing efforts will highlight the Maldives as a short-haul destination for Indian visitors. The joint campaign with Thrillophilia will feature informative articles, video ads, guidebooks, and other content on the Maldives. The content will feature products, experiences, segments and the latest destination updates. In addition to this, the campaign will also feature social…

The Maldives and Japanese governments are set to hold their fourth round of Japan-Maldives Policy Dialogue on 4th April 2023, in Tokyo, Japan. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel will lead the Maldives delegation, and the Japanese delegation will be led by Arima Yutaka, the Director General of the Southeast and Southwest Asian Department at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The countries will discuss ways to further strengthen the existing bilateral ties, including development and economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and regional cooperation. Both countries will further discuss issues of mutual concern and interests in the regional…

Dhiraagu announces GudiFest (“Kite Fest”) on 01st April 2023, scheduled to be held at Male’ Usfasgandu. The event is held in collaboration with Male’ City Council, and will take place from 16:00hrs until 18:00hrs. Gudi is the local word for Kite, and kite sailing is a common activity enjoyed by adults and kids alike during Ramadan. Through Dhiraagu GudiFest, the company hopes to attract more children and get them engaged in an old cultural tradition. Kids of all ages are welcome to participate in the fest, and will receive free kits of their choice.

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has welcomed journalists from prominent Italian publications to experience “the world-class hospitality and luxury” in the Maldives. The team of journalists, who arrived in the Maldives on 26th March will stay until 2nd April 2023. During their time in the island nation, the team will “immerse themselves in the unique experiences, products, and Maldives’ renowned service standards.” MMPRC is hosting this familiarization trip in collaboration with Turkish Airlines. The team consists of five journalists and one PR representative from MMPRC’s Italian PR organization, Tourism Hub. The team had already stayed in Nika…

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Monday, signed a USD41 million finance package with the Bank of Maldives (BML). The international financial institution signed with the Maldives national bank to enhance support to local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and tourism ventures. ADB “arranged, structured, and syndicated” the financing package, which is comprised of a loan up to USD13 million from its ordinary capital resources, a parallel loan of up to USD13 million from Japan International Cooperation Agency, and another parallel loan of up to USD5 million from the Development Bank of Austria. The bank further stated that at least…

Nammos Hotel and Resorts, a new hospitality brand from ADMO, has confirmed its plans to open a new property in the Maldives by 2025. The brand is a joint venture between UAE’s Alpha Dhabi and private equity firm Monterock International. The hotel brand is known for its beach clubs and dining restaurants around the world. While the brand’s first hotel is set to open during this summer on Psarou beach in Mykonos, additional properties will follow soon at Abu Dhabi and the Maldives. Nammos promises a “world-class entertainment, signature gastronomy and unfaltering attention to detail” in its properties. Though Nammos…

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has unveiled the new ‘Holhuashi Maizaan’; a community-driven pocket park. HDC said that the pocket park is designed to “promote play, culture, and togetherness”. The venue will represent the Maldivian culture through wall murals along with community engagement, HDC added. The corporation further thanked the community at Hulhumale’ for their “invaluable support in making” the project a success.

The Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure has stated that the geo-piling boat, ‘Rumailah’, has been sent off since it was not needed for the Thilamale’ Bridge construction project at the moment. Speaking about this, the Project Manager of Thilamale’ Bridge, Mohamed Jinan, assured the vessel was sent off since there were no ongoing tasks for which it was required, and added that there were no other reasons behind the decision. The large, elevated, and platform-like vessel has been used to install geo-pile lines and other bridge structures between Male’ and Vilimale’. The vessel was brought to the Maldives…