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MATATO urges government to spend more on destination marketing

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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.

Entertainment

The Presets to ignite nights in exclusive Kandooma Maldives showcase in April 2026

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Imagine your favourite music festival—but swap muddy fields for white sands, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. In April 2026, acclaimed electronic duo The Presets will trade stadiums and festival crowds for an exclusive beachfront series of shows at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, offering fans an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime island escape curated by Music in Paradise.

From Coachella to Splendour in the Grass, The Presets—Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes—have made their mark on the global stage. But this time, they’re doing things differently. From 11–18 April 2026, fans will experience a week of sun-drenched luxury capped off by three electrifying live performances, including a sunset DJ set on the beach and an exclusive rooftop party at the resort’s Sunset Bar.

“We’re beyond excited to host The Presets at Kandooma,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Their energy, talent, and incredible live shows are a perfect match for our vibrant island setting. Guests can expect something truly unforgettable.”

With a career spanning two decades, The Presets are electronic music royalty in Australia. Their breakout 2008 album Apocalypso went triple platinum and produced the festival anthem “My People.” With multiple ARIA Awards, APRA Songwriter of the Year titles, and collaborations like the RAKA EP with Golden Features under their belt, the duo continues to shape the sound of electronic music worldwide.

Their 2018 album HI VIZ soared to the top of iTunes within hours of release and included hits like “Do What You Want” and “Martini,” both nominated for major Australian music prizes.

Fans can now secure the Early Bird Gold Experience Package for A$3,790 per person (twin share) for seven nights in a Beach Villa—saving over $1,000. This VIP experience includes:

  • Entry to 3 Nightly Exclusive Events
  • 3 Intimate Performances
  • Meet & Greet with artists
  • Professional Photo with artists
  • Music in Paradise Welcome Bag
  • Music in Paradise Event Poster
  • Event commemorative t-shirt
  • Return shared Speedboat airport transfers
  • Welcome drink and cold towel on arrival
  • Delicious buffet breakfast daily at Kandooma Café
  • Tea, coffee & bottled water in-villa, and replenished daily
  • Complimentary snorkel trip & use of snorkelling gear
  • Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee

Additional packages offering different villa types are also available exclusively from Music in Paradise here. All packages exclude airfares.

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News

Embudu Village achieves Travelife Gold certification for sustainability

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Embudu Village, one of Maldives’ most cherished island resorts, has been awarded the Travelife Gold Certification, a globally recognised mark of excellence in sustainable tourism. The certification encompasses a resort’s environmental footprint, impact in the community, as well as labour standards, and the protection of biodiversity.

Embudu Village previously held the Travelife Silver Certification. Following a recent evaluation, though, the resort successfully met Travelife’s comprehensive criteria for Gold Certification. This accomplishment reflects Embudu’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

Travelife, a leading international sustainability certification body for hotels and resorts, evaluates properties against a strict checklist. Certification is awarded after an in-depth, on-site audit conducted by an independent auditor. The findings undergo a comprehensive quality assurance review before Travelife confers certification status.

Expressing his gratitude in receiving the certification, Ramsay Perera, General Manager of Kaimoo Resorts, said: “Our team is thrilled to be recognised with the Travelife Gold Certification. This reflects our longstanding commitment to sustainable tourism and protecting the natural beauty of Maldives.”

As one of the Maldives’ pioneering resorts, Embudu continues to lead by example, proving that authentic island hospitality can go hand in hand with sustainable practices. With the Travelife Gold Certification, Embudu Village strengthens its promise to offer guests a meaningful holiday experience in the heart of the Maldives.

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Awards

Amilla Maldives’ Javvu Spa recognised in Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards

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Building on Amilla Maldives’ recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, Javvu Spa is celebrating its own honour in this prestigious global listing.

Nestled within the island’s lush jungle and bordered by the Indian Ocean, Javvu Spa offers a peaceful retreat where modern wellness gently blends with nature’s rhythms. This recognition is a heartfelt acknowledgement of the spa team’s dedication and Amilla’s ongoing focus on personalised, intuitive care for the wellbeing of its guests.

This honour follows Amilla Maldives’ own recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Star Awards, positioning the resort as one of a select group of destinations worldwide to be acknowledged for both its resort and spa. The dual recognition reflects a thoughtful commitment to excellence across the guest experience, from island living to holistic wellness.

Javvu Spa’s inclusion in the 2025 Star Awards further strengthens its role as a leading wellness destination in the Maldives, offering guests a serene sanctuary to restore, reconnect and renew.

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