Author: Mohamed Reehaan
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) along with 50 industry representatives from 33 companies showcased the Maldivian tourism industry’s diverse range of offering at the OTM Mumbai from February 8 to 10, 2024. The Indian travel trade event was held at the Jio World Convention Center, in Mumbai. The OTM Mumbai, a three-day B2B travel mart, serves as one of the largest international gatherings of travel trade buyers and professionals in India. The event also provides numerous opportunities for visitors and exhibitors to connect with the travel trade partners and investors from India and beyond. MMPRC aimed to…
Maldives Integrated Tourism Development Corporation (MITDC) has launched ‘Savadheeththa Dhathuru’ on February 10, 2024. The event invites yachtsmen from all over the world to participate in a “journey across the Maldives seas”. It is also regarded as the largest yacht rally in the Maldives as well. MITDC highlights the event as a tribute to one of the greatest kings to rule the Maldives, Sultan al-Gaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam, more popularly known as Bodu Thakurufaanu. The ‘Savadheeththa Dhathuru’ was organized to trace the journey taken by Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu to liberate the Maldives from its colonizers; the Portuguese. The event includes…
According to the latest travel updates from the Ministry of Tourism, the total tourist arrivals as of February 6, 2024 reached 236,730 which is a 13.7% increase. While China has cemented its position as the top source market to the Maldives with a little over 28,000 arrivals so far, Italy has replaced Russia as the second strongest source market to the Maldives. Top 10 Markets 2024 China: 28,304 Italy: 23,749 Russia: 23,399 UK: 19,897 India: 17,794 Germany: 14,558 France: 8,302 USA: 7,997 Poland: 6,629 Switzerland: 5,130 While UK has remained at the fourth spot, Germany has slipped from fifth to…
Beond, the world’s pioneer in premium leisure aviation airline, has officially announced the lease and acquisition of a new aircraft to address the growing demand for exclusive travel experience to the Maldives. According to the airline, on its website, Beond is currently in process of reconfiguring the Airbus A321 plane to accommodate 68 passengers in premium, all-lay flat seating. Earlier in November 2023, Beond successfully launched passenger services from Munich, Zurich, and Riyadh to Male, marking the commencement of operations from airline’s primary hub. The maiden flight of Beond, a reconfigured A319 with 44 all-lay flat seating, made landing at…
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is promoting the Maldives at the East Mediterranean International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (EMITT) 2024. The event is held at the Tuyap Fair and Congress Center in Istanbul, Turkey from February 6, 2024 to February 9, 2024. MMPRC is promoting the Maldivian tourism brand in association with 19 representatives from 12 companies. The East Mediterranean International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (EMITT) is considered one of the largest trade shows in the region, and acts as a significant platform on promoting the Maldivian tourism brand. Participation in this event is also aligned with…
The recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission visit to the Maldives has culminated with a warning issued on the country’s economic stability. During their stay from January 23, to February 6, 2024, the IMF mission discussed the Maldivian economic outlook and policy priorities in the context of the 2024 Article IV consultation; held earlier. As per Piyaporn Sodsriwiboon, who led the IMF mission to the Maldives, the country is at high risk of fiscal deficits and public debt levels without significant policy changes. She also emphasized the need for immediate policy adjustments to cull these challenges. While noting the Maldivian…
The Managing Director of State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) Hussain Fahmy has addressed the importance of a backup power facility to provide electricity for critical infrastructure of Greater Male’ region. Speaking in this regard, Fahmy said that the power station in Male’ City would become non-operational or either will be transformed into a backup power outlet while the main station would be developed in Thilafushi or any other viable location. He said that a larger power plant is needed to ensure a more streamlined service; by way of establishing a system to distribute the ‘imported’ power from said plant. Since…
Beijing Capital reportedly will commence flights from Hangzhou, China to the Maldives this February. According to the airline, it would operate three flights every week to the Maldives using their Airbus A330-200s. Hangzhou is the capital of the Zheijang province in eastern China, and is famous for its West Lake and cultural heritage. Beijing Capital is also the first airline from China to resume direct flights to the Maldives in 2023 after a three-year halt following the Covid-19 pandemic. More recently, the Ministry of Tourism announced China taking top spot in the tourist market rankings to the Maldives with over…
Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has revealed the government’s plans to adopt a reform policy to improve the state’s finances and bring debt and fiscal conditions to sustainable standards. President Muizzu made the remarks during his Presidential Address at the inaugural session of the People’s Majilis (Maldives Parliament) for 2024. In his address, President Muizzu announced the current administration was taking steps on reducing expenditure. The government has started replenishing the sovereign fund with US dollars amidst this plan, and are now exploring new avenues to retain foreign currency within the Maldives. The government further decided to limit the appointment…
The latest tourist arrival update posted by the Ministry of Tourism reflects a similar observation of the pre-Covid era as China takes helm as the top tourist market to the Maldives. The market, which resumed to the Maldives on January 1, 2023 failed to reach to the top two positions throughout last year; however, the resumption of Hong Kong direct arrivals to the Maldives earlier in 2024 has boosted the overall Chinese tourist arrivals to the Maldives. As such, the market has landed in the top spot with a total of 23,972 arrivals as of February 4, 2024; which is…