News
Maldives participates at the World Travel Market
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) together with 157 representatives from the tourism industry of Maldives are taking part at World Travel Market (WTM) in London, UK from 2 – 5 November 2015. Minister of Tourism, Mr. Moosa Zameer is the head of the Maldives delegation this year.
The event generating more than 2.5 billion tourism industry contracts is held for the 36th year in 2015. World Travel Market this year is expected to be the biggest and best edition till date. This year’s event will host more than 100 conference sessions with total delegate numbers of around 17,000, comprising more than 8,000 unique industry executives international. Noted as a must attend business event in the heart of London and a leading event for the travel industry, WTM presents a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors.
Maldives is being showcased in a 276Sqm contemporary stand designed to portray the uniqueness of the destination and show off the desirable aspects of Maldives. Together with 57 co-exhibitors from the tourism industry, the Maldives’ stand prominently represents “Maldives….the sunny side of life” as a brand while also exposing the “Visit Maldives Year 2016” campaign equivalently.
The UK market has experienced a slight downfall this year due to negative news reports, political situations and the cancellation of the only direct flight British Airways till October. This year’s marketing plan for UK is aimed to maintain and boost the market, by strengthening the destination’s presence and carrying out extensive PR and marketing campaigns. Statistics of the year up to September has shown overall positive figures, with a 2.9% increase of arrival figures from 66,602 last year to 68,519 this year. The UK market holds 7.5% share of the market.
Awards
Wellness by Mandara at Barceló Nasandhura named among world’s top 100 spas
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.
Awards
Jalboot Group claims three honours at World Luxury Travel Awards 2026
Jalboot Group has won three awards at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards, marking the second consecutive year the marine leisure and transport services provider has received recognition at the event.
The awards were presented during a gala ceremony held on 24 October at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Thailand.
Jalboot Group and its marine leisure brand, Koamas by Jalboot, received awards in three categories:
- Best Diving Experience in Maldives: Koamas by Jalboot
- Best Luxury Water Transfer in Indian Ocean: Jalboot Group
- Best Water Sport & Activities in Indian Ocean Islands: Koamas by Jalboot
The awards recognise the company’s operations across marine leisure and transport services in the Maldives, including watersports, resort-based recreational activities and inter-island water transfers.
RJ Reddy, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jalboot Group, said the recognition reflected the contributions of the company’s team across its operations.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised across three categories at the 2026 World Luxury Travel Awards. This milestone reflects the passion, professionalism and teamwork of everyone at Jalboot. Our goal has always been to create experiences that reflect the essence of luxury and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, both on and beneath the water.”
Jalboot Group continues to expand its operations in the Maldives as a provider of integrated maritime solutions, including luxury yacht charters, marine transport and resort-based leisure services.
The three awards further recognise the company’s presence in the Indian Ocean’s marine tourism and transport sectors.
Action
Kandooma Maldives adds pickleball to recreational offerings
Kandooma Maldives has introduced a new pickleball court, expanding its recreational facilities as the paddle sport continues to gain popularity worldwide.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a sport that is relatively easy to learn and suitable for players of different ages and abilities. The new facility allows guests to participate in singles or doubles matches, offering an additional recreational activity for families, couples and groups staying at the resort.
The pickleball court is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with paddles and balls available for guests to borrow from Reception.
Court reservations can be made through the resort’s Recreation or Front Office team. Each villa is entitled to one complimentary hour of court use per day.
The introduction of pickleball forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ efforts to expand its recreational offerings and provide guests with more opportunities to participate in sports and group activities during their stay.
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