Author: Mohamed Reehaan
Total tourist arrivals for 2022 in annual terms has reached 1,607,314, reports Ministry of Tourism. Meanwhile, the total tourist arrivals from 01st to 21st December stood at a total of 116,071. Annual tourist arrivals observed a 26.9% increment when compared with the same period in 2021, during which arrivals had been at 1,266,735. Despite the significant annual increment when compared with last year, the arrivals were still 1.9% below in annual terms compared to the same period in 2019 during which the count reached a total of 1,638,798. As for the monthly exclusive total, arrivals observed a 6.4% increment when…
Ooredoo Maldives’ recently held “Color Run” upgrade, “Fun Run” was well received by participants. This is also the first such community run organized by Ooredoo Maldives since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. According to Ooredoo Maldives, more than 5,000 runners took to the streets at Hulhumale’ on Friday, 23 December. The five kilometer run saw several high-profile athletes from the Maldives joining enthusiastic runners as well. The run was kicked off with a selfie taken by Maldives Vice President Faisal Naseem alongside Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna. The two were joined in kicking off the run…
Bank of Maldives (BML) announces all of its branches will close on Thursday, 29 December ahead of the New Year holidays. The bank is closing its branches prior to the holidays to complete their annual accounts. According to BML, the branches will reopen again on 02 January 2023. Although all of the branches will remain closed from 29 December until 02 January, BML confirmed customers can continue to bank through self service ATMs, internet and mobile banking applications. In addition to this, BML will be available for customer support via 3330200.
The second round of political consultations between Maldives and Georgia concluded in Tbilisi on Friday, 23rd December. The political consultation provided a platform between the two countries to discuss bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual importance. The countries held the found round of political consultation in Maldives on 11th December 2019. During Friday’s session, both governments explored ways to expand bilateral relations further and enhance cooperation between a multitude of areas such as trade, tourism, health, education, environment and climate change. The discussions also focused on enhancing economic cooperation including increasing connectivity and boosting trade ties between Maldives and…
British Airways will reportedly be commencing regular scheduled flights to the Maldives in 2023. This marks the first time, the seasonal carrier to the Maldives will be launching regular direct flights operations. Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) stated that British Airways next year will commence the flights. UK’s flagship carrier is gearing to launch direct flights throughout the year to Maldives at a time when the country’s tourism market has become strong. So far in 2022, UK ranked third in terms of tourist arrivals, with a market share of 10.8% with over 170,000 arrivals.
Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has concluded his two-day official visit to three islands of southern Gaaf Alif atoll on Saturday, 24th December and returned to Male’ City. During his trip, President Solih visited Dhaandhoo, Nilandhoo and Maamendhoo. President Solih attended the ceremony held to mark the completion of the land reclamation project in GA. Dhaandhoo. The project saw the addition of 25 hectares of land to the island, completed by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The Maldives head of state also attended the official inauguration of new powerhouses developed on the islands of Nilandhoo and Maamendhoo. The new…
Local telecommunication, internet services and IPTV services provider Dhiraagu confirms it will be discontinuing both its DhiraaguTV and DhiraaguPlay services. Dhiraagu confirmed its rebroadcasting license will expire on 29 January 2023, after which its DhiraaguTV services will no longer be provided. Meanwhile, their application to renew the license was rejected by Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC) in accordance with the Rebroadcasting Regulations’ amendment, which introduced a provision prohibiting companies with foreign shareholders from providing rebroadcasting services in the Maldives. Dhiraagu has attempted on various occasions to resolve the matter and continue its DhiraaguTV and DhiraaguPlay services in a fair and sustainable…
Karl Stumke, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Maldives (BML) has also been appointed as the bank’s Managing Director. Maldives Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) on Wednesday confirmed the bank’s board of directors decided to appoint Stumke as the bank’s new MD. He was earlier appointed as the bank’s new CEO following Tim Sawyer’s exit from the role. Karl Stumke brings over 36 years of experience leading retail and corporate banks at executive and board levels in the Middle East, Africa, Indian Oceans and United Kingdom. He was previously CEO of Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait in…
Thailand’s Onyx Hospitality Group will be opening its second Maldivian property under its luxury Amari brand next year. According to travel updates, the group’s next property, Amari Raaya Maldives is expected to debut during the first quarter of 2023. The 200-villa private island resort is situated in Raa atoll, northwest of Male’ City. The property features seven dining concepts, a Maai Spa and a kids club. Moreover, the new property’s planned launch aligns with Onyx’s vision to operate 54 international properties by 2025. Currently the group operates 44 worldwide properties, with 10 already in development. Commenting on the group’s vision,…
Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has hosted the “Port Safety Forum” under its ongoing “Port Safety Week 2022”. The Port Safety Week kicked off on 19 December, while the safety forum was held on 21 December at the seminar hall of Social Center. The forum aimed to provide a platform to discuss health and safety objectives with MPL departments and industry stakeholders, understand current obstacles or hindrances and exchange ideas for resolution. MPL board members, department heads, representatives from Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), Maldives Police Service and Maldives Customs Service along with Port Health officials participated in the discussions. Speaking…