Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) confirms a total of 2,610 private jets landed in Velana International Airport (VIA) so far in 2022. As per MACL, this is a 53% increment when compared with the same period in 2019. Moreover, air traffic movement by November 2022 saw a 10% increment when compared with the corresponding period in 2019. Total air traffic movement was recorded at 24,000 in 2019 and 27,000 in 2022. Meanwhile, several major airlines commenced direct flight operations to Maldives, which contributed towards increment in air traffic movement. MACL also reported eight additional airlines began their operations ahead of…

Vakkaru Maldives celebrates a significant milestone in December, as it marks five years of facilitating “unforgettable private island experience” to travelers. The exclusive private island resort has provided exclusive holiday getaway experiences for more than 32,000 guests so far. The resort debuted on 17th December 2017, and maintained its position as one of the top resorts in the region. “Celebrating our 5th anniversary is a proud moment for all of us at Vakkaru Maldives. Over the past half-decade, the team has been striving to deliver our guests the best service and experience. I hope we have created exceptional memories for…

Maldives on Tuesday, 20th December 2022, welcomed the year’s 1.6 millionth tourist. With this arrival, the country has achieved its state-projected annual arrival total objective. The country’s 1.6 millionth visitor, Tejas Kothari flew into Maldives on Tuesday afternoon via IndiGo. Upon arrivals Tejas received a warm welcome at the Velana International Airport (VIA). Top level officials of Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Maldives Immigration and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) attended the welcome reception. Tejas arrived in Maldives with his spouse on honeymoon, confirms MMPRC. The 1.6 millionth arrival is from India, which is also…

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Monday, 12th December ratified the Waste Management Act (Law No: 24/2022). The bill was passed earlier by Maldives parliament at the 43rd sitting of the third session on Monday, November 28, 2022. The act governs implementation and enforcement of sustainable waste management practices and policies, drawn up to mitigate the adverse effects of waste. The law aims to protect public health, outline the standards and procedures for sustainable waste management. Moreover, the bill specifies administrative and punitive measures. The law specifies penalties for any form of damage to waste management systems, including mismanagement and…

Maldives tourist arrivals in annual terms have reached 1,566,083 as of 14th December 2022. Following the annual arrival count by the review date, tourist arrivals observed a 27.6% increment when compared with the same period in 2021. During the same period last year, arrivals had reached 1,227,737. Meanwhile, arrivals were 2.1% lower when compared with the same period in 2019. By the same period in 2019, arrivals were at 1,599,372. Top 10 Markets India: 224,640 Russia: 189,586 UK: 168,123 Germany: 126,866 Italy: 87,218 USA: 75,331 France: 44,165 Spain: 40,674 South Korea: 34,421 Switzerland: 32,653 Moreover, tourist arrivals exclusively for the…

Ministry of Economic Development is seeking interested parties to develop Giraavaru lagoon into a residential city by reclaiming the lagoon. The project includes the island of Giraavaru where a local tourist resort is operated by Thailand’s Centara Hotels and Resorts. The residential city project is aimed at reducing population density in Greater Male’ region; specifically in Male’ City. Ministry of Economic Development recently made the announcement confirming it was seeking contractors willing to develop the lagoon into a residential zone under a cross-subsidy approach. Interested contractors must be willing to invest a minimum of USD 5 million. Moreover, Maldives president…

FlyDubai has announced its flights from Dubai to Addu City Gan, at Gan International Airport will operate for a fare of USD450 on return tickets. The airline’s local travel agent, Ace Travels Maldives confirmed the latest offering. Meanwhile, FlyDubai has confirmed its flights between the route will commence on 04th February 2023. The airline will operate direct flights everyday of the week. Dubai’s budget carrier FlyDubai launched its direct flight operations to Maldives back in 2013.

Bank of Maldives (BML) has introduced authenticator applications to generate one-time-passwords (OTPs) for all internet and mobile banking transactions. Customers will be able to download authenticator applications such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator to generate unique OTPs to authorize transactions. Following app activation, the authenticators can be listed as OTP options on the internet or mobile banking applications for online transactions. BML has also confirmed that email will be removed from default OTP channel, effective from 20th December. However, customers wishing to keep email as an option can enable it after a verification process. Speaking about this change, the…

Bank of Maldives (BML) has donated educational tools to equip Special Education Need (SEN) classrooms in 10 local schools. The donation comes under BML’s CSR strategy to support persons with disabilities. The donation will reportedly aid more than 260 students to develop their individual abilities and positively impact learning and development in an educationally inclusive environment. BML made the donations to; Mulak School, M. Mulah Maradhoo School, S. Maradhoo Maavashu School, L. Maavah Veymandoo School, Th. Veymandoo GA. Education Center, GA. Vilingili Thaa Atoll Education Center, Th. Thimarafushi Hanimaadhoo School, HDh. Hanimaadhoo Haa Dhaalu Atoll School, HDh. Vaikaradhoo Noonu Atoll…

Dhiraagu introduces high-speed fiber internet services to V. atoll Felidhoo. The service introduction comes under Dhiraagu’s corporate objective of expanding its high-speed network across Maldives. Following this service launch to Felidhoo, Dhiraagu announced special offers for the island’s potential customers. Dhiraagu will be providing free connection services, along with fiber internet routers (ONT) free of charge during the promotional offer. The network is currently the largest high-speed broadband internet service in the Maldives. Dhiraagu provides the service to over 85% of the national household, with a network reach to 104 residential islands.