News
China’s online travel bookings to double by 2015
Maldives.net.mv – China’s travel market is powering through the headwinds of a slowing economy, driven by enormous travel demand among the country’s expanding middle class.
Freshly crowned as the largest travel market in Asia Pacific, China will sustain double-digit travel bookings growth through 2015, according to a new report from travel industry research authority PhoCusWright. Travelers continue to shift online at a blistering pace, with online leisure/unmanaged business travel gross bookings growing three times faster than the overall travel market.
“Despite ongoing economic challenges, the middle class is hungry for independent leisure trips and their options for online searching, shopping and buying are expanding,” said Maggie Rauch, PhoCusWright research analyst. “With online travel penetration still trailing well behind Japan and Australia/New Zealand at 15%, there remains enormous potential for online growth, and competition among travel suppliers and intermediaries is hotter than ever.”
Online travel gross bookings will more than double between 2012 and 2015 to exceed US$30 billion, according to PhoCusWright’s China Online Travel Overview Sixth Edition. Online travel agencies, led by homegrown players Ctrip and eLong, will continue to post substantial gains, even as they lose online share to hotel and airline websites. And looming on the periphery are the new breeds of online intermediaries: an increasingly transactional crop of metasearch sites and online shopping malls that have upped their emphasis on the travel vertical.
Gain insight into the latest developments in China’s rapidly growing online travel market. China Online Travel Overview Sixth Edition presents market sizing and projections for the total and online leisure and unmanaged business travel markets in China from 2011-2015. The report also outlines the key trends that will shape China’s travel market in the years to come.
Report highlights include:
- Total market and online leisure/unmanaged business travel bookings for 2011-2015
- Bookings by major travel product segment – air, hotel, rail and car rental – including discussion of key players and segment dynamics
- Detailed online travel market analysis, including online penetration, share by segment, and unique characteristics
- Comparison of online travel agencies (OTAs) versus supplier websites, including key players, bookings and projected growth rates through 2015
- Examination of the OTA landscape – local versus global players, recent activity and comparison of business models and offerings
- Emergence and impact of other online intermediaries, including metasearch and online shopping malls
- Continued importance of offline fulfillment and the role of traditional travel agencies
- Impact of the mobile channel on online travel shopping and purchasing
- Importance of social media platforms and online reviews in travel research and planning
Business
BBM Hulhumalé Phase 2 opening promotion winner receives Honda Airblade
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has presented a brand-new Honda Airblade motorbike to the winner of a lucky draw held to mark the opening of its newest wholesale outlet in Hulhumalé Phase 2.
The outlet, located at Lot 20286 on Nirolhu Magu, opened on 16 February 2026 as part of BBM’s expansion of its wholesale operations.
To celebrate the opening and thank customers for their continued support, BBM introduced a special lucky draw exclusively for customers who made purchases from the new outlet on its opening day.

Customers who purchased products during the opening were eligible to enter the draw, with a Honda Airblade motorbike offered as the grand prize.
The lucky draw was conducted on 13 August 2026, with Ibrahim Shifaz of Vagthun Vaguthah outlet selected as the winner.
Shifaz was recently presented with the ceremonial key to the Honda Airblade by AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of Bestbuy Maldives.

The promotion formed part of BBM’s activities surrounding the opening of its Hulhumalé Phase 2 outlet, which provides customers with access to the company’s range of wholesale products from the growing residential and commercial area.
Bestbuy Maldives is a supplier and distributor serving businesses across the Maldives, including customers in the hospitality, food service and retail sectors.
Drink
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands welcomes SUSHISAMBA Dubai for exclusive pop-up
SUSHISAMBA Dubai, the multi-award-winning dining destination perched 51 floors above The Palm Jumeirah, is taking its renowned energy to the shores of the Indian Ocean. From Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27 September 2026, SUSHISAMBA Dubai arrives at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for an exclusive three-night pop-up at EAU Bar, spotlighting Dubai’s thriving hospitality scene on an international stage.
Highlighting Dubai’s status as a global dining capital, this island takeover brings together two powerhouses of luxury hospitality. Running nightly from 7PM to 10PM with two dinner seatings, the pop-up features a curated dining experience led by Brand Chef Kitak Lee, brought to life by live performances from SUSHISAMBA’s iconic samba dancers, a signature element that made the venue one of Dubai’s most sought-after spots, for an unforgettable celebration by the sea.

Set against the pristine oceanfront backdrop of EAU Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a ultra-luxury resort known for its legendary Aris Meeha service, immersive Maldivian traditions, and world-class epicurean offerings across its island destinations, guests will experience SUSHISAMBA’s signature blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian culture. The exclusive pop-up will feature a bespoke menu of signature dishes crafted with the highest standards of culinary artistry, complemented by SUSHISAMBA’s bar team serving craft cocktails infused with exotic ingredients.

“This collaboration marks an exciting milestone as we take the electric spirit and culinary excellence of SUSHISAMBA Dubai to one of the world’s most spectacular luxury destinations,” said Brand Chef Kitak Lee. “We look forward to bringing our signature blend of flavours, theatrical energy, and world- class hospitality to EAU Bar for three unforgettable nights.”

Whether dining under the stars or enjoying inventive mixology by the ocean, guests can expect an immersive journey defined by elevated dining, dynamic entertainment, and the unmistakable SUSHISAMBA spirit.

Event Details:
Venue: EAU Bar, at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Dates: September 25–27 2026
Seating Schedule:
Friday, September 25:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM
Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27:
- First Seating: 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
- Second Seating: 8:30 PM–10:30 PM

For bookings and more information, please contact the reservations team at +960 400 0999 or maldives.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands website here.
Entertainment
Sun Siyam Olhuveli turns three islands into Carnival of the Isles this festive season
Forget the traditional festive getaway. This December, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection by Sun Siyam, is turning three interconnected islands into one vibrant celebration as Carnival of the Isles returns from 21 December 2026 to 8 January 2027. Bringing together world-class entertainment, island culture and unforgettable experiences, this year’s line-up is headlined by BBC Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra’s Jeremiah Asiamah, alongside returning British Rapper & DJ Ironik, Canadian Belly Dancer Nourah, and LA-Based Performance Company Wildfire Arts.
Created exclusively for Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Carnival of the Isles reimagines the festive season through the vibrant lens of island life. More than a holiday programme, it transforms the resort into one continuous celebration where music, culture, food and adventure unfold across three unique islands, each with its own atmosphere yet connected through one unforgettable experience. From sunrise wellness sessions and family adventures to waterfront celebrations, beach clubs and after-dark entertainment, guests are invited to discover a festive escape that feels spontaneous, social and unmistakably Maldivian.

Leading this year’s entertainment programme is Jeremiah Asiamah, one of the UK’s most exciting DJs and broadcasters. Best known for his influential shows on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1Xtra, Jeremiah has become a defining voice in Afro House, Amapiano and global electronic music. From Glastonbury, Wireless Festival, Notting Hill Carnival and Ushuaïa Ibiza to collaborations with Prada Beauty, London Fashion Week and Arsenal F.C., his unique blend of music, fashion and culture has made him one of the UK’s most exciting creative talents. This festive season, he brings his signature festival energy to the shores of the Maldives with an exclusive series of performances for Carnival of the Isles.
Returning by popular demand is DJ Ironik, the British rapper, DJ and producer behind the Platinum-selling hit Tiny Dancer (Hold Me Closer) featuring Chipmunk and Elton John. Renowned for his crowd-pleasing sets that effortlessly blend chart favourites with club classics, Ironik returns to headline the resort’s biggest beach parties and New Year’s celebrations, keeping the energy high long after sunset.

Adding an entirely different dimension to this year’s programme is Nourah, the internationally acclaimed Canadian belly dancer whose performances combine the elegance of traditional Middle Eastern dance with contemporary artistry. Having captivated audiences at luxury resorts, international festivals and prestigious events around the world, her graceful performances bring a sense of theatre and cultural richness to the island’s festive evenings.
Completing the line-up is the return of Wildfire Arts, the Los Angeles-based performance company celebrated for transforming outdoor spaces into immersive theatrical experiences. Combining breathtaking aerial performances, fire artistry, LED productions and acrobatics, the internationally acclaimed troupe has appeared everywhere from global festivals to productions for organisations including SpaceX. At Carnival of the Isles, they will once again transform the beachfront into an unforgettable open-air stage.
At the heart of the celebrations is The Grand Carnival of the Isles, a spectacular weekly event that transforms the beachfront of the Beach Pavilions into one of the Maldives’ most exciting open-air entertainment experiences. Inspired by the colour, rhythm and energy of the world’s great island carnivals, guests can wander through lively street-style markets, discover roaming performers and live music, experience breathtaking circus acts, enjoy interactive games and family entertainment, or embrace the excitement of water sports before the celebration continues with sunset DJ sessions and unforgettable evenings beneath the stars.

The festive calendar extends far beyond the carnival itself, with signature experiences unfolding throughout the season. Guests can gather for the magical Christmas Tree Light-Up Ceremony, welcome Santa Claus as he makes his tropical arrival by the beach, raise a glass at the Christmas Gala Cocktail and celebrate together during the elegant New Year’s Eve Gala and spectacular countdown to 2027. Along the way, colourful moments such as the annual Olhuveli Colour Run, Kids Futsal League, international Street Market, beach parties, themed dining experiences, sunset cruises, wellness sessions, sports tournaments and family activities ensure there is always something new to discover from sunrise to starlight.
More than a festive escape, Carnival of the Isles is where music, culture and island life come together across three unforgettable weeks in the Maldives. Join the celebration at Sun Siyam Olhuveli and discover this year’s festive programme and special offers.
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