News
Maldives participates in JATA, the largest travel showcase in Tokyo, Japan
Maldives.net.mv – The JATA Tourism EXPO Japan 2016 kicked off today in Tokyo, Japan, where Maldives was showcased at a stand headed by the Acting Managing Director of MMPRC, Mr. Haris Mohamed and Ambassador of Maldives in Japan, Mr. Ahmed Khaleel. The exhibition was also attended by officials from MMPRC, Maldives Embassy in Japan and as well as 6 representative companies from the tourism industry. This annual event will be taking place from 22 – 25 September 2015, at the Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan.
JATA Tourism Expo Japan is an integrated tourism event organized by the Tabi Fair Japan and JATA “TABUHAKU” Travel showcase which first commenced this joint venture in 2014 and has successfully executed the fair with over 157,589 visitors to have attended the fair, along with participation of 1129 companies/organizations from 151 countries/regions. This is a well organized event inclusive of International tourism forums, business meetings, travel showcase, award commendation and ceremonies. With such diverse industries focusing on tourism, this platform provides various promotional opportunities for all those involved in tourism and the world’s travel professionals. JATA Tourism EXPO Japan continues to grow as a leading international event, helping to promote domestic, overseas and inbound tourism.
With much contribution and assistance from the Maldives Embassy in Japan, several activities will be taking place at the stand, in order to attract more visitors to the stand. A bingo game will take place at the stand during the first public day where a lucky winner will win a holiday package from Veligandu Island Resort & Spa. There will also be a performance of Maldivian songs by a Japanese musician played during the public day. The Japanese market is among the top markets to Maldives but has slightly declined over the years. As of June 2016, there were total 21,358 Japanese tourists to have visited Maldives this year. This is an increase of 8% when compared to the same period in 2015.
The Japanese market contributes to attracting a number of the dive segment to Maldives which is a vital segment to the growth of the industry. Japanese travellers enjoy tropical destinations, making Maldives one of the top choices, and while Maldives offers free visa on entry with easy connection, it is the ideal destination for these travellers.
JATA Tourism EXPO Japan is a great platform to showcase Maldives to a vast audience with organized B2B sessions and public viewers attending the fair throughout the 3 day event. Through right promotion and exposure at JATA, Maldives tourism could have a positive growth with increasing arrivals from the Japanese market once again.
JEN Maldives Malé has introduced the Shangri-La Circle (SLC) loyalty programme, offering dining benefits for guests from 1 April to 31 December 2026.
The programme provides free and instant membership, allowing guests to access discounts and earn reward points on dining experiences at the property. Members receive a 15 per cent discount on their first dining purchase upon joining, along with ongoing 15 per cent savings on food and beverage.
Guests can enrol in the programme through the Shangri-La Circle mobile application. Membership benefits include reward points on eligible spending, which can be redeemed for future dining and hotel experiences.
The offer applies to regular dining experiences and excludes tobacco, special theme buffet nights, and other ongoing promotions.
JEN Maldives Malé stated that the programme is designed to provide value to guests while enhancing dining experiences at the hotel. The initiative also reflects Shangri-La’s focus on strengthening guest engagement through loyalty-based offerings.
Members are required to present their digital membership card at the time of billing to access the benefits.
The hotel is promoting the programme through its social media channels, in-house displays, and digital platforms. Guests can download the Shangri-La Circle application or sign up at the hotel to begin using the programme.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
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