Connect with us

News

Maldives participates at the East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel (EMITT) 2015

Published

on

EMITT fair

Maldives.net.mv – The Maldives tourism industry has participated at the 19th Annual East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel fair held from 22 – 25 January 2015 in Tuyap International Exhibition Center, Istanbul, Turkey. The Maldivian delegation consisting of 17 companies is headed by Mr. Hussain Lirar, the Deputy Minister of Tourism.

EMITT is Europe’s 6th largest tourism exhibition and one of the most significant exhibitions in the world, with over 4,500 professionals from the tourism sector, including the world largest tourism companies to showcase the latest world tourism destinations through governmental organizations, airlines and travel agencies, banking institutions and investors as well as international exhibitors belonging to a number of travel agencies from Europe and North America, Asia and the Arab countries. Last year 136,730 public and trade visitors attended the fair. Organizers of EMITT estimate this year’s fair will achieve much broader attendance compared to the previous years.

The first two days of the fair are exclusively for the travel professionals and open to the public and online invitees during the last two days. This year at EMITT, Maldives won an astounding award, for being the most active stand at the fair. This award was presented by the organizers of
EMITT.

In addition to participation at the fair, a Maldives networking evening was held on 23 January; in Istanbul which was attended by more than 100 tour operators from different cities of Turkey. The prize of the raffle draw held during the  event was sponsored by Anantara Maldives, Crown and Champa Resorts and Intour Maldives. Winners’ of the raffle draw received a holiday package in Maldives. This event provided the ideal platform for partners from Maldives to establish direct contact with the travel trade partners from Turkey thus providing up to date information about Maldives and establishing business contacts.

Participation in both events enhanced relations with the Turkish travel and trade market creating opportunities for inbound tourism sector which in turn lead to increasing the number of arrivals from Turkey. Turkey is a very important market to Maldives in terms of the potentiality. With a stable economy the forecast for the outbound travel from the market is very much positive. In terms of market share Turkey is a relatively small market to Maldives, From January to November 2014, 7,973 Turkish tourists visited Maldives. However with the favorable market conditions and good connectivity established by Turkish Airlines there is huge potentiality for growth.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Awards

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

ananea Madivaru Maldives unveils personalised island concierge experience

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Awards

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.