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.
Entertainment
Craig David shares emotional Maldives moment after ‘Rise & Fall’ surprise at resort dinner
British singer and songwriter Craig David has shared an emotional reflection from his recent visit to the Maldives after being surprised at dinner by Maldivian performers Huyam Mohamed (Huya) and her musical partner, who performed a cover of his hit Rise & Fall at a resort.
Posting on Instagram, the 43-year-old artist wrote: “This touched my heart differently🥹❤️ At dinner @huya_shan a beautiful local Maldivian duo surprised me with a cover of Rise & Fall🎶 Little did I know a core memory was being made✨Thank you both for this kind & thoughtful gift.”
The moment—shared with David’s global audience—spotlighted a side of the Maldives experience that goes beyond scenery: intimate, guest-facing cultural encounters where local talent becomes part of the evening’s story. The singer’s emphasis on being “touched” and describing the performance as a “core memory” drew strong engagement from fans, many of whom responded to the warmth of the exchange and the setting in the Maldives.
Rise & Fall, released in 2003, is one of David’s best-known songs and features Sting, built around a sample from Shape of My Heart. The choice of song—and the surprise delivery—appeared to resonate personally with the artist, who has often spoken about music’s power to connect people across places and backgrounds.
Craig David rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, breaking through with Fill Me In and the multi-platinum debut album Born to Do It, before building a catalogue spanning UK garage, R&B and pop. His Maldives post adds to a growing pattern of high-profile artists and public figures sharing on-island moments with local performers—an increasingly visible intersection between luxury hospitality and Maldivian creative talent.
Huya, known for her work as part of the duo Huya & Shan and for resort performances, has been featured previously for her role in the Maldives’ tourism entertainment scene. In this instance, the duet created what David described as a lasting memory—one that also amplified Maldivian musicianship to a global audience in a single post.
This February, Oaga Art Resort unveils Lunar Beats Festival, a week-long celebration of rhythm, light, movement, and fire. Taking place from 13 to 20 February 2026, the festival weaves together three powerful moments in Oaga’s cultural calendar: The Concert (Maahefun Edition), Valentine’s Day, and Lunar New Year, into a single, sensory rich story of connection, renewal, and collective energy.
Rooted in Oaga’s artistic soul, Lunar Beats Festival reflects the island’s natural rhythm: a space where people, music, movement, and emotion converge.
The Concert: Maahefun Edition
At the heart of Lunar Beats Festival lies The Concert: Maahefun Edition, a three-day ticketed concert inspired by Maahefun – the traditional Maldivian feast shared with family, friends, and community before the month of Ramadan.
The three days of the festival spotlight a dynamic lineup of local artists including Nish, Faya, Sentu, Soul Salad, Digital Flock, Farey, DJ RA.EE, alongside Oaga’s in-house acts Naffah and Nuff. Together, they create an atmosphere driven by sound, movement, and shared celebration.
Evening-pass tickets are available on Oaga’s website in two options: Blaze Tickets, with transfers, three drinks, entertainment access, and 30% off additional beverages; or Inferno Tickets, which add dinner at Kaa Kada and six drinks to transfers and entertainment. In-house guests enjoy complimentary access as part of their evening entertainment program.
Valentine’s Day: “All You Need Is Love”
On 14 February, the festival shifts into a celebration of love in all its forms under the theme “All You Need Is Love.” Focused on self-love, resilience, and meaningful connections, Valentine’s Day at Oaga unfolds across themed experiences island wide.
Highlights include a Sunset Group Bachata session hosted by Amney from Moo Gé, special Valentine’s features across dining outlets, and a Valentine’s Day Special Dinner (chargeable) at Samaasaa Beach. The evening continues with live performances by Nuff and Soul Salad, before flowing into a DJ-led pool party with Digital Flock, carrying the energy late into the night.
Lunar New Year: The Year of the Fire Horse
From 16 February, Oaga transforms once more to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, ushering in a four-day renaissance inspired by courage, momentum, and rebirth.
The celebrations blend tradition and contemporary expression, from a Chinese New Year Special Dinner Night at Kaa Kada Beach (inclusive) to a Chinese Movie Night accompanied by traditional appetisers. Live performances by Project Groove, Harunulaa Boduberu Group, and Naffah lead into a high-energy Fire Beach Party with DJ Afruh, where rhythm and flame come together under the night sky.
A Festival of Renewal and Momentum
From the pulsating beats of The Concert to the intimate reflections of Valentine’s Day, and finally to the fiery resurgence of the Lunar New Year, Lunar Beats Festival is a journey through renewal, strength, and forward momentum.
Inclusive, culturally resonant, and unmistakably Oaga, the festival creates a contemporary space where tradition and modern artistry meet; inviting guests to rise, reconnect, and move forward together.
Nestled in North Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Oaga Art Resort features 60 vibrant beach and overwater villas, unique cart-style dining experiences, and a spa inspired by traditional Maldivian healing practices. With creativity and culture at its heart, Oaga is more than a resort it is a living canvas.
Oaga Art Resort stands as a creative hub, offering sensory-rich experiences thoughtfully curated by both local and visiting Maldivian artists and craftspeople. Guests seeking complete indulgence can enjoy the Greatest All Inclusive Plan, with moments designed to inspire from free-flow art sessions and dance experiences to floating meals, island excursions, and watersports.
Discover your next inspiration at www.oagaresorts.com and book your stay; an unforgettable artistic journey awaits!
Kuramathi Maldives has once again cemented its status as one of the Maldives’ leading holiday destinations by earning the coveted HolidayCheck Gold Award 2026. This prestigious accolade recognises the resort’s enduring popularity and consistent excellence in hospitality, marking it as a top choice for travellers across the globe.
The HolidayCheck Gold Award is an exclusive honour reserved for hotels that have demonstrated remarkable consistency in guest satisfaction. To qualify for this distinction, a property must have received a HolidayCheck Award at least five times since 2019. This rigorous criterion ensures that only establishments delivering sustained high-quality experiences over several years are recognised.
Reflecting on this milestone award, General Manager Bertrand Margerie expressed immense pride: “We are thrilled to be recognised with the HolidayCheck Gold Award 2026. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team, who strive every day to provide exceptional service. Knowing that this award comes directly from the positive feedback of our guests makes it even more meaningful, and we look forward to continuing to deliver world-class Maldivian hospitality.”
Located in the North Ari Atoll, Kuramathi stretches across 1.8 kilometres of lush, tropical beauty. This idyllic sanctuary, with its vibrant coral house reef that gently unfurls into a shimmering sandbank, is a perfect symbol of natural beauty. From its pristine beaches and lush vegetation to its diverse dining options and heartfelt service, Kuramathi continues to set the benchmark for Maldivian hospitality. The Gold Award serves as a testament to the thousands of positive reviews and recommendations shared by satisfied guests who have experienced the magic of the island firsthand.
Travellers seeking an award-winning escape are invited to discover why Kuramathi remains a perennial favourite. Whether looking for a romantic retreat, a family adventure, or a diving getaway, the resort offers an exceptional environment that consistently exceeds expectations.
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