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World Tourism Day on “Tourism and Water”: greater efforts on water preservation needed

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Maldives.net.mv – 27th of September marks the United Nations´ calendar day highlighting tourism, a sector that is driving socioeconomic growth and development all over the world. On World Tourism Day 2013, dedicated to “Tourism and Water – Protecting Our Common Future” in line with the International Year of Water Cooperation, stakeholders called for greater global efforts in water preservation.

Opening the official celebrations of World Tourism Day (WTD) 2013, hosted this year by the Maldives, President Mohammed Waheed Hassan Manik said “Solutions to the Maldives´ water challenges are in the tourism sector. I hope that the industry will pay attention to the way the Maldives has been addressing the water challenge. The Maldives must become an example of what can be done.”

The call by the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon on the responsibility of the tourism sector to safeguard and intelligently manage water was echoed by UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai: “As one of the world’s leading socio-economic activities, the tourism sector must take a leadership role and ensure companies and destinations invest in adequate water management throughout the value chain.”

The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of the Maldives, Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoo, stressed how “tourism has become a powerful force for environmental preservation and protection. For our country, the tourism sector constitutes a priority because it is an important asset for the creation of wealth and employment.”

“This is a crucial issue for PATA and its members. The growth of the tourism sector brings inevitable challenges of balancing sustainability. We are delighted to join the celebrations of World Tourism Day and support this important and timely initiative here in the Maldives” said Martin Craigs, CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

Tourism to lead in water preservation

As the highlight of WTD 2013, a high-level Think Tank on Tourism and Water gathered leading experts on water preservation, public and private sector tourism stakeholders and media experts to discuss key issues contributing to a more sustainable water future.

The following are the key insights of the Think Tank conclusions:

  • The Maldives is a paradigm of well-managed and sustainable water use in developing island States, where the availability of fresh water and the level of water consumption for tourism have become a particular concern.
  • With over one billion people traveling the world every year, the tourism sector can play an educational role as a water-conscious sector.
  • Though tourism only uses 1% of global water consumption, challenges remain for water use at destinations, since the sector often competes with other sectors for water.
  • There is significant room for increasing efficiency and reducing cost of water consumption in hotels (water accounts for 10% of utility bills in many hotels, most of which pay for the water they consume twice, first in buying fresh water and by disposing of it as wastewater).
  • Investing in green technology is economically beneficial, with profits from water sanitation and wastewater treatment having a return on investment (ROI) of one to three years.
  • Given tourism´s size and reach, the sector is well-positioned to make a real contribution to preserving the world´s precious water resources.

World Tourism Day (WTD) is held annually on 27 September.

Its purpose is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. The event seeks to address global challenges outlined in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to highlight the contribution the tourism sector can make in reaching these goals.

Awards

Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives secures nine accolades at World Luxury Awards 2026

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Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives is celebrating nine accolades at the 2026 World Luxury Awards, including two prestigious Global Winner titles, recognising excellence across resort hospitality, leadership, wellness and gastronomy.

The awards reflect the resort’s philosophy of Connected Island Luxury, where personalised hospitality, restorative wellness, exceptional dining and meaningful encounters with nature come together to create memorable island experiences.

Among the highlights, The Spa at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives was named Global Winner for Best Luxury Island Resort Spa, while signature fine-dining restaurant FireDOOR received the Global Winner title for Best Sunset Views.

The resort also received recognition as Best Luxury Boutique Resort and Best Luxury Lifestyle Resort in the Indian Ocean, alongside Best General Manager for Raffaele Solferino.

Global Recognition for Wellness and Gastronomy

Perched above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort’s overwater Spa offers a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation and restoration. In addition to its global title, it received two Indian Ocean awards: Best Luxury Boutique Spa and Best Luxury Oceanview Spa.

Meanwhile, FireDOOR’s global recognition celebrates its spectacular sunset setting overlooking the island’s house reef. Combining intimate fine dining with distinctive glass-floor features and panoramic ocean views, the restaurant also received Indian Ocean titles for Best Luxury Boutique Resort Restaurant and Best Luxury Waterside Restaurant.

Together, these achievements highlight the breadth of experiences that define Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, from restorative wellness to memorable moments shared over exceptional cuisine.

Celebrating the People Behind the Experience

For General Manager Raffaele Solferino, who has been part of the resort’s journey since pre-opening, the awards are a testament to the dedication of the island team.

“To receive nine World Luxury Awards, including two Global Winner titles, is an extraordinary honour and a wonderful recognition of our team’s passion and commitment,” said Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives.

“What makes this achievement particularly meaningful is that it celebrates the complete guest experience. We believe true luxury goes beyond beautiful surroundings; it is about genuine connections, thoughtful hospitality and creating moments that stay with our guests long after they leave. As we approach our tenth anniversary in 2027, these awards are both a celebration of our journey and an inspiration for the next chapter.”

A Decade of Island Hospitality

Since opening in 2017, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has established a distinctive identity built around contemporary island luxury, personalised service and a deep connection with its natural surroundings.

As the resort prepares to celebrate ten years of welcoming guests in 2027, the nine World Luxury Awards provide a fitting recognition of its achievements and continued commitment to creating extraordinary island experiences.

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ananea Madivaru Maldives unveils personalised island concierge experience

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From 1 November 2026, ananea Madivaru Maldives will introduce its new Island Concierge Programme. A more personal and relaxed approach to island hospitality built around one simple idea: Here, you’re never just a villa number.

Rather than adopting the formality of a traditional butler service, the Island Concierge becomes each guest’s personal connection to the island, someone who knows their journey, remembers their preferences, anticipates their needs and helps them discover the resort naturally.

From the moment guests arrive, their Island Concierge becomes a familiar face throughout their stay. They personally welcome guests on arrival, connect with them over breakfast, assist with plans and experiences throughout the day, and return for a personal farewell at departure.

The concept is intentionally uncomplicated.
Less formality. More connection.

Island Concierges spend their time where guests are rather than behind a desk, around the beaches, pools, restaurants, bars and pathways of the resort. Whenever possible, they may even personally drive guests to dinner, spa appointments or activities, turning a simple buggy journey into another opportunity to connect.

They can assist with everything from restaurant recommendations and spa treatments to watersports, excursions, celebrations and the spontaneous island moments that often become the most memorable parts of a holiday.

The Island Concierge is also there to share the story of the island itself, its people, Maldivian culture, marine life and the fascinating realities of island living, from producing fresh water and electricity to caring for the beaches and surrounding environment.

“We don’t want to create another traditional butler or host concept,” says Pierre Edlund, General Manager of ananea Madivaru Maldives.

“We want something more natural and more human. Your Island Concierge is someone who gets to know you, remembers what you enjoy and helps make things happen without unnecessary formality. But ultimately, every colleague on our islands is part of the experience. The Island Concierge may be your personal connection, but the whole island is looking after you.”

Importantly, the philosophy extends far beyond the Island Concierge team.

At ananea Madivaru Maldives, every guest belongs to everyone. Whether a guest meets a chef, engineer, bartender, housekeeper, watersports colleague or leader, the philosophy remains the same.

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Awards

Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas

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Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura has been named among the Top 100 Spas of the World 2026 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognising the spa’s wellness services in Malé.

Located on Level 3 of Barceló Nasandhura, Wellness by Mandara caters to both international visitors and local residents, offering spa treatments and wellness services within the capital. Unlike spas located at island resorts, the facility provides an urban wellness option for guests seeking relaxation, physical recovery and regular self-care.

The spa draws on traditional Eastern healing practices and offers a range of treatments, including Mandara’s signature multi-hand massage therapies, ELEMIS facials, body treatments and specialised nail care packages.

Treatments are tailored to individual requirements by the spa’s therapists, with services designed to relieve muscle tension, support physical recovery and promote relaxation.

Trent Munday of Mandara Spa said the recognition reflected the team’s commitment to providing Asian spa therapies in Malé while serving both hotel guests and the local community.

Wellness by Mandara operates daily, offering treatments and spa packages to Barceló Nasandhura guests, Malé residents and day visitors.

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