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Joint Meeting of the Two Commissions in Asia Pacific and UNWTO Regional Ministerial Conference
The 27th Joint Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Commission for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and the UNWTO Commission for South Asia (CSA)& UNWTO Regional Ministerial Conference on Positioning Tourism in a Wider Socio-Economic Contextwas hosted in Maldives from 3rd-4th June 2015, at Bandos Island Resort& Spa, Maldives. Countries from East Asia and South Asia were represented in the commission meeting, with affiliated members and numerous international organizations.
The Opening Ceremony held on 3rd June 2015 at Bandos Island Resorts & Spa, was enhancedby the presence of His Excellency President Abdul Yameen Abdul Gayoomas the Guest of Honor, and comprisedof some very special and important events for the Maldives tourism industry. This includes the Visit Maldives 2016 Year Campaign being nationally launched by His Excellency Yameen Abdul Gayoom. This campaign is a destination marketing initiative by the Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC) with the objective of increasing tourist arrivals to the Maldives. This event was followed by the endorsement of the Open letter campaign by the Maldives, during the ceremony where the Dr. TalebRifai, Secretary General of UNWTO presented the open letter to His Excellency President Yameen Abdul Gayoom. This campaign is a joint effort by UNWTO and World Travel and Tourism Council (WTCC) to maximize travel and tourism’s contribution economic growth and development. By accepting this open letter, His Excellency endorsed this campaign geared towards encouraging world leaders to acknowledge tourism’s potential to generate growth, development and employment.
The Ministerial Conference on Positioning Tourism in a Wider Socio-Economic Context was held in conjunction with the Joint Commission meetings with two main objectives:
To take stock of the event to which UNWTO’s Open Letter initiative has achieved its main objective of advocating that countries duly recognize the socio-economic contribution of tourism to their national economies;
And to examine national policies that will engender strategies to ensure that the projected growth in tourism demand will translate into socio-economic benefits for non-tourism sectors of the Asia-Pacific economies.
Ministers of Tourism, Deputy Ministers and senior government officials discussed and debated the next steps in strengthening government awareness and support to enable advancement of the tourism sector. Stimulating discussions enabled open sharing of national and regional insights, experience and expertise from various tourism experts. The main focus of the Joint Commission Meeting and the Ministerial Conference was on the developments in the world tourism industry, remarks and milestones achieved by the tourism industry and also the challenges and obstacles faced by the industry and how to overcome those challenges were also discussed.
Honorable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor, hosted a special Gala Dinner on 3rd June, honoring and welcoming the delegates to the Maldives. Ministers, senior government officials, Maldivian tourism industry pioneers and a huge number of industry participants also attended the dinner and were part of this social function. A very significant ceremony also took place during the dinner, where Maldivian Industry leaders signed the Private Sector Commitment to Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) and the five prominent enterprises and associations signing this commitment included the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Crown &Champa Resorts, Sun Island Resorts & Spa, Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives and Canareef Resort Maldives. Private By signing this commitment they pledge their commitment to observe the principle of the Code; respecting human rights and cultural heritage, protecting the environment and vulnerable groups, working towards social inclusion, gender equality, and accessibility – that is, abiding by highest moral values that we as a society have accepted as fundamental in the 21st century.
The CAP-CSA Joint Commission meeting is UNWTO’s principal annual event in the Asia Pacific Region, and the meetings took place in Bandos Island Resort & Spa on 4th June 2015. The Joint Commission Meeting was chaired by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State, Culture and Tourism, India and was co-chaired by Mr. Rolando Cañizal, Assistant Secretary of Tourism, of Philippines. Honorable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor lea the delegation from Maldives for the joint commission meeting. Key topics discussed during the meetings this year included UNWTO’s program of work for the region, Asia’s use of TripAdvisor as a source of consumer’s data and other statutory issues related to the UNWTO Asia-Pacific Member States.Mr. Mohamed Umar Maniki, Chairman of MATI, honoring the delegates and extending them to warm hospitality of Maldives, hosted a farewell dinner on the evening of 4th June at Bandos Island Resorts & Spa. The efforts of the chairman were complimented with participation from senior government officials and tourism industry leaders in this social gathering.
The events were concluded with a special technical tour organized by Ministry of Tourismfor the delegates on 5th June 2015, aimed at exposing the participants to the unique Maldivian tourism products and the Maldivian hospitality. The first half of this technical tour included a photo flight excursion, where the delegates took a tour of the Male’ atoll area in the Twin Otter seaplanes of Trans Maldivian Airways, flying over the pristine lagoons and islands of Maldives, taking a closer look at the scenic details enabling them to truly appreciate the beauty of the paradise on earth.This was followed by a high tea organized by Kuramathi Island Resort, where the locals where exposed to the outstanding Maldivian hospitality.
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W Maldives brings fast-growing sport of padel to the island
W Maldives has introduced the FIT Padel Court, a dynamic open-air sporting space that brings one of the world’s fastest-growingsports to the island in signature W style.
Set within the resort’s lush greenery, the FIT Padel Court is more than just a game. Designed as both a sporting arena and social hub, it welcomes beginners and seasoned players alike to rally, connect, and compete in an effortlessly vibrant setting. Open daily and availablefor private bookings, the court brings a fresh rhythm to island days, blending movement with moments that matter.
Elevating the experience further, the resort’s FIT team completed an intensive training with the Asia Pacific Padel Academy (APPA), the region’s leading institution for padel education and coach development. Designed to sharpen both technical precision and on-court strategy, the program ensures that every guest interaction is guided by knowledge, confidence, and an intuitive understanding of the game.

Led by a certified coach and national athlete, Karyn Emeralda, the training immersed the team in the fundamentals of technique, tactical play, and smart positioning, equipping them to deliver engaging, high-quality sessions tailored to every level. From first-time players discovering the sport to those looking to refine their edge, guests can now tap into beginner-friendly sessions and social matches designed to spark both skill and connection.
“Padel is more than a sport, it is a social movement, and we are excited to bring that energy to the island,” said Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives. “With the launch of the FIT Padel Court and a team trained to guide and inspire, we are creating an experience that is equal parts playful, dynamic, and elevated. It is about giving our guests new ways to move, connect and feel the pulse of the destination.”
As part of W Maldives’ ever-evolvingapproach to fitness and lifestyle, the FIT Padel Court reflects a broader commitment to experiences that are immersive, social, and distinctly of the moment. Here, every serve is set against a soundtrack of ocean waves, every match unfolds under Maldivianskies, and every guest is invited to play their way.
For those looking to extend the experience, the Original Wave maker package offers the perfect invitation to stay longer and dive deeper. With a minimum stay of four nights, the package includes seaplane transfers and a half-board meal plan for two adults, ensuring a seamless and elevated island getaway.
For more information, visit www.wmaldives.com or connect with the resort’s team at reservations.wmaldives@whotels.com.
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Grand Park Kodhipparu celebrates nine years with immersive summer campaign
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives marks its ninth anniversary with the launch of Summer Lagoon Living—a new seasonal campaign inspired by longer stays, meaningful connection, vibrant marine life and a slower rhythm of island living.
Designed to celebrate the soulful side of summer in the Maldives, the campaign repositions the season as a time for deeper experiences, restorative travel and immersive island living.

The celebration is intentionally timed to include World Oceans Day, as the campaign also reflects the resort’s continued commitment to ocean conservation and the protection of the house reef that has become central to the guest experience over the past nine years. Throughout the campaign, guests will also be encouraged to engage more consciously with the marine world surrounding the island, reinforcing the importance of protecting fragile reef ecosystems for future generations.

Summer Lagoon Living introduces a special anniversary stay featuring the ‘Every Third Night OnUs’offer, inviting both returning guests and first-time visitors to spend more time immersed in the lagoon lifestyle that defines the resort experience. Valid for new bookings with stays through to the end of October 2026, the offer has been intentionally designed to encourage greater flexibility for travellers seeking either shorter regional escapes or longer, more restorative island journeys.
Set just 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has evolved over the past nine years into one of the Maldives’ most recognised boutique island resorts—known for its contemporary overwater villas, award-nominated spa and restaurants, vibrant house reef and thoughtful approach to modern luxury hospitality.
The anniversary season also arrives as the resort awaits the results of multiple international travel award nominations recognising its boutique resort experience, vibrant house reef, award-nominated spa and restaurants, water villa stays and evolving philosophy of Connected Island Luxury.

“Our ninth anniversary feels especially meaningful because we are not only celebrating the journey of the resort itself, but also how luxury travel has evolved over that same time,” says General Manager, Raffaele Solferino.
“I have had the privilege of being part of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives since before the island welcomed its very first guests in 2017. Over the years, we have seen travellers increasingly seek something more intentional—experiences that create emotional value, genuine connection and a sense of wellbeing, rather than luxury defined purely by excess. Today, our vision of Connected Island Luxury reflects that evolution. It is about helping guests leave feeling better than when they arrived, while remaining deeply connected to the extraordinary natural environment surrounding the island—especially the ocean and house reef that make this destination so special.”
Throughout the Summer Lagoon Living season, guests will discover curated experiences inspired by island life at its most relaxed and immersive—from reef snorkelling and ocean adventures to sunset dining, wellness rituals, beach cinema evenings and moments designed to reconnect guests with both themselves and the natural beauty of the Maldives.

The resort’s house reef continues to play a central role within the campaign narrative, particularly as summer months in the Maldives are often associated with richer marine encounters, including turtles, reef sharks and stingrays frequently spotted close to shore and directly from many of the villas.
Flexible Island Escapes Through October 2026
“As travel patterns continue to evolve, we wanted to create an offer that provides guests with greater flexibility around how they choose to experience the Maldives,” says Director of Marketing Liz Smailes.
“The structure of the offer allows guests to extend their stay in a way that feels natural and rewarding. Because the offer can be repeated throughout the same reservation, it works equally well for both short-haul breaks and long-haul travel over six nights or more.”
As summer unfolds across the Maldives, Summer Lagoon Living positions the season not as an off-peak alternative, but as one of the most visually cinematic, emotionally restorative and naturally vibrant times to experience island life—where slower days, richer marine encounters and meaningful moments take centre stage.
Celebrate Summer in the Maldives
Designed for forward planning, Every Third Night On Us provides both immediate value and future flexibility, allowing travellers to secure more time, more experiences and a slower rhythm of island living well in advance.
For more information and bookings, please visit the resort’s website.
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Centara Ras Fushi Maldives offers relaxed daycation with dining and watersports
Located in North Malé Atoll, just a short speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, an adults-only resort, has introduced a day escape shaped by turquoise waters, ocean breezes, and uninterrupted time together. Designed for those seeking a relaxed island setting away from the everyday, this adults-only daycation experience blends dining, leisure, and oceanfront indulgence into one seamless escape.
From the moment you arrive, the island unfolds at its own gentle rhythm. Spend the day moving between crystal-clear lagoons, beachfront moments, and shared dining experiences, while unlimited special beverages and all-inclusive lunch and dinner create an effortless atmosphere of connection and celebration.
Beyond the shore, guests may explore the surrounding waters with snorkelling gear, non-motorised watersports, and selected water activities included throughout the experience. For groups of ten guests or more travelling together, a complimentary day-use villa provides a private space to relax, refresh, and unwind between moments by the sea.
The day visit experience is designed for those looking to gather, unwind, and experience the beauty of the Maldives through a day of relaxed island living. The package is priced at USD 150 net per person, with return speedboat transfers available at USD 99 net per person.
For reservations and further information, contact +960 797 6851 or alimo@chr.co.th.
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