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
Veligandu Maldives Resort Island has been awarded One MICHELIN Key in the MICHELIN Guide’s 2026 hotel selection, recognising the resort’s accommodation, service, design and overall guest experience.
The distinction places Veligandu among hotels recognised by the MICHELIN Guide for delivering what it describes as a “very special stay”. The MICHELIN Key system evaluates hotels based on factors including architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, personality and character, value for money, and contribution to the local experience.
Announcing the recognition, General Manager Fathuhulla Ibrahim attributed the achievement to the property’s natural surroundings, sense of seclusion, connection with the ocean and commitment to responsible island living.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the resort’s team, highlighting the importance of personalised service, genuine hospitality and attention to detail in creating memorable experiences for guests.
The recognition comes as Veligandu Maldives continues to introduce enhancements to its guest experience ahead of the festive season.
Among the developments is an enhanced semi-buffet breakfast experience at Raalhu, available to guests staying in Ocean Pool Villas and Sunset Ocean Pool Villas. The resort has also refreshed menus across its dining outlets, reflecting guest feedback and its ongoing efforts to develop its food and beverage offerings.
Veligandu Maldives is also preparing to introduce new destination dining experiences designed for couples celebrating special occasions, including marriage proposals, anniversaries and romantic evenings.
In addition, the resort has made complimentary snorkelling equipment available to guests across all meal plans, providing greater access to the marine environment surrounding the island.
The property is also placing emphasis on personalised holiday planning through its dedicated Lifestyle Hosts, who assist guests with arrangements for marine activities, wellness experiences, private dining, weddings and other activities before arrival.
The MICHELIN Key distinction follows the resort’s transformation into a five-star luxury property, marking another development in its positioning within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.
Veligandu Maldives Resort Island is part of the Crown & Champa Resorts portfolio and is located in North Ari Atoll, approximately 20 minutes by seaplane or 60 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Established in 1984, the resort reopened in November 2024 following an 18-month renovation that transformed the property into a five-star luxury resort.
The resort features 100 beach and overwater villas, including accommodation with private pools, spread across a nine-hectare natural island known for its sandbank and house reef. Its facilities include Dhonveli Restaurant, Madivaru Restaurant, Raalhu Restaurant, Himeyn Spa, diving and water sports facilities, and recreational activities.
The 2026 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection includes 2,832 MICHELIN Key properties worldwide, of which 2,020 hold One MICHELIN Key. The distinction recognises hotels offering notable accommodation experiences, based on assessments conducted by the Guide’s independent inspectors.
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa has announced its first Hunter’s Wine Dinner, scheduled for 17 November 2026, bringing together Italian cuisine and wines from New Zealand producer Hunter’s Wines.
The event will feature a five-course Italian dining experience, with each course paired with selected wines from Hunter’s Wines. The dinner will be hosted by James Macdonald, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Winemaker at Hunter’s Wines, alongside Chelsea Macdonald.
The evening will provide guests with an opportunity to explore the relationship between food and wine, with the pairings designed to complement the flavours and characteristics of each course. Guests will also have the opportunity to engage with the hosts and learn more about the wines, winemaking techniques and principles of food and wine pairing.
Based in Marlborough, New Zealand, Hunter’s Wines is a family-owned winery established in 1979. The winery has played a role in the development of Marlborough’s wine industry and produces a range of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.
James Macdonald, a member of the Hunter family, holds a degree in Oenology and Viticulture from Lincoln University. He has gained winemaking experience internationally and currently oversees winemaking operations while contributing to the winery’s management and development.
The upcoming dinner forms part of Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa’s culinary offerings, which include international dining experiences across its restaurants and bars.
Located on a seven-hectare private island in Raa Atoll, Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa is a five-star property operated by the Italian family-owned Emerald Collection. The resort is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and operates under a Deluxe All-Inclusive concept.
The property features 80 villas, comprising 38 beach villas and 42 overwater villas, surrounded by a lagoon and house reef. Its dining facilities include Aqua Restaurant, Beach Club Grill, Carnivorous Restaurant, Le Asiatique and Mediterraneo, offering Mediterranean, Asian and other international cuisines.
Additional facilities include The Emerald Spa, which offers Thai and Balinese treatments, a fitness centre, water sports and recreational activities. The resort is accessible by a seaplane journey of approximately 45 minutes from Velana International Airport.
The Hunter’s Wine Dinner on 17 November will provide another opportunity for guests to experience the resort’s culinary programme through a collaboration with an international wine producer.
News
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort introduces ‘Garden of Eve’ Christmas and New Year celebrations
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to discover a season of giving and renewal from December 22, 2026, to January 7, 2027. Set amid the natural beauty of Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort’s Garden of Eve festive celebrations will bring together joyful gatherings, nourishing cuisine, family discoveries, and island adventures.
The festivities begin on December 22 with a Tree Lighting Ceremony, illuminating the resort’s Wish Tree, a large Boa’shi gas (velvetleaf soldierbush) at the heart of the island. Decorated with the modest wishes of children supported by the Baa Family and Children Service Center (FCSC) on Eydafushi Island, the tree symbolizes the resort’s commitment to giving back to the community. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will fulfill the children’s wishes, and guests are warmly invited to participate in this meaningful gesture of generosity.
The celebrations continue on Christmas Eve with cocktails and music at the Pool Deck, followed by an international buffet dinner at Island Kitchen with seasonal favorites and flavors from around the world. On Christmas Day, Santa Claus makes a special appearance, bringing festive cheer, gifts, and memorable moments for families.
As the final evening of the year approaches, the island transforms into a lush Garden of Eve for a New Year’s Eve celebration under the stars. Inspired by the beauty and abundance of a tropical paradise, the theme brings together nature, wonder, and the promise of new beginnings. Guests can gather for a beachfront gala dinner featuring an abundant feast at lavishly presented culinary stations, with live entertainment and a countdown to the new year. A fireworks spectacle is planned to light up the island sky as the resort welcomes 2027.
Beyond the festivities, the resort offers time to slow down, reconnect, and recharge. Uplifting movement and mindful moments invite guests to embrace the natural rhythm of their surroundings, while younger travelers can create, explore, and make new friends through activities at the Westin Family Kids Club.
At Heavenly Spa by Westin, guests can pause amid the celebrations and unwind with restorative rituals in a tranquil setting. For those seeking adventure, AQUA offers a gateway to the waters of Baa Atoll, where water sports, excursions, and diving invite guests to explore the vibrant marine world surrounding the island.
With 69 villas, each featuring a private pool and uninterrupted ocean views, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is a wellness-focused retreat where tranquility meets adventure. Three distinctive dining venues, rejuvenating spa experiences, and family-friendly activities offer guests opportunities to embrace well-being throughout their stay.
To discover more and reserve a festive escape, visit westin-maldives.com.
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