Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Maldives economy expects robust improvement, however its debt may surge further according to a recent World Bank report. World Bank in its South Asian Economic Focus made several observations of the island nation’s economy. According to the bank, driven by its robust tourism growth, the Maldivian economy is projected to grow in real terms by 12.4% and 8.2% in 2022 and 2023 respectively. The bank confirms this is supported by the greater capacity in the tourism sector due to completion of Velana International Airport (VIA), and new resort openings. Other indicators include the expected return of Chinese tourists, which had…

President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed concluded their official state visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain on Saturday, 08th October. The presidential couple visited the kingdom on the official invitation of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Upon arrival on 05th October, President and the First Lady inspected a guard of honor accorded to them by the Bahrain Defense Force. The following day, the presidential couple were received by Bahrain’s king H.M. Al Khalifa at Al-Qudaibiya Palace, where the two leaders engaged in bilateral discussions. Moreover, President Solih held discussions with Prince Salman bin Hamad…

Personal Computers launch a T1 distributorship for Swedish technological manufacturer, Logitech. The distributorship was launched at the Corporate Maldives Business Expo 2022. This marks the first time a Maldivian company achieved the T1 category distribution rights for an international brand. The brand is coveted for revolutionizing the industry space, holding its foot as one of the most innovative brands. With the T1 distributorship right, Personal Computers will render the same international warranty terms Logitech provides, here in the Maldives. Warranty replacement and services will be made available through Personal Computers’ nationwide reseller network – which is expected to kick-off in…

Villa Mart stores have extended businesses hours to 24-hour basis, confirms its parent group. According to Villa, all three of its Villa Marts have become 24-hour operational to enhance shopping experience of customers. With this, Villa aims to promote convenience for shoppers. The modern day super-marts provide retail shopping from a wide variety of products. The products range from food and cosmetics to household items. Earlier, Villa launched an application for online shopping experience. Customers can check for item availability via the application or Villa’s website. Villa operates two of its marts in Male’ City and one more at Hulhumale’.

While tourist arrivals in annual terms reached 1,214,544 by 05th October 2022, Indian arrivals exceeded 172,000. According to the most recent update from Ministry of tourism, source market details include; India – 172,911 Russia – 146,806 UK – 133,280 Germany – 97,145 Italy – 69,707 USA – 57,275 France – 36,147 Spain – 31,990 Saudi Arabia – 27,723 Switzerland – 24,452 From the total tourist arrivals to the Maldives, Indian arrivals covered 14.2% share. Moreover, Russia held 12.1% share of the total tourist arrivals, while UK held 11.0% of the share. Meanwhile, current operational capacity of resorts stood at 164,…

Ministry of Tourism confirms total tourist arrivals to Maldives as of 04th October, reached 1,213,103. This marks an annual 38% increment compared to the tourist arrivals in the corresponding period last year. Tourist arrivals on average stood at 4,379 tourists per day. India continues to remain as the strongest source market to the Maldives, with a 14.2% market share. Russia is ranked second with 12% share, and United Kingdom at third with 11%.

The new runway at Velana International Airport (VIA) has become officially operational, as of 05th October 2022. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Mr. Mahujoob Shujau, said with the new runway coming into effective operation, the airport venue will pick momentum. The tarmac was one of the major redevelopment components of VIA expansion plan. The plan was launched during former president Abdulla Yameen’s administration. While the runway opened in 2018, it did not become operational owing to old seaplane terminal blocking access. The old terminal has been fully dismantled, with new seaplane…

State Trading Organization (STO) announces a very special discount for teachers and educators. The special gift, has been extended commemorating Teachers’ Day, marked in October. According to the largest state-owned enterprise (SOE), teachers and educators will receive discounts on specific items they purchase through STO retail outlets. The discount is extended to all the teachers and educators working in the Maldives. Moreover, STO confirms this special gift will remain effective for just one day. Furthermore, it confirms the discount is extended to all teachers; inclusive of public and private sector schools. Recognizing the efforts of teachers, STO strongly believes educators…

Maldives win a total of 31 awards at the sixth edition of South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2022. The island nation achieved among several other distinct titles, the “Leading Honeymoon Destination – Visitor’s Choice Award”, along with 21 gold awards and 09 silver awards. The sixth edition of SATA was held at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfsuhi, on 30th September. A total of 106 awards were given out at the special gala eve, which included 44 gold awards and 48 silver awards in total. Additionally 6 Visitor’s Choice Awards were handed to winning properties. Hotel industry brands, properties and businesses from Bangladesh,…

The ultra-low cost carrier, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi kicks off its Maldives route. The carrier’s maiden flight made landing at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Tuesday late-afternoon. A group of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s top brass traveled in the flight, who were greeted by an ecstatic Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom. The minister was accompanied by the Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Mr. Mahujoob Shujau. The minister while welcoming the airline’s maiden flight, addressed on the potential boost on tourism to the Maldives the airline is pegged to generate. “With the extensive connections UAE provides, the…