News
Maldives welcomes 750,000th tourist of Visit Maldives Year
Maldives.net.mv – Maldives crosses another milestone in the tourist arrival target of Visit Maldives Year with the welcoming of 750,000th tourist this morning. Mr. Wang Shuai, a Chinese tourist, was the distinguished 750,000th tourist to the Maldives who arrived with his family at 06.53 hrs this morning on a Maldivian flight from Xian.
Wang Shuai and his family were warmly welcomed by the Honorable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Moosa Zameer Hassan, H. E. Mr. Wang Fukang the Ambassador of China to Maldives together with senior officials from the tourism industry, Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC), Maldivian, Maldives Airports Company as well as the Maldives Immigration, at a ceremony held at the airport VIP lounge. Wang Shuai was presented with a commemorative plaque and a holiday in the Maldives sponsored by Meeru Island Resort & Spa.
Upon landing of the Maldivian flight, the guest was welcomed at the arrival terminal by officials of MMPRC in colourful Maldivian traditional attire with a welcome bouquet, and escorted to the arrival lounge. Mandhira Boduberu Group joined in escorting the family to the VIP lounge with a performance of traditional boduberu music and dance at this colourful event. This is the third event held this year to celebrate the achievement of arrival milestones of Visit Maldives Year 2016. During the interview given to the media today by Wang Shuai, he expressed his excitement towards being the 750,000th visitor to Maldives. On this second trip to Maldives, he shared that his first trip to Maldives was for his honeymoon. He is also thrilled to have received the opportunity to experience Meeru Island Resort & Spa with his family during his next trip.
One of the important targets of Visit Maldives Year 2016 is to achieve 1.5 million tourist arrivals this year. Visit Maldives year events are being undertaken throughout the year locally and internationally. The biggest international event being the partnership with ITB, the biggest international tourism fair held in Berlin, Germany as the host country. Upcoming events include Maldives Photography competition and Surfing Competition to be held in the Maldives. Tourism being the most important industry for Maldives, the VMY2016 campaign is expected to strengthen the industry giving more opportunities to locals to promote their products and services in a greater platform.
China being the biggest source market to the Maldives, and one of the biggest booming outbound markets in the world, it is a great privilege for the Maldives to honour a Chinese tourist as the 750,000th tourist. This enhances the opportunity for the Maldives as a tourist destination to the further strengthen and promote positive awareness in the Chinese market.
Since 2010, China has maintained its position as the no.1 market to Maldives with more and more Chinese tourists visiting Maldives each year. Chinese currently contributes to 25.4% of the total market share, and is the first Asian market to take the no. 1 position in terms of arrivals.
Featured
Dusit Thani Maldives and beOnd Airlines announce exclusive discounts and benefits
Dusit Thani Maldives, a premier Thai-inspired luxury resort, has announced an exclusive partnership with beOnd Airlines, a premium leisure airline renowned for its exceptional services and luxury. This collaboration offers travellers a unique opportunity to enjoy exclusive privileges when booking their stay at Dusit Thani Maldives through beOnd Airlines.
Passengers flying with beOnd are eligible for a special offer at Dusit Thani Maldives, including discounts of up to 10% for stays between November 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025. Dusit Gold members receive additional discounts and privileges, further enhancing the benefits for loyal guests.
To access these exclusive offers, passengers must present a valid beOnd booking reference and use the booking code FLYDTMD when making a reservation at Dusit Thani Maldives.
This partnership strengthens the seamless travel experience that both Dusit Thani Maldives and beOnd Airlines aim to deliver to their discerning guests.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with beOnd Airlines and offer their passengers an opportunity to experience the unique blend of luxury and serenity at Dusit Thani Maldives,” said Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager, Maldives. “This partnership allows us to create more memorable stays for travellers looking to explore the beauty of the Maldives with the convenience and style that both Dusit Thani and beOnd Airlines are known for.”
Celebration
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi unveils Sixties Glamour holiday celebration
The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi invites guests to step back in time with its “Sixties Glamour” festive theme, capturing the elegance and charm of a bygone era. From December 15 to January 7, the resort transforms into a sixties-inspired setting with a chic colour palette of blue, white, silver, and black, adorned with pearls, bold accents, and iconic decorations. Guests will experience a world of vintage style, complete with family-friendly activities, unforgettable events, culinary delights, and festive experiences.
“We’re delighted to once again invite our guests to enjoy the magic of the holidays with us,” said General Manager TJ Joulak. “Our ‘Sixties Glamour’ program invites guests to embrace the spirit of the season in an atmosphere of timeless elegance and create unforgettable memories with loved ones.”
The resort offers a variety of spacious accommodations suitable for couples and families, from overwater villas to Ithaafushi – The Private Island, providing the ultimate island escape. A full calendar of events and sixties-inspired holiday decor ensures that guests are surrounded by festive cheer and celebrations, including the following highlights:
Guests can embrace the season’s magic with events for all ages. Highlights include a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Peacock Alley on December 17, featuring festive music and seasonal treats. On December 25, Santa Claus and his team will bring joy to NAVA Beach with gift-giving and a chance to meet Santarina and the elves. A sixties-themed fashion show for kids and teens will also offer young guests an opportunity to showcase their style on the runway.
For the season’s major celebrations, a grand tent will host Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve festivities, complete with world-class cuisine and captivating entertainment. Additionally, “Cinema Under the Stars” at the Lagoon Pool provides a unique experience with a movie night under the Maldivian sky.
The resort’s 11 distinctive dining venues will elevate the holiday dining experience with exclusive, specially crafted menus. Signature options include “Timeless Pairing” at Amber, featuring oysters and champagne, and the “Festive Flavours of Japan” at ZUMA, offering an elegant tasting menu. At Terra, “Dom Perignon Prestige” pairs gourmet dishes with Dom Perignon Champagne, while Yasmeen presents a festive buffet inspired by Lebanese street food. Guests can also enjoy a curated wine experience at Rock, savour fresh lobster and champagne by the ocean at Mirror Pool, and partake in festive brunches at ZUMA and Tasting Table. The “Maldivian Charm” dinner highlights local flavours, while “A Tale of Two Wines” at Glow features Bordeaux and Burgundy wines paired with gourmet cuisine. Another unique experience awaits at Li Long’s Laba Festival feast.
Guests seeking relaxation can enjoy holistic wellness practices led by visiting experts, Shree and Dr. Syed, including Himalayan Sound Bath Meditation, Acupuncture, and Pranic Healing. For younger guests, special wellness activities include “Splash and Fun” at the Aqua Wellness Pool, a “Beauty Camp” for girls, and a “Fitness Boot Camp” for children.
This holiday season, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi invites guests to create unforgettable memories surrounded by the glamour and warmth of the sixties.
Cooking
Domenico Carella and Fabrizio Margarita unite for innovative culinary experience at Patina Maldives
Patina Maldives has announces an exclusive culinary pop-up, Ultra Milano by Domenico Carella, taking place from November 9th to November 13th, 2024. This exclusive experience will showcase the innovative culinary and mixology talents of Domenico Carella, a renowned figure in the food and beverage industry.
Carella has built an impressive career as a professional chef, bartender, and manager. With over a decade of experience, he has mastered the art of blending ingredients and flavours to create dishes that perfectly balance texture and taste. His culinary journey has taken him around the world, earning accolades such as Manager of the Year in Asia by “That’s Shanghai” in 2015.
At this event, Domenico Carella’s mixology will complement Fabrizio Margarita’s pizza artistry, reimagining dining with a sustainable flair at Veli Bar in Patina Maldives, Fari Islands.
Carella’s approach to food and beverage emphasises environmental respect and sustainability. His holistic vision ensures that all departments, from the kitchen to the bar, work harmoniously, aligning the procurement of raw materials to create a unified and sustainable operation.
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