News
MATATO Maldives Travel Awards signs with sponsors and partners

Maldives.net.mv – Maldives Travel Awards has signed with the sponsors and partners for 2016 at a ceremony held at Hotel Jen Male’ on Saturday.
Maldives Travel Awards 2016 is the fifth edition of the awards organised by the Maldives Association Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) to recognize the best of travel and tourism industry. This year’s event received 243 nominations for over 20 categories. Leading advertising and events management company, Think Associates is the event manager for this year’s event to be held at Bandos Island Resort in November.
Maldives Airports Company signed as the main sponsor of the event. Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company, Adil Moosa said “We are glad to be a partner of this grand event. We are growing with the industry and we will keep supporting the awards for the coming years”.
PSM is the official media and they announced the plan to launch a television channel to promote Maldives. “I’m honored to be a part of this awards. We are going to launch a new television channel to promote Maldives. If our plans go according to the plan it will be launched in late December. This can take destination promotion to a new level” said Shayan Shahid, Deputy Managing Director PSM.
- Main Sponsor: Maldives Airports Company Limited is the Main Sponsor for this year’s edition of the Awards. This is the 5th year running that the nation’s international airport – the gateway for the travel industry – is being part of this prestigious award label.
- Conference Host: Bandos Maldives – being one of the pioneers in the travel industry with years of experience in hosting conferences and meetings – as the Conference Host provides a historical venue for the Industry Conference of Maldives Travel Awards.
- Official Media Partner: Public Service Media is the Official Media Partner for the 5th time since the Awards began in 2012
- Official Hotel Partner: Hotel Jen by Shangril-La is the Official Hotel Partner for the awards and will host the functions to be held in the Capital City.
- International Airline Partner: Etihad Airways, the fastest growing airline in the history of commercial aviation, is the Official Airline Partner of the event.
- Silver Sponsor: Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives Pvt Ltd joins the award label as a prestigious Silver Sponsor.
- Silver Sponsor: Fuel Supplies Maldives also joins as a Silver Sponsor providing an enormous and crucial element in fueling the industry with their years of service.
- Telecommunications Partner: Dhiraagu, the largest telecom operator in the country is the Telecommunications Partner.
- Official Beverage Partner: Coca Cola
- Sound and Lights Partner: PopJoy Pvt Ltd
- Official Band: Equatic Vibe
- Online Media Partner: Mihaaru
- Travel Media Partner: MVHotels
- Associate Partner: Maldives Getaways
- Associate Partner: Maldives.com
- Online Travel Website: Maldives.net.mv
The final output of the results will be provided by the independent audit firm KPMG as the Independent Service Provider. This is the first time in the Maldives that an independent audit firm provides its professional services in such an event.
Maldives Travel Awards is the longest running travel awards label in Maldives, recognized as the most prestigious and exclusive in the industry. This edition celebrates the 5th anniversary for the awards with a record number of nominations. The awarding Gala Ceremony will be held in November and the host venue will be announced in the upcoming months.
News
Maldives named among world’s top destinations in Tripadvisor’s 2026 awards
The Maldives has received multiple rankings in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Destinations 2026, according to destination rankings released by the travel platform.
In the global category, the Maldives was ranked 21st among the world’s top destinations for 2026.
The Maldives was also ranked third in the world in the Best Honeymoon Destinations category for 2026.
In the Asia category, the Maldives secured eighth place among Tripadvisor’s Top Destinations in Asia for 2026.
Tripadvisor said its Best of the Best rankings are based on traveller reviews and ratings collected over a 12-month period. The rankings reflect visitor feedback and travel demand across destinations worldwide.
News
Ambani family members holiday in Maldives again
Anant Ambani, son of Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani, and his wife Radhika Merchant have arrived in the Maldives for a holiday.
Ambani’s Boeing 737 private jet landed in the Maldives on Saturday. Witnesses at the airport said the couple were accompanied by around 50 security personnel.
Anant and Radhika are currently staying at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi’s private island.
Two seaplanes are on standby at the resort, according to sources. The arrangements are in place to facilitate transport if required.
The Ambani family has previously spent holidays in the Maldives. Last year, other members of the family spent the Christmas and New Year period at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.
In November 2024, Anant stayed at Soneva Secret and also visited the nearby island of HDh. Makunudhoo. During that visit, he purchased a chicken and a rabbit from the island, which were later taken to a zoo he operates in India.
Featured
The Standard, Maldives unveils romantic Valentine’s Day experiences
This Valentine’s Day, The Standard, Maldives is inviting couples to celebrate love through a curated collection of romantic dining experiences set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Designed to encourage connection and indulgence, each experience combines refined cuisine, intimate settings and signature details that transform shared moments into lasting memories.
For couples seeking privacy and exclusivity, the Romantic Dinner at Baby Island offers a secluded escape on a private island setting. Guests are treated to a bespoke dining experience for two, accompanied by champagne and specially curated Valentine’s touches, all within an atmosphere that is personal, tranquil and understatedly romantic, creating an intimate celebration of love surrounded by nature.
The Private Dinner at Kula Beach provides an equally refined beachfront experience beneath the night sky. Set along the shoreline with the sound of the ocean in the background, the evening is designed to balance elegance and intimacy, creating a warm ambience that allows couples to immerse themselves fully in the moment. Advance reservations ensure exclusivity and a peaceful setting for this special occasion.
Valentine’s Day at The Standard, Maldives may also begin in relaxed island style with a Floating Breakfast served in the privacy of each villa. Carefully prepared and attractively presented, guests may choose from a range of breakfast options, from classic favourites and lighter wellness-inspired selections to a champagne-enhanced start to the day, offering a leisurely and indulgent morning together.
From private island dinners and starlit beachfront evenings to indulgent floating breakfasts, The Standard, Maldives has crafted Valentine’s Day experiences designed to be shared and savoured. Each moment reflects the resort’s signature blend of playful luxury and meaningful connection, inviting couples to celebrate love in a way that feels personal, immersive and memorable.
To further enhance the romantic escape, guests may complement their stay with The Standard, Maldives’ Premium All-Inclusive experience, offering seamless indulgence throughout the visit. With daily dining at selected restaurants, premium beverages, in-villa refreshments and curated resort experiences included, couples are free to focus on one another, enjoying a relaxed and immersive Valentine’s celebration in a tropical setting.
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