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China’s online travel bookings to double by 2015

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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

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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa announces holiday season line-up with dining and entertainment

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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa invites guests to celebrate the holiday season in true Maldivian style with its enchanting Festive Programme, running from 21 December 2025 to 7 January 2026. The line-up promises a perfect blend of culinary indulgence, world-class entertainment, fun-filled activities, and family moments to make this festive season one to remember.

The celebrations begin on 21 December with a lively Indian Ocean Themed Buffet Night and Fisherman’s Night, setting the stage for a week of gastronomic adventures. Guests can savour global flavours with themed dining evenings that include the Silk Road Buffet, North & Latin America Buffet, North Africa & Middle East Buffet, and a vibrant South Asia & Sri Lanka Buffet. Signature dining experiences such as the Lobster Dinner Under the Stars at Meeru Beach and a Seafood BBQ Night with Boduberu add unforgettable flair to the season.

Entertainment takes centre stage each evening, with acoustic sessions, karaoke nights, and energetic DJ parties at Meeru Bar. Traditional Maldivian Boduberu drumming performances, fire and LED shows, and live music provide guests with plenty of reasons to gather and celebrate beneath the stars.

Recreation and wellness meet festive cheer through activities such as Face the Gingerbread Man, Olympic Games, Hands-Free Ornament Hanging, and Draw a Snowman, designed for light-hearted fun with friends and family.

Families can expect a programme that keeps all ages entertained. Children have a dedicated series of activities including pizza-making workshops, gingerbread-house decorating, sandcastle competitions, “Pin the Nose on Rudolph,” henna and face painting, and more. Each activity is thoughtfully designed to encourage creativity and build anticipation as Christmas approaches.

Christmas Eve is set to be a highlight of the season. Santa makes his grand arrival at Meeru Beach before joining children for music, carols, and a festive treasure hunt across the island. Guests will then gather for the spectacular Christmas Eve Dinner and Set Menu Experience, paired with live entertainment to create a truly magical night. The celebrations continue into Christmas Day with a leisurely Christmas Breakfast, themed buffets, live music, and joyful children’s workshops.

The festive atmosphere carries through the week, blending Hideaway’s signature luxury with heartwarming traditions, ensuring guests of all ages enjoy memorable moments against the backdrop of the Maldives’ turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.

New Year’s Eve marks the pinnacle of the celebration. Guests are invited to an elegant New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Matheefaru, followed by an evening of island-style celebration including live music, a Boduberu performance, DJ entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight — reflecting across the lagoon and lighting up the night sky.

The festive atmosphere continues into early January with relaxed beachside evenings, gourmet experiences, and light entertainment as guests ease into the new year amidst the serenity of the Maldives.

With its unique mix of fine dining, entertainment, and family-friendly experiences, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers the ultimate destination for those seeking to celebrate the holidays in a tropical paradise.

For bookings, click here. For the detailed programme, click here.

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The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives to host holiday celebrations and seasonal experiences

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This festive season, The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives invites you to step into a world of celebration, where the warmth of Maldivian hospitality meets the magic of the holidays. Set against a backdrop of turquoise lagoons and island charm, The Marina becomes a vibrant gathering place filled with festive energy, shared moments, and unforgettable experiences.

From lively evenings and immersive activities to relaxed seaside strolls and joyful celebrations, the season unfolds with something for everyone. Whether you’re joining friends for a festive meal, discovering seasonal experiences, or simply soaking in the island atmosphere, The Marina offers a festive journey designed to bring people together.

As day turns to night, the Marina comes alive with music, lights, and a celebratory spirit that captures the essence of the season. It’s a place to connect, to celebrate, and to create memories that linger long after the holidays end.

Explore the full festive programme and seasonal highlights on the official website.

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Hard Rock Hotel Maldives unveils holiday line-up featuring Christmas and New Year gala nights

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This festive season, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives turns up the volume on holiday celebrations with an island escape that blends tropical beauty with legendary entertainment. With savings of up to 15% and a calendar packed with live performances, themed dining, and iconic gala nights, this is your backstage pass to a festive getaway like no other.

From the moment you arrive, the rhythm of the island sets the tone. Days unfold with sun, sea, and laid-back luxury, while nights come alive with extraordinary dining and electrifying live shows. Celebrate Christmas Eve at the Baubles & Bells Gala, then count down to the New Year at an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Countdown where Maldivian soul meets unmistakable Hard Rock energy.

Every detail of the festive season is designed to keep you close to the music. Daily live entertainment, immersive performances, and vibrant social moments transform each evening into a headline act. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, or as a family, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives delivers a celebration that’s bold, playful, and effortlessly cool.

Guests can explore the complete festive programme, including gala nights and live performances, in the official festive brochure.

Festive Offer Details

  • Booking Period: 17 December 2025 – 07 January 2026
    Stay Period: 17 December 2025 – 10 January 2026

Inclusions:

  • Up to 15% off room rates with daily breakfast and sparkling wine
  • Complimentary nightly themed dinners for guests on Half Board, Full Board, or All-Inclusive plans
  • 50% off Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve Gala Dinners for guests on Half Board, Full Board, or All-Inclusive plans
  • Complimentary use of snorkeling gear, kayaks, and pedal boats
  • Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
  • Kids under 12 stay and dine free from the kids’ menu
  • 50% off adult menu items for kids ordering from the adult menu
  • Daily live entertainment and performances to elevate your evenings

Ready to take centre stage this festive season? Turn your holiday into a headline act at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives.

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