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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.
Tennis enthusiasts of all levels are encouraged to participate in an engaging five-day tennis camp hosted by former British tennis star Naomi Cavaday, as part of JA Manafaru’s ‘Naturally Better Festive Programme.’
From January 1st to 5th, 2025, Naomi Cavaday will provide expert coaching to both adults and children at the resort’s tennis court from 4 to 5 pm daily. With a career that includes competing at Wimbledon and in all four Grand Slam tournaments, Naomi offers players a unique opportunity to receive personalised guidance from a former WTA professional. Whether participants are beginners or advanced players aiming to refine their skills, her competitive spirit and passion for coaching promise to elevate their performance.
The tennis camp aims to deliver an inspiring and dynamic experience for all participants, offering a chance to learn from Naomi’s extensive expertise. Guests will benefit from high-quality coaching and gain valuable insights into the sport, all within a supportive and enjoyable environment.
Jason Kruse, General Manager at JA Manafaru, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Naomi Cavaday to host our tennis camp as part of our ‘Naturally Better Festive Programme.’ Her vast experience and genuine love for the game will undoubtedly inspire guests of all ages, helping them improve their skills and enjoy a memorable tennis experience during their stay.”
Naomi Cavaday, a former British tennis player, turned professional in 2006 and competed in WTA events and all four Grand Slam tournaments. She represented Great Britain as the number one player in the Billie Jean King Cup and has achieved significant victories, including matches against top players such as Venus Williams and Martina Hingis. Beyond her playing career, Naomi is a respected commentator for Sky, Eurosport, and the BBC, where she shares her expertise with global audiences. As a coach, she is dedicated to mentoring and developing new generations of tennis players.
Amilla Maldives welcomed 2025 with a 70s-inspired celebration, combining disco energy with the island’s natural charm.
The evening began with pre-dinner cocktails, allowing guests to mingle and build anticipation for the festivities. A lavish buffet dinner followed, featuring a diverse array of flavours served under the starlit Maldivian sky.
The main stage, dramatically positioned over the resort’s main pool, became the focal point of the celebration. Guests filled the dance floor, enjoying live performances that infused the night with vibrant energy and wonder. Highlights of the evening included a captivating fire show and a dazzling LED display that enthralled attendees.
As midnight approached, the renowned Bjorn Again tribute band took the stage, performing ABBA’s iconic hits and leading the countdown to the New Year. The celebration reached its peak at the stroke of midnight, as a spectacular fireworks display illuminated the sky.
The festivities continued with an after-party, where lively beats and a bustling dance floor kept the energy alive well into the early hours. Guests embraced the spirit of joy and togetherness, celebrating the arrival of a new year.
Amilla Maldives’ Disco Fever New Year’s Eve event served as a grand conclusion to a year of remarkable experiences, setting a vibrant tone for 2025.
The first dawn of the New Year marked more than a fresh start at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, as nature staged a remarkable event: three tiny turtles emerged from their delicate shells. Guided solely by instinct, these hatchlings began their journey toward the vast Indian Ocean, captivating both guests and staff with the enchantment of the moment.
Numerous eggs had been carefully laid on the island, and under the diligent care of the resort’s marine biology team, led by Tharushi Pitigala, the fragile eggs were closely monitored and protected to ensure the safety of these precious new arrivals. Anticipation had been growing for weeks, with guests eagerly seeking updates on the eggs’ progress. Reflecting on the event, Tharushi expressed her excitement, stating, “Seeing them emerge and instinctively head towards the sea is nothing short of miraculous. Each turtle plays a vital role in sustaining the ocean’s delicate ecosystems, from keeping seagrass beds healthy to supporting coral reef biodiversity.”
In the following days, an even greater spectacle unfolded. One by one, the remaining hatchlings emerged, their tiny shells cracking open to reveal new lives ready to venture into the ocean. Guests once again gathered to witness the mesmerising sight of these delicate creatures taking their first steps into the sea.
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon has long been recognised as a haven for marine life, boasting one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs. Over the years, the resort has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to marine conservation, engaging in coral propagation projects and reef health monitoring. These initiatives have cultivated an environment where marine life flourishes, from vivid coral gardens to the green and hawksbill turtles that call the island home.
Events like these underscore the importance of preserving marine ecosystems and foster a deeper connection between humanity and the ocean. At Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, the turtle hatchings are more than natural occurrences—they serve as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard the beauty and balance of the world’s oceans.
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