Business
Vacations Expo 2017 kicks off with major exhibitors, exciting prizes
Vacations Expo 2017 kicked off Thursday with major tour operators and travel service providers in attendance and offering prizes.
The annual expo, organised by leading local event management company Highrise, was inaugurated by Indian ambassador to the Maldives Akhilesh Mishra. Top officials from Highrise and the travel industry attended the ceremony held Thursday afternoon.
The entrance free expo is being be held till the end of Saturday at the National Art Gallery in capital Male. It is open for public from 2.30-6pm and from 8-11pm on Thursday and Saturday, and from 4-6pm and from 8-11pm on Friday.
Twenty-six exhibitors have participated at the expo, including local Islamic pilgrimage agents such as Musafireen and Hajj Corporation, local tour operators Kraken, Inner Maldives Holidays and Voyages Maldives, local guesthouses Vinorva, Reveries Diving Village, Kaani Hotels, Plumeria and Pebbles Inn, and local airlines Maldivian and Flyme.
Sri Lanka-based Kingsbury Hotel and Amaya Resorts, and Indian travel agent Holiday Kerala are also exhibitors.
Lanka Hospital and Durdans Hospital — leading multi-speciality hospitals in Sri Lanka that are popular amongst thousands of Maldivians that travel to the neighbouring country for medial treatment — and Thailand-based Bangkok Hospital are also showcasing their products.
Every exhibitor has offered exciting prizes for the ‘visit and win’ lucky draws, including:
- Flyme: four return air tickets
- Kraken Adventours: fishing trip for six persons in Haa Dhaal atoll
- Plumeria guesthouse (Vaavu atoll Thinadhoo): two nights stay for a couple
- Pebbles Inn (Addu): two nights stay for a couple
- Kaani Hotels: two nights stay for a couple at Kaani Beach Hotel in Kaafu atoll Maafushi
- MV Hotels: two nights stay for a couple in a resort
- Bangkok Airways: two return air tickets to Bangkok
- Voyages Maldives: return air ticket to Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways and return air ticket to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines
- Ace Aviation Services Maldives: two return air tickets to Colombo on SriLankan Airlines
- Atoll Scuba (Alif Alif atoll Bodufulhudhoo): open water scuba diving course
- Musafireen: full umrah package
- Inner Maldives Holidays: return air ticket to Colombo on SriLankan Airlines and return air ticket to Dubai on Fly Dubai
- Reveries Diving Villa, Surf and Spa (Laamu atoll): two nights stay for a couple
- Canopus Maldives: two nights stay for a couple at Canopus Retreat in Kaafu atoll Thulusdhoo
- Le Vieux Nice Inn (Hulhumale): two nights stay for a couple and dinner for two (three packages)
- Amana Takaful Maldives: one-year travel insurance for a daily winner
- Vinorva Maldives (Hulhumale): two nights stay for a couple
- Maldivian: three return air tickets
- Coconut Tree Hulhuvilla Beach (Hulhumale): two nights stay for a couple
For the second year running, the Vacations Expo is sponsored by Inner Maldives Holidays, with MV Hotels serving as the Associate Partner. Unima Grand has signed up as the Hospitality Partner, Amana Takaful Maldives as the Travel Insurance Partner, Ooredoo Maldives as the Telecom Partner, M7 Maldives as the Printing Partner, and Absolute Security and Advance Protection Private Limited as the Security Partner.
Maldives Insider and The Island Chief have been assigned travel media partners, while local daily Mihaaru signed up as the news media partner and state broadcaster Public Service Media’s (PSM) Television Maldives (TVM) as the official TV partner.
Meanwhile, state tourism promotion company Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) have given their endorsement. Tourism Authority of Thailand is also participating in the expo.
The annual travel trade show brings together leading travel companies, hoteliers, airlines, tour operators, travel agents, online travel companies, liveaboards, cruises, dive operators and other travel marketers under one roof. Exhibitors can display various attractive travel packages and services.
The expo’s organiser Highrise has successfully delivered several local and international events, including Maldives Travel Awards, Maldives Film Awards, Maldives Living Expo and Sounds of Maldives.
Photos: Mihaaru
Business
Pulse Hotels’ Malik Mohamed to deliver presentation at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024
Malik Mohamed, Director of Business Intelligence at Pulse Hotels & Resorts, is set to deliver a presentation at the upcoming Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024. The GM Forum, the largest gathering of hospitality professionals in Maldives, will take place on September 19 at CROSSROADS Maldives.
Malik’s presentation, titled “Business Intelligence and Revenue Optimisation,” will address key strategies and insights related to maximising revenue through effective business intelligence practices. His session is expected to provide valuable information for hotel managers and industry professionals attending the forum.
Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, commented on the inclusion of Mohamed’s presentation in the forum, stating, “The GM Forum continues to bring together experts who can share practical and relevant knowledge. Malik Mohamed’s presentation will offer attendees a chance to gain a deeper understanding of how business intelligence can drive revenue growth.”
This year’s GM Forum, now in its eighth edition, will focus on ‘The Evolving Luxury Landscape’ in the Maldives. Industry leaders will discuss the future of luxury travel, including the new luxury traveller’s psyche, digital marketing, and sustainable practices. Topics will cover private islands, underwater experiences, and the opportunities and challenges faced by hoteliers in the country. The forum will feature diverse panels and interactive sessions, emphasising personalised guest experiences and local cultural integration. It aims to foster active participation and share innovative case studies from the luxury travel industry.
Sponsors and partners of GM Forum 2024 include:
- Ooredoo Maldives: Digital Partner (Title Sponsor)
- Bestbuy Maldives (BBM): Silver Sponsor
- Dhivehi Insurance: Silver Sponsor
- Fuel Supplies Maldives: Silver Sponsor
- Manta Air: Aviation Partner
- Male’ Aerated Water Company: Beverage Partner
- Atmosphere Wellness: Wellness Partner
- Souvenir Marine: Transport Partner
- Printlab: Printing Partner
- CROSSROADS Maldives: Venue Partner
- Lights Out: Coverage Partner
- Associate Sponsors: Alia Investments, Villa Hakatha, GAGE, Wyntronix, Uniforms Unlimited and Spa Ceylon Maldives
With Mailk Mohamed joining the lineup of speakers and presenters, the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024 will offer attendees insights into the latest developments in digital payment technologies and their applications in the Maldivian hospitality sector.
John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group, will serve as the keynote speaker at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024. The event will also feature Etienne Ng, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay), as a featured speaker. Both leaders are expected to share valuable insights relevant to the Maldivian hospitality industry during the forum.
Business
Etienne Ng, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay), to speak at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024
Hotelier Maldives has announced that Etienne Ng, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay), will be a featured speaker at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024. The GM Forum, the largest gathering of hospitality professionals in Maldives, will take place on September 19 at CROSSROADS Maldives.
Etienne Ng leads Weixin Pay’s operations across Southeast Asia, where the platform has seen substantial growth. His session at the forum will primarily focus on Chinese travel trends and their spending behaviour. He will also highlight the role of digital payments in enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency within the hospitality industry.
Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, commented on the announcement: “Etienne Ng’s participation at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024 will offer attendees valuable insights into the growing impact of digital payments in the tourism and hospitality sectors. His experience in managing Weixin Pay’s expansion in Southeast Asia makes him a key voice in discussions about the future of payment solutions in the industry.”
This year’s GM Forum, now in its eighth edition, will focus on ‘The Evolving Luxury Landscape’ in the Maldives. Industry leaders will discuss the future of luxury travel, including the new luxury traveller’s psyche, digital marketing, and sustainable practices. Topics will cover private islands, underwater experiences, and the opportunities and challenges faced by hoteliers in the country. The forum will feature diverse panels and interactive sessions, emphasising personalised guest experiences and local cultural integration. It aims to foster active participation and share innovative case studies from the luxury travel industry.
Sponsors and partners of GM Forum 2024 include:
- Ooredoo Maldives: Digital Partner (Title Sponsor)
- Bestbuy Maldives (BBM): Silver Sponsor
- Dhivehi Insurance: Silver Sponsor
- Fuel Supplies Maldives: Silver Sponsor
- Manta Air: Aviation Partner
- Male’ Aerated Water Company: Beverage Partner
- Atmosphere Wellness: Wellness Partner
- Souvenir Marine: Transport Partner
- Printlab: Printing Partner
- CROSSROADS Maldives: Venue Partner
- Lights Out: Coverage Partner
- Associate Sponsors: Alia Investments, Villa Hakatha, GAGE, Wyntronix, Uniforms Unlimited and Spa Ceylon Maldives
With Etienne Ng joining the lineup of speakers, the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024 will offer attendees insights into the latest developments in digital payment technologies and their applications in the Maldivian hospitality sector.
John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group, will be the keynote speaker at the event. Hotelier Maldives will soon announce additional speakers, presenters, and panel discussions, further shaping the forum’s agenda.
Business
John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group, announced as Keynote Speaker for Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024
The Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024 is set to welcome John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group, as the keynote speaker. The GM Forum, the largest gathering of hospitality professionals in Maldives, will take place on September 19 at CROSSROADS Maldives.
John oversees 30 travel brands in various sectors across 20+ countries. He joined dnata in November 2017 as CEO B2B Europe after serving as COO of Spafinder Wellness in Miami. In May 2018, his role at dnata expanded to include all B2B and B2C trading brands within the UK.
John, who has held several non-executive director posts in travel, as well as served on the board of both the UK’s Institute of Travel & Tourism and Association of British Travel Agents, will share his insights on the evolving landscape of global travel and its implications for the Maldives’ hospitality sector. His keynote address is highly anticipated, given his leadership role at dnata Travel Group, a global powerhouse in travel services.
“We are thrilled to have John Bevan as our keynote speaker this year. His vast experience and forward-thinking approach will provide invaluable perspectives to our attendees. The GM Forum is a platform for knowledge exchange and innovation, and having a leader of John’s caliber underscores our commitment to excellence,” Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, said.
This year’s GM Forum, now in its eighth edition, will focus on ‘The Evolving Luxury Landscape’ in the Maldives. Industry leaders will discuss the future of luxury travel, including the new luxury traveller’s psyche, digital marketing, and sustainable practices. Topics will cover private islands, underwater experiences, and the opportunities and challenges faced by hoteliers in the country. The forum will feature diverse panels and interactive sessions, emphasising personalised guest experiences and local cultural integration. It aims to foster active participation and share innovative case studies from the luxury travel industry.
Sponsors and partners of GM Forum 2024 include:
- Ooredoo Maldives: Digital Partner (Title Sponsor)
- Bestbuy Maldives (BBM): Silver Sponsor
- Dhivehi Insurance: Silver Sponsor
- Fuel Supplies Maldives: Silver Sponsor
- Manta Air: Aviation Partner
- Male’ Aerated Water Company: Beverage Partner
- Atmosphere Wellness: Wellness Partner
- Souvenir Marine: Transport Partner
- Printlab: Printing Partner
- CROSSROADS Maldives: Venue Partner
- Lights Out: Coverage Partner
- Associate Sponsors: Alia Investments, Villa Hakatha, GAGE, Wyntronix, Uniforms Unlimited and Spa Ceylon Maldives
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