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
A standout achievement in the Maldives’ experience-led hospitality scene, Atmosphere Core has completed its 100th Wine Masterclass as part of the resorts’ signature Holiday Plan. Held at Atmosphere Kanifushi on 6 December 2025, the landmark centenary event, Bottega Gala Gold, offered guests a rare opportunity to meet and engage directly with representatives of one of Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wine makers, while discovering the stories, terroir and craftsmanship behind the label.
What began in September 2021 with a Champagne Guy Charbaut masterclass at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO has since evolved into one of the region’s most distinctive wine-hospitality initiatives. Spanning nine island resorts, all the complimentary wine masterclasses invited in-house guests to enjoy hosted tastings and immersive encounters directly with the company’s partner winemakers.
Over the past four years, Atmosphere Core has forged pioneering partnerships with five terroir producers. Champagne Guy Charbaut (1er Cru Champagne) masterclasses have been held annually since 2021; Bodegas Viñátigo (Canary Islands) since 2022; Glenelly Estate (Stellenbosch) since 2023; Martín Códax (Galicia) since 2024; and, most recently, Bottega SpA a fourth-generation Italian estate, whose masterclasses debuted in 2025. Each partner was selected for its authenticity, expressive terroir, and craftsmanship, qualities increasingly sought by today’s global traveller.
From formal masterclasses and intimate vineyard-style dinners to lively sundowners and gala tastings, Atmosphere Core’s wine experiences showcase the versatility of its partners and the culinary team’s evolving sommelier expertise. In an innovative approach within the industry, all 100 events have been included within the resorts’ signature Holiday Plans.
Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wine at Atmosphere Core, said, “We set out to build a wine culture that allows us to be outrageously creative with the way we pair wines with culinary experiences and tell stories, while being vigorously disciplined in our selection, partnerships, training, and service. Reaching our 100th Wine Experience reminded us why we started. To make wine knowledge accessible, to spark curiosity, and to give generously to our guests and colleagues. That mindset, the Joy of Giving, is what has shaped every single one of these 100 moments.”
Atmosphere Core’s award-winning wine program is designed around three dimensions: in-resort experiences for guests, in-vineyard expeditions for culinary teams, and in-market events with travel and media partners. Together, these threads create an impactful wine culture.
Partner winemakers travel to the Maldives to host masterclasses, while the resort’s culinary teams journey to their vineyards in Europe and South Africa, deepening mutual understanding. Guest feedback has also highlighted the rarity of such terroir-driven offerings being built into a resort island holiday, as curiosity for authentic wines continues to grow globally.
With the successful milestone of its 100th Wine Masterclass now achieved, Atmosphere Core looks ahead to an expanded calendar of planned wine experiences, with the 2026 program currently in development. As the wine program evolves, the Joy of Giving remains at its core, ensuring guests always have something new to discover, one expressive bottle and one memorable story at a time.
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.
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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