News
Maldives celebrates the 1st tourist arrival of Visit Maldives Year 2016
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation together with Ministry of Tourism commenced the Visit Maldives Year 2016 campaign today, the 1st January 2016 by welcoming the very first tourist to visit the country of the new celebratory year. In an event organized to honour and mark the first arrival of a tourist in to Maldives, the Acting Managing Director of MMPRC, Haris Mohamed awarded a free holiday from Outrigger Konotta to Kate Holmes from United Kingdom. Officials attended the ceremony from MMPRC and Ministry of Tourism, as well as a number of invitees of the industry. The first arrival flight to the Maldives was on Oman Air at 0650hrs.
In the event to celebrate the arrival of the very first tourist, a special stamp of the celebratory year was introduced, which will be stamped on all the passports along with the arrival stamp throughout 2016, as a token of the special campaign. Boduberu and dancers accompanied the 1st tourist to the VIP arrival hall, where refreshments were served. The event displayed the Maldivian tradition and uniqueness as all the staff of MMPRC and MOT were dressed in the Maldivian traditional dresses. The tourism industry will also be celebrating the arrival of every 500,000th visitor during the year 2016.
The Visit Maldives Years 2016 will be a yearlong campaign to boost the tourism of the country, targeting a total of 1.5 million tourist arrivals during the year. A number of international and national events, competitions and awareness programs will be carried out by Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation together with the Tourism Industry to display the richness of Maldives as a destination and portray Maldives as the exotic place it is, to the world. The competitions and attractive prizes are aimed to create a hype to visit Maldives and experience the sunny side of life.
The 1st visitor of VMY2016 was awarded to a tourist from United Kingdom, which is prominent market to the Maldives. By the end of November 2015, the UK held 7.5% of the market share with a total of 83,244 arrivals recorded. Tourism being the most important industry for Maldivians, the VMY2016 campaign is expected to strengthen and heighten the gains of the country, while creating unity within. This campaign will be celebrated nation wide in many colourful events to be looked forward to.
Awards
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives recognised among leading global hotels with Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award

An emerald jewel in the Indian Ocean, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives was honored with Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, a distinction given to businesses that consistently earn exceptional reviews and rank among the top 10% of listings worldwide.
As an idyllic island escape that blends playful energy with breathtaking natural beauty, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives has captivated guests with its vibrant atmosphere, thoughtful hospitality and experiences that honour local culture while embracing global celebrations – from Easter to Eid Al-Fitr.
Whether guests arrive as a family for the annual summer camp where youngsters make friends for life or retreat to an overwater villa for a romantic weekend, they can expect The Standard’s signature fusion of relaxation, entertainment and adventure – an experience that continues to earn rave reviews from travellers worldwide.
“We are incredibly honoured to receive the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award,” said Justin Swart, the newly appointed General Manager at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives. “We are grateful for the support and feedback from our valued visitors and look forward to creating more magical moments for our guests, old and new.”
News
Eid escape at Noku Maldives

This Eid al-Adha, Noku Maldives, a member of IHG’s Vignette Collection, invites guests to experience a soulful three-day celebration set against the serene beauty of Noonu Atoll. Rooted in culture and connection, the resort’s Eid Escape is thoughtfully curated to honour the essence of the season through a blend of Maldivian heritage, island rituals, and shared moments of joy.
Guests are welcomed into a journey where each day unfolds with intention—from immersive wellness sessions to meaningful cultural workshops. Highlights of the celebration include traditional Maldivian performances, where the island’s rich storytelling heritage comes alive through the Bodumas procession, Bandiya Jehun dance, and the rhythmic beat of Boduberu drums. These time-honoured performances, held beneath golden skies, invite guests to witness the living spirit of the Maldives.
The celebration culminates in a generous Eid Feast by the beach, featuring a curated menu of local delicacies, fresh catch, and tropical indulgences—all served in a setting that captures the warmth of island life.
Whether participating in games by the sea, exploring island rituals, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, Eid Escape at Noku Maldives is a celebration of grace, heritage, and togetherness, woven into the heart of a secluded paradise.
Drink
Master Sommelier Kamal Malik to host exclusive dinner at Ithaa Underwater Gem

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is set to host an exclusive champagne pairing dinner at its iconic Ithaa Underwater Gem on 23 May 2025. Leading the experience is Kamal Malik, India’s only Master Sommelier and judge for the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Guests will indulge in a specially curated six-course menu featuring refined dishes from land and sea, each paired with a selection of Ruinart’s elegant cuvées—including Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blanc and Rosé. This one-night-only event offers a rare opportunity to experience expert wine pairing in one of the world’s most unique dining settings, five meters below the ocean’s surface.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.
For more information or to book your experience, please visit www.conradmaldives.com or email mlehi.experiences@conradhotels.com or contact +960 6680629.
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