News
Chinese become world’s biggest travel spenders
The second annual Chinese International Travel Monitor reveals significant insights into the changing behaviours of Chinese travellers and how the global hotel industry is adapting.
Surveying more than 3,000 Chinese international travelers and more than 1,500 hoteliers around the world, the Hotels.com report found 75 per cent of hoteliers globally say Chinese travellers now account for up to five per cent of their business and 45 per cent say they have experienced an increase in Chinese guests over last year, with the greatest increases coming in APAC (61 per cent). Hoteliers see China as a positive growth market over the next three years with one in 10 expecting to see an increase of more than 50 per cent and almost half (47 per cent) anticipating an 11-50 per cent rise.
According to the Hotels.com report the majority of overseas Chinese travel (96 per cent) has been for leisure purposes, while just over half (52 per cent) have also visited other countries for business or education.
In a growing trend, nearly two thirds (62 per cent) of Chinese travellers say they prefer to travel independently and not as part of a group. This development has been confirmed by the hoteliers surveyed, who say 70 per cent of Chinese guests now travel independently, compared with a much more even split in 2012.
United Nations World Travel Organisation reflected that Chinese travellers spending US$102 billion on international travel in 2012, an increase of over 40% on 2011*
Johan Svanstrom, Managing Director of Hotels.com Asia Pacific, said, “The 2013 Chinese International Travel Monitor (CITM) shows the move to independent travel identified in the CITM last year is now preferred by the majority of Chinese travellers. While in-roads have been made in this area, governments will have to take this into account when organising their visa application infrastructure and processes.
In addition, the CITM highlights areas for continued improvement for accommodation providers. The ability to accept Chinese payment methods is seen as the single most important offering from hotels and over a quarter (26 per cent) of Chinese travellers feel this is a key area for improvement.
Three quarters (75 per cent) of Chinese travellers say hoteliers need to improve the provision of translated items, such as welcome literature, websites, TV programmes and newspapers, while almost half (42 per cent) say that they would like more Mandarin speaking staff in hotels.
Highlighting a disconnect between the desires of Chinese travellers and provisions made by hoteliers, a quarter (25 per cent) of hoteliers say they offer cultural awareness training to staff but only one in ten (11 per cent) offer welcome materials in Mandarin. Additionally, globally, just over half (56 per cent) of hotels have invested less than $10,000** in developing programmes and products specifically catering to Chinese guests over the past 12 months.
When it comes to researching and booking travel, personal recommendation plays an increasingly vital role, with almost a third (30 per cent) of Chinese travellers saying they rely on advice from family and friends, followed by online travel booking and review sites.
More than a quarter of Chinese travellers (27 per cent) use social media to help them make decisions on holiday destinations, with this figure rising to 33 per cent among younger travellers under 35.
“These insights highlight the need for hoteliers to adapt their marketing strategies, with a particular focus on online and social media channels, to attract Chinese travellers. While the CITM shows hoteliers are making positive steps towards catering to an increasingly mobile and savvy Chinese travel market, it also shows the need for the global hotel industry to adapt facilities and services to more extensively cater to the world’s largest market of travellers.
“In addition, programmes being implemented by many governments and tourism authorities to attract and facilitate for Chinese travellers are a positive step in the right direction, but the pace of growth in the volume of Chinese travellers appears to be outstripping the pace of change in the hotel industry,” Svanstrom concluded.
News
Sun Siyam Olhuveli marks end of 2025 with sustainability-led programmes
As the year draws to a close, Sun Siyam Olhuveli marked the transition into the New Year with a series of meaningful sustainability experiences that reflect the resort’s lifestyle philosophy, where effortless island living, community connection, and environmental care naturally coexist.
On 31st December 2025, guests and team members came together at Milano Beach on Dream Island for a Coral Planting Experience, transforming the final moments of the year into a shared act of sustainable marine practices. Guided by the resort’s marine biologist and Sun Diving experts, participants collectively placed coral fragments onto one large coral frame, which was then submerged and planted within the resort’s designated coral garden. The experience invited everyone to take part in a single, symbolic act of renewal, deepening their connection to the vibrant marine ecosystem that surrounds the island. Framed as “A New Reef for the New Year,” the initiative reflected unity, continuity, and a shared commitment to protecting the marine environment.

Earlier in the month, on 21st December 2025, the spirit of sustainability travelled beyond the resort to the local island of K. Guraidhoo, where Sun Siyam Olhuveli joined hands with the Guraidhoo Island Council and the local community for a purposeful tree planting initiative rooted in connection and care. Working side by side, participants planted 300 young trees across the island, turning the activity into a shared moment of unity and environmental responsibility. More than enhancing green spaces, the initiative strengthened community bonds and reflected the resort’s belief that sustainability flourishes when communities lead and actions are guided with heart.

Commenting on the initiatives, Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, said: “At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, sustainability is not a separate initiative—it is embedded in how we live, host, and connect. Closing the year by giving back to both the ocean we care, and our neighbouring community reflects our belief that meaningful hospitality should leave a positive footprint. These experiences bring people together with a shared purpose and create impact that lasts well beyond the festive season.”

Closing the year with purpose, Sun Siyam Olhuveli reaffirmed its long-term commitment to responsible hospitality by inviting guests to engage in experiences that go beyond leisure and contribute to lasting positive change. These initiatives form part of Sun Siyam Cares, the group-wide sustainability and social responsibility platform dedicated to environmental conservation, community empowerment, and conscious tourism across all Sun Siyam Resorts.
Through Sun Siyam Cares, Sun Siyam Olhuveli continues to translate intention into action by nurturing new reefs beneath the surrounding waters, planting roots on land, and shaping a more sustainable future for the destinations it calls home.
News
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef brings ‘Ocean Odyssey’ to life this festive season
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, celebrates a captivating festive season themed “Ocean Odyssey” this festive season. From December 21st, 2025 – 5th January 2026 the festive calendar blends sparkling beachfront moments with curated LED dancers and fire show for entertainment, with fun activities and exclusive raffle giveaways that capture the magic of the season in the heart of Dhaalu Atoll.
Festivities commenced on 21st December with an elegant Tree-Lighting Ceremony and a joyful cocktail gathering. On Christmas Eve, the celebrations continue with our Christmas Eve Gala Dinner. Christmas Day marks a highlight for our younger guests as we welcome the grand arrival of Santa Claus on our shores for a warm and festive meet-and-greet. The cultural journey continues 26th December with “Eveylaa Zamaan” Maldivian Showcase, authentic Grand Maldivian Cuisine and “Boduberu” show, followed by a relaxed evening of water sports and fun with Beach Vibes on 29th December. The season reaches its crescendo on 31st December with the New Year Odyssey Gala Dinner, an evening of exquisite dining accompanied by live music and world-class entertainment.
A curated selection of spa treatments and a variety of complimentary activities offer the perfect parity to our evenings of celebration. This season, spa presents an opportunity for indulgence through our Festive Spa Raffle. Every treatment booked includes a complimentary spa voucher and automatic entry into the Grand New Year’s Eve raffle giveaway on 31st December.
Throughout the holidays, the resort is infused with an enchanting ambience. Guests are invited to venture out on unforgettable excursions to explore an underwater world teeming with marine life, or paddle leisurely on complimentary ocean kayaks, beautifully complementing the “Ocean Odyssey” theme.
The resort’s distinctive restaurants and bars will host a series of themed nights, each showcasing fresh, vibrant flavours and thoughtful pairings. Whether gathering for a sparkling cocktail at sunset or an intimate dinner under the stars, guests will discover a season of connection and well-being, wrapped in the tropical warmth of Maldivian nights.
From the first light of dawn until the stars emerge, experience a holiday meticulously centred on connection. To ensure a seamless start to the New Year, guests can indulge in exclusive wellness packages and bespoke excursions. To guarantee availability for our most exquisite experiences, guests can pre-book their chosen rituals and adventures in advance.
News
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives wraps Christmas celebrations, prepares NY 2026 line-up
The festive season has unfolded across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ Maldives properties with a series of Christmas celebrations that brought together guests, island communities and resort teams, setting the tone for a vibrant transition into the New Year. Across all four resorts, the season has been marked by shared moments, seasonal traditions and relaxed island celebrations, with attention now turning to New Year’s Eve experiences planned to welcome 2026.
Christmas at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives and Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives was celebrated with a consistent yet thoughtfully curated programme across the islands. Festivities included traditional carol singing, festive dinners, Santa’s arrival, beach barbecues and a range of children’s activities, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere for families, couples and groups spending the holidays in the Maldives.
The celebrations reflected the resorts’ approach to festive programming, blending familiar seasonal traditions with the natural rhythm of island life. Guests were invited to experience Christmas in an unhurried setting, with beachfront gatherings, open-air dining and activities designed to encourage togetherness while embracing the surrounding ocean landscapes.
As the festive period continues, the focus now shifts to upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations, which will be marked across all four resorts with gala dinners, beach parties, live DJs and bands, fireworks displays and countdown celebrations by the shore. Each resort will ring in the New Year against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, offering guests a celebratory yet relaxed setting to mark the transition into the year ahead.
The New Year’s Eve programmes are designed to complement the Christmas festivities, extending the seasonal experience while allowing each resort to reflect its own character from lively beachfront gatherings to more laid-back island celebrations, all centred around open-air venues and shared moments under the night sky.
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