Author: Mohamed Reehaan
Tourist arrivals to the Maldives have exceeded 420,000 by mid-March, reported the Ministry of Tourism. According to the ministry’s most recent statistics, the Maldives has welcomed a total of 428,817 tourists as of 13th March 2023, which is a 24.0% increment in annual terms compared to the same period last year. In 2022, tourist arrivals stood at 345,742 by the corresponding period. Meanwhile, tourist arrivals from 01st to 13th March stood at 78,404 which is a 20.7% increment compared to the same duration in 2022, during which arrivals stood at 64,966. Top 10 Markets (as of 13th March) Russia: 53,297…
The Ministry of Tourism has once again urged all registered accommodation facilities to strengthen the safety protocols for all water-based activities. The ministry first gave the reminder on 17th April 2022 and has reminded once again in light of the recent increase in incidents related to water-based activities. The ministry has advised all tourist facilities to be vigilant and take precautionary measures, especially in relation to swimming, snorkeling, diving, and other water-based activities. Moreover, the minister has advised tourist facilities to conduct general safety briefings during guest check-ins. Tourist facilities are also advised to provide a detailed safety briefing before…
Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) is considering to charge an extra for waste collected from the doorstep of residences. The company’s Managing Director Yoosuf Siraj said that WAMCO will begin collecting waste outside of the apartments from April onwards. The decision follows the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology’s move to include waste collection fees in electricity bills. The ministry decided to include the charge in electricity bills since several households do not pay waste collection charges regularly. According to the ministry, out of the 53,000 registered residences, only 20,000 paid the fee regularly. “We have not yet decided the…
The test flight of Maldives’ national carrier; Maldivian landed sometime on Monday late afternoon at Faresmaathoda Airport, according to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The Minister of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam accompanied by an entourage of senior officials traveled on board the test flight. The General Manager of MTCC Ramzy Aboobakuru received the minister and his delegation at the airport. Earlier, Maldivian announced that the test flight will land at the airport around 17:00hrs on Monday late afternoon. The airport is scheduled for the official opening on Wednesday, 15th March while the first commercial flight is…
The Bank of Maldives (BML) enabled email alerts for all failed login attempts on the Internet or Mobile Banking. The login notification feature was added as a further step to protect customers, while an additional email alert will be sent if the Internet or Mobile Banking is disabled following three consecutive failed login attempts. BML said the notifications have been enabled to ensure customers are made aware of any attempts to log in to their Internet and Mobile Banking and will be sent to registered email addresses. Customers are advised to change passwords immediately if they notice any unusual login…
The Maldives government has fixed permitted hours for logistical services during Ramadan this year. The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has prohibited commercial logistical services between 16:30hrs and 20:00hrs every evening during Ramadan. The ministry further said that any party found operating during the restricted hours will be fined MVR750. The ministry permitted logistical services between 09:00hrs and 16:30hrs and again from 20:00hrs until 06:00hrs the next day. Transportation of goods across the bridge is permitted between 09:00hrs and 16:00hrs and again from 01:00hrs until 06:00hrs. Moreover, the supply of cooking gas and water is allowed from 20:00hrs until…
AA. Thoddoo, an agriculture-centric island, will produce over 200 tons of watermelons for this year’s Ramadan, said the island’s council. The island is locally famous for its watermelons. Meanwhile, the president of Thodoo island council Ahmed Karam said that there are 112 farms on the island growing a large variety of produce, while the majority of them are harvesting watermelons. The island will reportedly produce between 5,000 to 8,000 kilograms of melons every day, Karam said. “About 2 million square feet are being utilized to grow watermelons. We’ll be making MVR 9 to 10 million, depending on the quantity we…
The Maldives government on Sunday contracted the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) for new developmental projects on four islands. According to the Ministry of National Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure, MTCC was awarded the harbor expansion projects in HDh. Kulhudhuffushi and N. Kendhikulhudhoo and the shore protection projects in K. Himmafushi and AA. Mathiveri. The project awarding ceremony was held at the ministry. The ministry’s Director General Fathimath Shaana Farooq signed on behalf of the state and the CEO of MTCC Adam Azim signed on behalf of the contractor. Kulhudhuffushi expansion project involves the extension of the existing seven jetties…
Ahead of the upcoming World Sleep Day on 18th March, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has launched a 7-day recharge program with daily activations spread throughout the week. The program is aimed at improving the quality of sleep of the guests. Among these activities include one complimentary workout session per day, a sauna and steam room experience with aromatic essences, sports activities, and a wide variety of suggested spa treatments. In addition to the activities during the week, on the World Sleep Day, the resort will host their annual Pajama Party for guests with entertainment, surprises, and recommendations for a…
The Maldives government has formulated the policy of using credit cards in state offices and agencies. The policy has been put on the state gazette on Sunday and has come into effect already. The policy was formulated to enhance the state bodies to make online payments via credit cards, especially in circumstances where it is the only available payment option. The policy provides guidelines for state offices when making online transactions via credit cards for budgeted expenditures or any expense permitted according to the Public Finance Regulation. Government offices or state bodies required to make credit cards must request for…