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Maldives celebrates the 1st tourist arrival of Visit Maldives Year 2016

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Photo by Asad | http://asad.photography

Photo by Asad | http://asad.photography

 

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.

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Food

JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La launches new culinary direction at Azur

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A newly reimagined menu at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La’s Azur unfolds as a thoughtful expression of place, an exploration of flavour guided by nature, grounded in community, and elevated through a global perspective. More than a collection of dishes, it tells a story, one of origin, craftsmanship, and a philosophy that values authenticity as much as innovation.

The unveiling of the refreshed menu was marked by an intimate gathering of partners, brought together for an evening of tasting and discovery. Rather than a formal presentation, the experience was designed as a sensory journey, where each course revealed the intention, depth, and evolution behind the culinary direction.

Guests were guided through a curated tasting experience that reflected the menu’s defining principles: clarity of flavor, respect for ingredients, and a seamless balance between intention and quality. Each dish spoke not only of technique, but also of provenance, where it came from, who cultivated it, and why it mattered.

At the heart of the menu are Azur’s rooted in nature (RIN) dishes, created with sustainability as a guiding principle. By prioritizing locally sourced ingredients, these dishes reduce environmental impact while strengthening the connection between the kitchen and the community.

While deeply rooted in the Maldives, the menu draws inspiration from global culinary traditions, weaving familiar flavors into something distinctly its own. The result is cuisine that feels both comforting and refreshing, inviting guests to explore while remaining beautifully familiar.

This philosophy reflects the guiding principles of Shangri-La, where hospitality is defined by genuine care and attentiveness, and excellence is measured not only in precision, but in how responsibly and meaningfully it is delivered.

At the same time, it carries the vibrant, contemporary spirit of JEN, effortlessly connected to its surroundings, shaped by the people and place it belongs to, and rooted in modern travel experiences that feel both relaxed and meaningful.

Dining at Azur is shaped as much by its setting as by its cuisine. Open skies, the gentle rhythm of the water, and the ever present blue create a rooftop atmosphere that defines the experience at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La. From this elevated space in the heart of the capital, dining feels open, relaxed, and naturally connected to its surroundings.

“Our menu is rooted in a sustainable philosophy, built around comforting, honest ingredients that connect with people on a deeper level. We focus on simplicity and flavour, letting each element shine without over complication. For me, creating a menu is about more than flavour and presentation. It’s about telling a story that respects both the environment and the community,” Chef Hardik Trehan said.

More than 50% of our produce is sourced locally from the Maldives, which allows us to work with fresher ingredients while supporting local farmers and fishermen. This not only enhances the quality of our dishes but also strengthens our connection to the community. For me, it’s about creating food that feels good, both in taste and in purpose bringing together comfort, sustainability, and a true sense of place.”

“The dessert selection at Azur beautifully blends locally sourced ingredients with refined international flavours, creating a unique and memorable experience. From Kashikeyo with screw pine, to the refreshing Tropical Wellness with coconut and fruits, and Dhonkeyo made from handpicked local bananas, each dessert reflects island authenticity,” added Pastry Chef Hameed.

“Thoughtfully crafted to suit every palate, the menu ranges from the richly indulgent Saffron Tres Leches to the decadent Molten Chocolate Lava. Whether light or indulgent, every guest is sure to find a favourite in this elegant collection.”

Here, above the rhythm of Malé, Azur finds its expression not as reinvention, but as refinement.

A space where nature, city, and cuisine come together effortlessly at the rooftop of JEN Maldives Malé. A place where dining feels unhurried, present, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

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Celebration

Sirru Fen Fushi to host Eid al-Adha celebration from 27–29 May

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Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has announced its “Eid in Harmony” programme for Eid al-Adha, scheduled from 27 to 29 May 2026, offering guests a series of curated experiences centred on dining, cultural elements and leisure activities.

The programme is designed to provide a structured yet relaxed approach to the celebration, with a focus on shared experiences and engagement with the island environment. According to the resort, the initiative aims to bring together cultural traditions and hospitality offerings within a resort setting.

A central feature of the programme will be the Eid al-Adha Feast, a dining experience presenting a selection of dishes prepared for the occasion. The event will be set in a themed environment reflecting elements associated with Eid.

The resort will also introduce an “Eid Gift with Purpose” initiative, positioned as a gesture aligned with the values of giving and reflection associated with the occasion.

In addition, guests will have the option to participate in a Guest Archery Competition, offering a recreational activity designed to complement the island setting and provide an alternative form of engagement during the celebration period.

Alongside the programme, the resort has launched an “Eid Island Escape” offer, which includes a range of inclusions for guests staying during the period. These include a 30-minute jet lag recovery massage, daily breakfast at Raha Market, dinner on a dine-around basis across selected restaurants, and a one-time floating breakfast experience.

In a statement, the resort’s management said the programme is intended to reflect the values of togetherness and reflection associated with Eid al-Adha, while offering guests opportunities to spend time with family and participate in shared experiences.

Through the three-day programme, Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort is presenting Eid al-Adha as a combination of dining, leisure and cultural activities within a resort environment.

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Featured

Reethi Faru Resort awarded Green Globe certification

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Reethi Faru Resort has received Green Globe certification, recognising its compliance with international standards for sustainable tourism.

The certification reflects the resort’s stated commitment to responsible hospitality, with a focus on environmental management, social responsibility and operational practices across the property.

Green Globe certification is awarded following an assessment based on established sustainability criteria and verified through independent third-party audits. The standard reviews performance in areas including environmental management, energy efficiency, resource conservation, community engagement and sustainable operations.

With the certification, Reethi Faru Resort joins a group of hospitality operators worldwide that have met Green Globe’s sustainability requirements and demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improvement in tourism practices.

In a statement, the management of Reethi Faru Resort said the recognition reflects the resort’s continued focus on preserving the natural environment of the Maldives while maintaining the guest experience. The management added that sustainability forms part of the resort’s daily operations.

The Green Globe standard includes more than 40 core criteria supported by over 380 compliance indicators, providing a framework for assessing sustainability performance in the hospitality sector.

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