Author: Mohamed Reehaan

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…

State Trading Organization (STO) on Wednesday, 05th October, launched its latest promotion. STO confirms it has launched the World Cup centric “Heyvallaa Thayyaaru” promotion, which will run until 30th November 2022. The promotion will run at STO People’s Choice and other regional outlets. Under the promotion, for every purchase of Philips 50-inch TV (50PUT8115/98 model) customers will receive a free sound-speaker bar. All TV purchases come with free TV brackets, reports STO. Additionally, all items listed for the promotion are subject to discounts up to 15%. A special lucky draw will be held by the culmination of the promotion, with…

President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has awarded the special “President’s Tourism Gold Awards” to a total of 77 recipients. At the special ceremony held to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Maldives tourism industry on Monday evening, President Solih handed the awards. The event was held at the country’s first ever tourist resort; Kurumba Maldives. The special “President’s Tourism Gold Awards” is a recognition and acknowledgement of the industry’s most prolific contributors. Some of the major contributors who received the award include; Ahmed Naseem, current Minister of Health “MU” Mohmed Umar Manik “Champa” Hussain Afeef In addition to the most…

The Government of Maldives signed an agreement with Kazakhstan towards commencing aviation operations between the two countries. Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Ms. Aishath Nahula signed on behalf of the Maldivian government. Under the agreement, scheduled flight operations are expected to commence. The agreement further allows code-sharing among permitted airlines. Earlier on 9th May 2022, the two countries signed an agreement pertaining to on arrival visa. Under the agreement, Maldivians traveling to Kazakhstan will receive on arrival visas with a 30-day validity. The transcontinental nation is a high-profile education tourism hub. Several Maldivian students frequent the country for various…

President of the Republic of Maldives Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has commended on the growth and development of private sector businesses. Maldives head of state claims the lack of undue state influence was visible, as businesses have continued to progress and prosper collectively. President Solih made the comments on Monday evening at the special ceremony held to commemorate tourism golden jubilee. The event was held at Kurumba Maldives, which is the first ever tourist resort to open in the island nation. In his speech, president Solih identified the importance of creating synergy between the government and private sector businesses. According…