News
Half a million tourists visit Maldives in five months
Maldives.net.mv – With an impressive 14.9% increase in arrivals during the month of May 2014, tourist arrivals to the Maldives continue to flourish, reaching half a million from January to May 2014. The Maldives welcomed a total of 518,166 tourists for the period, registering a strong growth of 11.9% over the same the period of 2013.
Although Asia and the Pacific Region took lead as the market generator during the month of May 2014, Europe remained as the market leader with 48.3% shares at the end of the period from January to May 2014. The region brought in an additional 34,544 tourists during the month of May, which was a decline of -1.8% compared to that of May 2013. Tourist arrivals from European region reached a total of 253,602 at the end May 2014, registering a marginal growth of 0.7% for the period. With the negative growth seen from sub regions, Central/Eastern Europe (-10.3%) and Western Europe (-5.6%) during the month of May 2014, the overall growth rate from both the regions resulted negative growths of -5.1% and -0.6% respectively, for the period from January to May 2014. Best performance for the month of May was recorded from East Mediterranean Europe with a positive 41.5% increase. While Southern Europe posted a +15% growth during the month of May resulting in a positive growth of 5.3% at the end of the period January to May, Northern Europe registered a growth rate of 4.3% for the month of May leading to an increase of +7.2% for the period in review. In terms of market shares, the two sub regions which posted negative growths covered most of the arrivals from Europe. While a total of 105,923 tourists taking hold of 20% shares was recorded for the Western Europe, Central Eastern Europe took hold of 10.6% shares with 54,691 arrivals. When looking at individual market performances from Europe, top five markets were Germany, U.K, Russia, Italy and France. The German market maintained its position at the top with 8.3% shares. With an additional 8,365 tourists in May 2014, the total arrivals from Germany for the period from January to May 2014 was 43,188 resulting in a slight increase of 0.9% for the period. The U.K market did well with a 4.6% increase at the end of May 2014, supplying 7.7% to market shares for the period. The Russian market deteriorated further posting a negative growth of 7.5% for the period from January to May 2014. Market share of Russia stood at 6.4% at the end of the period. Italy and France remained at 4th and 5th positions respectively with 6.0% share and 5.9% shares. While the Italian market has shown improvements posting a positive growth of 1.7% at the end of May 2014, the French market performed with a negative growth of 3.6%.
Asia and the Pacific region has been showing outstanding results throughout the last five months of 2014. The region overtook Europe, to be the leading market generator during the month of May 2014 taking hold of 55% of total arrivals to the Maldives during the month. With a total of 50,354 tourists in May, the total arrivals from the Region for the period from January to May 2014, was recorded to be 229,847, which was a 24.7% increase over the same period of 2013. The region represented 44.4% of all arrivals during the period January to May 2014. All sub regions posted above average growth rates with South East Asia as the leading sub region with 64.1% in terms of growth rate. Over 75% of all arrivals from Asia and the Pacific and 33% of total arrivals to Maldives during the period from January to May, came from sub region North East Asia. By individual market performances, China continues to show remarkable performances maintaining its number one position as the market leader with more than 27% shares. At the end of May 2014, a total of 141,249 tourists arrived in Maldives from China, which was 23.3% increase over the same period of 2013. India, Japan and Korea were the second, third and fourth markets respectively from this region. Indian market saw an increase of 13.1% during the period in review contributing 3.5% as market shares at the end of the period. The Japanese market improved its performance posting an impressive growth rate of nearly 16% during the month of May leading to a positive 7.1% growth rate for the period from January to May 2014. A strong growth of 45% was recorded from the Korean market during this period with the arrivals reaching a total of 14,016 at the end of May. Market share of Korea stood at 2.7% at the end of the period.
Americas, which was the third leading region with 3.4% shares, brought in 17,470 tourists to the Maldives during the period January to May 2014. A healthy growth of 32% was recorded from this region for the period. The U.S. market took hold of over 60% of arrivals from the region with a total of 10,483 tourists at the end of the period. The Middle East market share was increased to 2.7% maintained at 2.6% during the period. This region also posted an impressive growth of 24.2% for the period. Double digit growth rates were recorded from all major markets from the region. Africa region market share remained at 0.6% at the end of May 2014. Although a negative growth (-6.8%) was recorded from this region for the month of May 2014, the overall growth rate remained positive at 1.4% at the end of the period from January to May 2014.
At the end of May 2014, the total number of registered tourist establishments reached 460 with 30,510 beds, out of which on average 291 establishments with a sum total of 27,004 beds were operational during the period in review. These include 105 tourist resorts (23,029 beds), 17 hotels (1,510 beds), 112 guest houses (1,539 beds) and 57 safari vessels (927 beds). The overall bed nights of these establishments saw an increase of 5.9% during the period reaching a total of 3,262,667 nights. While the occupancy rate recorded an increase of 2.3% to attain an average of 80.2% for the period, average duration of stay of the tourists saw a decline of 0.4%. The average duration of stay for the period was 6.3 days.
Source: Ministry of Tourism
News
Manhattan Grand Hotel aims to transform Maldives’ MICE industry
Manhattan Grand Hotel is set to redefine the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry with the launch of one of the largest integrated MICE and event destinations in the Greater Malé Area. Combining premium accommodation, versatile event venues, multiple dining outlets and comprehensive event services under one roof, the hotel is now accepting advance bookings for conferences, exhibitions, corporate events, weddings and social celebrations from September 2026 onwards.
Purpose-built to meet the growing demand for world-class event facilities, the hotel offers three major event halls Mā Ashi (700 sqm), Maalan (400 sqm) and Holhuashi (390 sqm) supported by the Ras Ain Meeting & Conference Facilities, comprising Ras Giri Conference Room, Ras Faruma Training Room, Ras Vani Meeting Room and Ras Pod working spaces. Together with 162 contemporary guest rooms, four restaurants and dedicated event services, Manhattan Grand Hotel provides a complete destination for events of every scale.
Designed to cater for conferences, exhibitions, Government and State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) meetings, Annual General Meetings (AGMs), corporate conventions, product launches, seminars, training programmes, weddings, gala dinners and private celebrations, Manhattan Grand Hotel can comfortably host three major events simultaneously. With separate guest flows, dedicated banquet operations and professional event management teams, each event can operate independently without disruption to others, setting a new benchmark for MICE facilities in the Greater Malé Area.
Complementing the event facilities are four distinctive dining outlets Hen Na, Manhattan Fish Market, Café Barbera and Vilu offering organisers a variety of dining experiences for delegates, networking sessions, VIP functions and private events. The hotel also features professional audiovisual technology, LED displays, high-speed Wi-Fi, conference facilities, integrated catering services and dedicated event management support, delivering a seamless experience from planning through execution.
The Chief Operating Officer of Manhattan Grand Hotel said: “Our vision is to redefine how conferences, exhibitions and major events are hosted in the Maldives. Manhattan Grand Hotel has been purpose-built to deliver the scale, flexibility and professional services required by government institutions, state-owned enterprises, corporations and international event organisers. By bringing together one of the largest integrated MICE facilities in the Greater Malé Area with premium accommodation, dining and hospitality, we are changing the landscape of MICE events in the Greater Malé Area and setting a new benchmark for the industry. We look forward to welcoming our first events from September onwards.”
Strategically located in Hulhumalé, just minutes from Velana International Airport, Manhattan Grand Hotel is positioned to become the preferred venue for government institutions, SOEs, corporate organisations, international associations, event organisers and wedding planners seeking a world-class venue in the Maldives.
Drink
SO/ Maldives introduces premium Dilmah Tea experience
Luxury is often found in life’s quietest moments, the gentle sound of waves, the warmth of the tropical breeze, and now, the comforting aroma of a perfectly brewed cup of tea. Embracing this philosophy, SO/ Maldives has introduced an exclusive collaboration with Dilmah Tea, bringing one of the world’s most celebrated premium tea experiences to the island.
More than simply serving exceptional tea, the partnership reimagines how guests connect with the destination. Every carefully selected blend becomes an invitation to slow down, reconnect with nature, and embrace the effortless sophistication that defines the SO/ Maldives experience. Whether enjoyed overlooking the turquoise lagoon, paired with an elegant afternoon indulgence, or savoured during moments of wellness and relaxation, Dilmah Tea becomes another expression of the resort’s signature Island Couture lifestyle.
Rooted in authenticity and sustainability, Dilmah’s philosophy of handpicked, single-origin Ceylon tea perfectly complements SO/ Maldives’ commitment to meaningful luxury experiences. Together, the two iconic brands celebrate craftsmanship, conscious living, and unforgettable moments shared in one of the world’s most breathtaking island destinations.
To commemorate the collaboration, SO/ Maldives will host an exclusive Dilmah Tea Launch Experience on 04th August 2026 at the vibrant Lazuli Beach Club, inviting resort guests and distinguished partners to discover the art of tea through an immersive evening of flavour, storytelling, and entertainment.

Guests will begin the experience with a signature welcome before exploring an interactive Dilmah Tea Experience featuring a curated collection of premium tea varieties. Guided by the Dilmah team, guests will discover the heritage behind each blend, learn the art of tea appreciation, and experience thoughtfully curated snack pairings designed to enhance every flavour profile.
As the sun begins to set over the Indian Ocean, the evening will seamlessly transition into a celebration of SO/ Maldives’ unmistakable style. A spectacular Flying Dress showcase will capture the vibrant colours and elegance of island couture against the Maldivian horizon, followed by a captivating fire performance that lights up the beach, creating an unforgettable finale beneath the stars.
The introduction of Dilmah Tea further strengthens SO/ Maldives’ commitment to offering world-class culinary and lifestyle experiences that blend international excellence with the serenity of island living. Guests can now discover an elevated tea programme across selected dining venues and experiences, reinforcing the resort’s promise to deliver exceptional moments from sunrise to sunset.
From tranquil mornings overlooking crystal-clear lagoons to golden-hour reflections by the beach, every cup of Dilmah Tea invites guests to pause, breathe, and savour the beauty of the present, transforming an everyday ritual into an extraordinary island experience.
For more information or to book your perfect getaway, please visit so-maldives.com or contact so.maldives.reservations@so-hotels.com or call +960 664-9100.
Awards
.Here Baa Atoll receives Forbes VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality recognition
.Here Baa Atoll has been awarded the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality recognition, affirming the resort’s commitment to responsible luxury and its dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences while embracing sustainable and ethical hospitality practices.
Developed by Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on luxury hospitality, the VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality programme recognises hotels and resorts that demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, employee wellbeing and responsible operational practices. The recognition is awarded following an independent assessment of more than 100 standards designed specifically for the luxury hospitality sector.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll has been conceived around the philosophy of The Art of Duality—bringing together immersive luxury and a profound respect for the natural world. Across its two private islands connected by a pristine sandbank, the resort integrates thoughtful design, personalised experiences and responsible practices that aim to preserve the destination for generations to come.
The recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to minimise its environmental impact while creating meaningful experiences that connect guests with the unique marine ecosystem and cultural heritage of the Maldives. Through responsible resource management, conservation initiatives, local partnerships and a continued focus on guest and team wellbeing, .Here Baa Atoll strives to demonstrate that exceptional luxury and responsible hospitality can exist in harmony.
“This recognition represents an important milestone for .Here Baa Atoll and reflects the collective commitment of our team to creating experiences that are both meaningful and mindful,” said Elina Adiyan, Resident Manager of .Here Baa Atoll. “Responsible hospitality is embedded in every aspect of the guest journey, from the way we design experiences to how we care for our people, our community and the remarkable environment that surrounds us. We are honoured to be recognised by Forbes Travel Guide for this commitment.”
As global travellers increasingly seek destinations that align with their values, the Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality recognition reinforces .Here Baa Atoll’s position among the world’s leading ultra-luxury resorts, offering guests the confidence that their stay supports a property committed to responsible operations without compromising on service, comfort or exclusivity.
The achievement marks another significant milestone for the resort as it continues to establish itself as one of the Maldives’ most distinctive luxury destinations, where contemporary design, personalised hospitality and a deep respect for nature come together to create extraordinary experiences.
To learn more about .Here Baa Atoll, visit www.here-maldives.com.
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