Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Five-star boutique resort in Lhaviyani atoll Fushifaru Maldives celebrates winning one of the two “Best Boutique Resort” accolades at this year’s Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards. This accolade recognizes the tourist property’s efforts to offer “outstanding hospitality and exceptional service” and their dedication to creating special experiences said Visit Maldives. This year becomes special for Fushifaru Maldives as their TTM Awards win is an addition into a longer chair of achievements for the property in 2023 including the “Traveller Review Award” from Booking.com, the “International Sustainable Award” at the Luxury Lifestyle Award 2023, and the “Best Hotel Sustainability Progress” Award…

Four Seasons Kuda Huraa held a grand send-off for 21 “adventurous” Maldivians who are all set to travel to Palau to advance their hospitality careers. The send-off ceremony held at an avant-garde venue in the luxury slip was graced by Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom. The minister spoke with the apprentices embarking on the year-long journey aboard Four Seasons Explorer; a 39-meter (128-foot) luxury catamaran. The Four Seasons Explorer features three decks, 10 staterooms, a PADI five-star dive center, restaurant, bar, lounge and a library. Speaking to the aspiring tourism industry professionals, Dr. Mausoom said “ambassadors come in all…

State Trading Organization (STO) introduces products of one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the world, AstraZeneca. AstraZeneca product line launch in the Maldives was officiated by the Minister of State for Health Ahmed Adil at a ceremony held in Kurumba Maldives. The event was attended by STO Managing Director Abdulla Saeed, the Business Manager of AstraZeneca Abhishek Kaushik along with prominent figures in the Maldivian pharmaceutical scene. Under an exclusive distributorship agreement with AstraZeneca, STO, the largest state-owned enterprise (SOE), also the largest and leading medical supplier in the Maldives will be providing the United Kingdom-based AstraZeneca’s products in…

State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) commences upgrading of Alifu Dhaalu atoll Dhangethi water network grid. The upgrade works was officiated by STELCO Managing Director Ahmed Shareef at a special ceremony held last Thursday, August 31 along with Dhangethi council’s deputy president Imran Ahmed. Speaking at the ceremony, Dhangethi council’s deputy president highlighted how the water network which was officially launched back in 2018 was never fully utilized. He also pointed out to the issue of water salination the island faced due to which guests have complained for years. Dhangethi is a local tourism heavy island with 18 guesthouses totaling 280…

Eyecare Private Limited hands over the new water and sanitation system developed in Alifu Dhaalu atoll Mandhoo. The system was developed under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of Eyecare, for which the company signed with Mandhoo island council on August 17, 2016. After Eyecare handed over the system to the council, the authority had assigned State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) in managing the system to deliver its services for the local community. The project falls under STELCO’s ongoing efforts to expand its business and services portfolio as well. The new water and sanitation system was officially inaugurated by STELCO…

Tree Top Family Clinic is now open on Fridays to cater to the patients. The hospital reported that the decision was made to allow patients to access care and services seven days a week. The range of services from the clinic include preventive care, check-ups, health risk assessments, vaccinations, work permit medicals, and counseling. The clinic offers patients the opportunity to learn how to identify early signs of illness and seek treatment easily. Consultations are available for patients of all ages. On Fridays, the clinic will be open from 15:00hrs to 22:00hrs.

Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has reported that the transactions conducted through the Maldives Instant Payment System ‘Favara’ amounted to over MVR 10 million in under two days. The central bank reported a total of 3,676 transactions conducted so far through the instant payment system, which amounts to a total of MVR 10.6 million. A total of three banks were onboarded with Favara before its launch which included Bank of Maldives (BML), Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB), and State Bank of India (SBI). The current maximum fund transfer limit for a single transaction through Favara is MVR 50,000, while the maximum amount…

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) conducted an exclusive familiarization trip for top bloggers from Kazakhstan from August 10 to 17. During their stay, the team of Kazakhstani bloggers immersed themselves in the unique experiences, products and renowned services of Maldives. The team consisted of five bloggers, who “collectively showcased the breathtaking charm of the Maldives.” During their visit, the participants indulged in a series of “unforgettable experiences in various resorts of Maldives”. They were hosted by Fiyavalhu Resort Maldives, Brennia Kottefaru and Dhigali Maldives. The tourism familiarization trip is part of MMPRC’s strategy for the CIS market, with…

Maldives tourist arrivals in annual terms reached 1,199,720 as of August 23, 2022 according to the Ministry of Tourism. The total tourist arrivals in year-to-date observed a 13.9% increment when compared with the same period in 2022, during which arrivals reached 1,053,122. In the same period in 2021, arrivals were still below 800,000 mark at 725,003. Top 10 Markets, 2023 (as of Aug 23) Russia: 141,852 India: 131,926 China: 116,191 UK: 99,027 Germany: 78,862 Italy: 78,251 USA: 47,896 France: 35,249 Spain: 23,406 Switzerland: 23,170 The daily arrival average in annual terms is 5,105 while the average duration of stay in…

Maldives Vice President Faisal Naseem highlighted the importance of establishing housing finance banks in the island nation. VP Naseem said this while speaking at the ceremony held to launch the Maldives Instant Payment System developed by Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), “Favara”. The system was developed by the central bank under the Maldives Payment System Development project. He noted that the financial sector requires expansion with the establishment of new banks that specifically facilitate housing loans and financial instruments easily for the customers in need of them. The VP also said the Maldives was in need of additional banks that specifically…