Author: Mohamed Reehaan
Addu City observed a record high of imports from Sri Lankan Airlines. The Managing Director of Ace Aviation Mohamed Firaq said that the airline had flown in 4.4 tons of cargo on Saturday last week; making it the airline’s largest imported cargo amount. Ace Aviation acts as the official General Sales Agent (GSA) for Sri Lankan Airlines in the Maldives. “This is the 1st time we have crossed 4 tns (tons) cargo load to GAN on a narrow body” said Firaq. The airline operates weekly three flights between Addu City Gan and Colombo, Sri Lanka on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.…
Bank of Maldives (BML) has announced a special promotion to its American Express (AmEx) cardholders. The largest bank in the country has announced a cashback reward promotion for AmEx credit and debit card holders. Customers making local purchases using AmEx cards stand the chance of winning at a lucky draw. BML said it will select 10 customers on random who will receive full reimbursement of their purchases. The promotion will run until April’s end, said the bank.
JOALI Sustainability Fund announces grant scheme up to USD3,000 for multiple projects in 2023. The projects will be selected for funding if proponents demonstrate sustainability and if the project has the potential to create a lasting impact. Additionally, the projects must be carried out in Raa atoll where both JOALI properties are situated. “The joy of caring is embedded in the DNA of JOALI. Every aspect of our culture and strategy is woven around the idea of responsible luxury,” said Esin Güral Argat, the Founder of JOALI. “We are proud of the meaningful changes we have been able to create…
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives celebrated the Earth Hour in “yet another upside-down moment”. The playful lifestyle brand will serve the tables of BBQ Shak with a dine in the dark theme, offering gastronomical journey infused with the five elements of the Earth; water, air, fire, wood, and metal. The Standard also reported that this “culinary experience will definitely ignite the senses of its guests’ palates while enjoying the purposeful dining moments under the moon and stars and feet in the sand”. Guests were also invited to join the Earth Hour celebration at Kula Beach which included traditional Maldivian drum performance…
The Singapore-based property developer Pontiac Land has received the first-ever green loan in the Maldives. Pontiac Land converted a total of USD180 million loan used to developed the resorts Patina Maldives and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives on Fari Islands. The property converted the resort development loan into green loans after it achieved the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) Advanced Certifications. Pontiac Land developed the properties through loan acquired from Singapore’s DBS, HSBC, and UOB. This is also the first time Pontiac Land has received a green loan in the Maldives. Patina Maldives and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, developed in two…
The Maldives government expects an annual total of USD300 million in grants in 2023, claimed the Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer. While responding to questions at the Maldives Parliament, the minister affirmed his confidence that the government will be able to secure the grant total in 2023. The government is expecting twice more than the anticipated amount while in 2022 the state received USD156 million. The last time Maldives received an annual grant total around the same range was in 2019, which declined in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic and the aftermath of it coupled with the…
Tourist arrivals to the Maldives has reached closed to 500,000 in annual terms, reported the Ministry of Tourism. According to the ministry, arrivals to the Maldives has observed a 22.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Statistics indicate that the Maldives has welcomed a total of 483,624 tourists as of 23rd March 2023. By the corresponding period last year, the arrivals stood at 394,204 and 266,754 in 2021. Tourist arrivals to the Maldives from 01st to 23rd March stood at 133,210 which is a 17.4% increment from the same period in 2022 during which arrivals stood at 113,428.…
Amari Raaya Maldives has reported an official opening in early Summer 2023, “celebrating the art and beauty of the archipelago’s natural riches.” Located 45 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport (VIA), the Amari Raaya Maldives located in Raa atoll is an “accessible option” for guests and it is the second Maldives hotel opened by the ONYX Hospitality Group. Commenting about the property’s opening, the Owner and CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group Yuthachai Charanachitta said, “We are delighted to be nearing completion of Amari Raaya Maldives. This island will have so much to offer, the scale of the resort is…
The cumulative total of state expenditures reached MVR9,225.2 million (MVR9.2 billion) as of 16th March 2022, reported the Ministry of Finance. Meanwhile, the cumulative total of revenues inclusive of foreign grants were comparatively sluggish against expenses, and were recorded at MVR7,196.1 million (MVR7.2 billion) by the review date. The overall balance for the period is a deficit of MVR2,029.2 million (MVR2.03 billion). The tax revenues total in annual terms is at MVR5,774.5 million (MVR5.8 billion) by the review date compared to MVR4,389.1 million (MVR4.4 billion) during the same period in 2022. Meanwhile, non-tax revenues total as of 16th March stood…
Lily Hotels adds nine new exclusive villas called the ‘Signature Collections’ to their offerings. The nine exclusive villas come ranging from one to four bedroom suites, and promise “exclusivity and premium services.” Speaking about the hotel group’s growing performance, the Group Director, Sales and Marketing of Lily Hotels, Desislav Gospdinov said that while arrivals from the Asian markets are expected to increase in 2023, the group carefully curates its resorts to “offer an experience that resonates with the rich Indian culture”, which is a key business target for Lily Hotels.