News
Maldives participates in OTM 2016 in Mumbai
Maldives.net.mv – Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation together with the tourism industry is currently taking part in the OneWorld Travel Mart 2016, which takes place in Mumbai, India from 18th – 20th February 2016. The exhibition is the most prominent and leading travel trade show of India, and is conducted in the largest travel market of India, Mumbai, at the Bombay Convention Centre. 26 participants from 15 industry co-exhibitor companies are taking part alongside MMPRC in the fair.
Organized and run by TTF, the most trusted market leader in India formed in 1989, OTM has become the best platform to focus on outbound tourism in India. More than 2,500 hotels, resorts, travel agents, tour operators and other travel service providers, state and country pavilions from around 70 different countries will take part in OTM 2016, which is the most alluring travel trade event that is organized and held in India. This year the exhibition will be spread over 25,000 sqm, housing the fairground which is expected to be visited by more than 12,000 travel trade visitors from all over India and abroad.
Maldives will be showcased in a stand space of 60 sqm designed to portray the uniqueness of the destination with very bold and alluring photos of holiday resort islands. More advertising such as billboards at the entry, pillar wrapping, lanyard design of exhibition badges and the show carry bags will be displaying and promoting the Visit Maldives Year 2016 campaign.
OTM is the most effective platform to market to the Indian travel industry as it caters to over 15 million outbound travellers spending over US$ 10 billion in India. As Mumbai is the biggest outbound tourist market in India, the city contributes over half of all overseas travel from the country.
India currently holds the 5th biggest market share of the arrivals. Taking this place in November 2015, India has a recorded figure of 52,368 tourists who visited in the year 2015. This figure is a 14.9% growth compared to the arrival number recorded in the year 2014. The Indian market accounted to 4.2% of the market in 2015, and is a very important market to focus on as it promises a lot of potential.
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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