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Half a million tourists visit Maldives in five months

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arrival graphMaldives.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

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort unveils ‘Chapter X’ for 10th anniversary

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort announces its most anticipated festive season yet, commemorating a decade of unparalleled luxury with distinct celebration themed “Chapter X: Celebrating 10 Years Through the Island’s Story.” From December 20, 2026 through January 7, 2027, the private island resort will celebrate the story of Vommuli Island, Maldivian heritage, and the timeless traditions that define the St. Regis experience.

Over the past decade, The St. Regis Maldives has been consistently recognized among the Indian Ocean’s leading luxury resorts, distinguished by exceptional design, nature, culture, and bespoke service. Marking a significant milestone, this festive season pays tribute not only to the architectural vision and natural beauty of Vommuli Island, but also to the cherished memories created by families, couples, and generations of guests who have made the island part of their own story.

Inspired by the island’s four ecological zones, Lagoon, Beach, Jungle, and Coast, the festive program invites guests of all ages to explore Vommuli through immersive experiences that inspire connection, wonder, and togetherness.

In the Lagoon Zone, where the ocean shapes both landscape and imagination, marine life and iconic overwater architecture. Sunset celebrations and ocean-inspired dining overlooking the turquoise lagoon honor the beauty of the Maldives and the adventures that await beneath its waters.

The Beach Zone reflects the island’s origins and the enduring traditions of Maldivian coastal life. Here, festive gatherings and family experiences celebrate the warmth of the season, drawing inspiration from the fishermen’s huts that once lined these shores and the generations who called the ocean their home.

Within the lush Jungle Zone, Vommuli House becomes a place of shared learning, where young explorers and multi-generational families engage with the island’s biodiversity through nature-inspired activities, storytelling, and educational experiences.

The Coastal Zone pays homage to the Maldives’ seafaring heritage, expressed through architecture modelled after the graceful dhoni. Against panoramic ocean views, families can reconnect through meaningful moments and the joy of time spent together.

Together, these four environments will serve as the backdrop for a festive calendar of gastronomy, restorative experiences, entertainment, culture, and signature St. Regis traditions.

“As we celebrate ten remarkable years at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, this festive season represents not only a milestone for the resort, but also a celebration of the countless memories created by our guests who have become part of our story,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “Chapter X invites guests to experience the spirit of Vommuli Island while honouring our legacy and creating new traditions for generations to come.”

A Festive Calendar Designed for Every Generation

From timeless family traditions to exceptional culinary experiences, the festive program has been crafted to delight guests across generations.

The season begins with the enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by the arrival of Santa, festive treats, island-wide activities, and dedicated children’s programming. Adults can indulge in exceptional dining experiences, wine journeys, restorative rituals, and bespoke island experiences.

Signature occasions include gala dinners, immersive culinary showcases, and wellness experiences inspired by the rhythms of island life. As the year draws to a close, guests will gather for a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display illuminating the Indian Ocean sky.

Festive Getaway Package

For families and loved ones seeking to share precious moments over the holiday, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort introduces the Festive Getaway Package to elevate seasonal escapes with exclusive privileges, and the signature St. Regis butler service. Guests can book by November 15, 2026 for stays from December 15, 2026 to January 15, 2027.

Designed to complement the resort’s landmark 10th anniversary, the package provides an invitation to experience Vommuli Island at one of its most anticipated times of year.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit stregismaldives.com.

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Awards

Ellaidhoo, Hakuraa Huraa Maldives secure double TTM awards win for Cinnamon

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives celebrated a double win at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2026, with Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon recognised among the winners in the Best Dive Resort category and Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives among the winners for Best Honeymoon Destination, celebrating two distinctive island experiences within the brand’s Maldives portfolio.

The awards were presented at the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards celebrate achievements across the Maldivian tourism and hospitality industry, recognising resorts and experiences that continue to shape the destination’s diverse tourism offering.

For Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, the recognition celebrates an island where diving has long been at the heart of the experience. Located in North Ari Atoll, the resort is surrounded by a spectacular house reef, regarded as one of the finest in the Maldives, bringing an extraordinary underwater world within easy reach of the island. A 24 hour diving facility gives guests greater freedom to explore beneath the surface, while more than 50 nearby dive sites reveal an abundance of marine life and some of the atoll’s most rewarding underwater encounters.

“Diving is deeply connected to the identity of the resort and has been part of the island’s story for many years. We are fortunate to have an incredible house reef on our doorstep and access to some remarkable dive sites across North Ari Atoll, but what makes this recognition especially meaningful is the dedication of the teams who help our guests experience this underwater world every day,” said Hassan Shihab, Resort Manager, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon.

From the underwater world of North Ari Atoll to the tranquillity of Meemu Atoll, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offers a distinctly different expression of the destination. The five star adults only resort stretches across two islands, creating a setting defined by space, privacy and serenity. Overwater and beach accommodation, sweeping lagoon views and memorable sunsets set the scene for couples seeking time away together, complemented by intimate experiences designed around the natural beauty and unhurried rhythm of island life.

“Our resort has always had a natural sense of romance, shaped by the privacy of our two islands, the beauty of the lagoon and the feeling of being away from everything. As we continue our journey as an adults only resort, being recognised among the Best Honeymoon Destinations is particularly meaningful. It reflects what our team strives to create for every couple who stays with us, the space and setting to slow down, reconnect and leave with memories that belong entirely to them,” said Rajeeva Rajapakse, General Manager, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives.

Together, the two wins reflect the breadth of experiences found across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives. Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon invites travellers to discover the Maldives beneath the surface, while Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives creates an intimate setting for couples seeking privacy, romance and time together.

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Action

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa adds six Leopard Sharks to Maldives identification database

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Pullman Maldives Maamutaa continues its ongoing marine conservation journey with the identification of Six Individual Indo-Pacific Leopard Sharks along the resort’s house reef. The sharks were documented through photographic observation and submitted to the MIYARU, the Maldives’ national non-profit organisation and research network focused on collaborative shark research and conservation.

The six identified sharks namely Atlas (LS081), Aurelian (LS083), Kikongo (LS090), Ambala (LS091), Ingwe (LS096), and Fowler (LS097) – can each be recognized by their distinctive patterns of dots and spots. Similar to a human fingerprint, these natural markings are unique to every shark, enabling marine researchers to identify individuals when they are encountered again.

By documenting these individual sharks, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is contributing to a growing body of knowledge about the species and how it uses local reef habitats. Each sighting adds another piece to the wider picture of leopard shark presence and movements in the Maldives, supporting continued awareness, research and conservation.

For Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, conservation is about creating meaningful connections with the natural world. From a passing encounter with a leopard shark to learning how individual animals can be recognized beneath the surface, every discovery can offer a new perspective on the living reef.

The identification of these six leopard sharks reflects the resort’s continued approach to marine conservation through attentive observation, responsible marine experiences and collaboration with conservation partners.

As monitoring continues, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa invites guests to discover its house reef not simply as a destination beneath the surface, but as a living environment shared with an extraordinary diversity of marine life.

With every sighting, every photograph and every new record, the resort continues to build a deeper understanding of the waters surrounding Maamutaa – inspiring greater appreciation for the wildlife that calls the Maldives home.

Kayla Shortt is Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s in-house Marine Biologist and PADI IDC Staff Instructor, who coordinated the in-water observations, photographic documentation and identification submissions that resulted in the six individual records.

Originally from South Africa, she has worked across five-star resorts in the Maldives since 2021, bringing together her experience in marine tourism and practical conservation.

Her expertise spans reef-health monitoring, turtle rehabilitation and shark behavior, with a particular focus on creating greater awareness and understanding of the marine environment.

At Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, Kayla makes marine science engaging and accessible, connecting guests with the underwater world while supporting the resort’s ongoing conservation efforts. Through her work, she contributes to a deeper understanding of the Maldives’ marine environment and the remarkable wildlife that calls it home.

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