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Experts and political leaders call for placing tourism as key in sustainable development of Islands

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Destination Island - MMPRC

Maldives.net.mv – Over 150 participants from 30 countries gathered in St Denis, La Reunion, at the UNWTO/Government of FranceConference on Sustainable Development of Tourism in Islands, and called for tourism to be placed as a key element in the debate on sustainable development in Islands (Réunion Island, France, 11-13 September 2013).

In recognition of the importance of tourism to the economy and sustainable development of many Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other islands, and the specific opportunities and challenges for islands in pursuing sustainable tourism, the Conference called on UN bodies and other international agencies, the governments of SIDS, the national and local authorities of other islands and  the tourism industry , to place tourism as a priority in the development agenda of islands.

The UNWTO/Government of France Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development highlighted the following key issues:

  • Tourism as a key driver of sustainable development in islands – for many islands, tourism is the single most important economic activity, with clear opportunities for future growth. Therefore tourism must feature strongly on the sustainable development agenda of islands and be given high priority in programmes to support SIDS and other island territories.
  • Natural and cultural heritage as primary assets for island tourism – tourism is well placed to generate awareness and support for the unique biodiversity and rich cultural heritage of islands, on which it depends. Tourism development must be carefully planned and managed so that it has a positive impact on island resources, environments and communities and responds to the challenges of climate change.
  • Partnerships as a basis for achieving more together – groups of islands can be more effective if they work together on the promotion of sustainable tourism.  The Vanilla Islands initiative linking seven Indian Ocean island territories – Comoros, La Reunion, Madagascar, Maldives, Mayotte, Mauritius and Seychelles – is welcomed as an example of the partnership approach.
  • Connectivity of islands as a prerequisite for success in tourism – Island destinations are dependent on air transport to provide effective access to source markets. Tourism and transport policies must be coordinated to pursue optimal growth in connectivity and secure economic benefits for island communities.

The detailed 14 point recommendations drawn from the Conference shall be transmitted by UNWTO to the United Nations Secretariat as the contribution of the tourism sector to the debate on the sustainable development of islands, in view of the Third International Conference on SIDS to be held in Samoa in September 2014.

Entertainment

The Presets to ignite nights in exclusive Kandooma Maldives showcase in April 2026

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Imagine your favourite music festival—but swap muddy fields for white sands, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. In April 2026, acclaimed electronic duo The Presets will trade stadiums and festival crowds for an exclusive beachfront series of shows at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, offering fans an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime island escape curated by Music in Paradise.

From Coachella to Splendour in the Grass, The Presets—Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes—have made their mark on the global stage. But this time, they’re doing things differently. From 11–18 April 2026, fans will experience a week of sun-drenched luxury capped off by three electrifying live performances, including a sunset DJ set on the beach and an exclusive rooftop party at the resort’s Sunset Bar.

“We’re beyond excited to host The Presets at Kandooma,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Their energy, talent, and incredible live shows are a perfect match for our vibrant island setting. Guests can expect something truly unforgettable.”

With a career spanning two decades, The Presets are electronic music royalty in Australia. Their breakout 2008 album Apocalypso went triple platinum and produced the festival anthem “My People.” With multiple ARIA Awards, APRA Songwriter of the Year titles, and collaborations like the RAKA EP with Golden Features under their belt, the duo continues to shape the sound of electronic music worldwide.

Their 2018 album HI VIZ soared to the top of iTunes within hours of release and included hits like “Do What You Want” and “Martini,” both nominated for major Australian music prizes.

Fans can now secure the Early Bird Gold Experience Package for A$3,790 per person (twin share) for seven nights in a Beach Villa—saving over $1,000. This VIP experience includes:

  • Entry to 3 Nightly Exclusive Events
  • 3 Intimate Performances
  • Meet & Greet with artists
  • Professional Photo with artists
  • Music in Paradise Welcome Bag
  • Music in Paradise Event Poster
  • Event commemorative t-shirt
  • Return shared Speedboat airport transfers
  • Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival
  • Delicious buffet breakfast daily at Kandooma Café
  • Tea, coffee & bottled water in-villa, and replenished daily
  • Complimentary snorkel trip & use of snorkelling gear
  • Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee

Additional packages offering different villa types are also available exclusively from Music in Paradise here. All packages exclude airfares.

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News

Embudu Village achieves Travelife Gold certification for sustainability

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Embudu Village, one of Maldives’ most cherished island resorts, has been awarded the Travelife Gold Certification, a globally recognised mark of excellence in sustainable tourism. The certification encompasses a resort’s environmental footprint, impact in the community, as well as labour standards, and the protection of biodiversity.

Embudu Village previously held the Travelife Silver Certification. Following a recent evaluation, though, the resort successfully met Travelife’s comprehensive criteria for Gold Certification. This accomplishment reflects Embudu’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

Travelife, a leading international sustainability certification body for hotels and resorts, evaluates properties against a strict checklist. Certification is awarded after an in-depth, on-site audit conducted by an independent auditor. The findings undergo a comprehensive quality assurance review before Travelife confers certification status.

Expressing his gratitude in receiving the certification, Ramsay Perera, General Manager of Kaimoo Resorts, said: “Our team is thrilled to be recognised with the Travelife Gold Certification. This reflects our longstanding commitment to sustainable tourism and protecting the natural beauty of Maldives.”

As one of the Maldives’ pioneering resorts, Embudu continues to lead by example, proving that authentic island hospitality can go hand in hand with sustainable practices. With the Travelife Gold Certification, Embudu Village strengthens its promise to offer guests a meaningful holiday experience in the heart of the Maldives.

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Awards

Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa recognised in Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards

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Building on Amilla Maldives’ recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, Javvu Spa is celebrating its own honour in this prestigious global listing.

Nestled within the island’s lush jungle and bordered by the Indian Ocean, Javvu Spa offers a peaceful retreat where modern wellness gently blends with nature’s rhythms. This recognition is a heartfelt acknowledgement of the spa team’s dedication and Amilla’s ongoing focus on personalised, intuitive care for the wellbeing of its guests.

This honour follows Amilla Maldives’ own recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, positioning the resort as one of a select group of destinations worldwide to be acknowledged for both its resort and spa. The dual recognition reflects a thoughtful commitment to excellence across the guest experience, from island living to holistic wellness.

Javvu Spa’s inclusion in the 2025 Star Awards further strengthens its role as a leading wellness destination in the Maldives, offering guests a serene sanctuary to restore, reconnect and renew.

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