News
MATATO urges government to spend more on destination marketing
Maldives tourism industry is demonstrating immense growth in terms of bed capacity, and we have seen this figure almost double in the last ten years. With expected openings of over 20 resorts this year and next year, also with the addition to the rapid growth of guesthouses means there is an immediate need to market Maldives on its offerings.
MATATO is in the process of lobbying with all concerned authorities and Parliament Group leaders as presently the 2017 budget is being presented to parliament. It is important that the Ministry of Tourism is given the adequate budgets in order to carry out its destination marketing plans, given the challenges of regional competition from emerging beach destinations and the PR challenges the destination has had in recent years.
The importance of destination marketing for the success of tourism is vital and given the majority of island nations GDP depends on tourism, also means that this is interconnected to other key industries in the Maldives. Without marketing, our destination may offer the best resorts or hotels in our industry, but none of our potential customers would know about it. The heart of our tourism success lies in its marketing and most aspects of our economy depend on this.
Unlike major multinational companies with huge budgets for marketing, the Small Medium Enterprises in the Maldivian tourism industry has limited resources, and this creates a huge problem to market the local guesthouses and local travel agents effectively. Thus MATATO urges the concerned authorities to participate in more travel trade fairs with affordable fees, more road shows, conduct more advertising campaigns, more familiarization opportunities for travel journalists and bloggers in the coming year.
The tourism industry is the highest tax paying and revenue generating industry (The direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP was 41.5% of total GDP in 2014). Marketing is one of the few expenses that have a direct Return on Investment. More tourists for Maldives means more tax income for the government directly via TGST, Green Tax and indirectly from a more stimulated industry of SMEs, and other benefits of stimulating the economy that creates job opportunities for locals as well.
MATATO applauds Ministry of Tourism and MMPRC for what they have done and accomplished this year with the limited budgets and hopes with more resources for next year, they will be able to deliver better results for the destination.
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.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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