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Maldives elects new president, tourism stakeholders pledge support
Maldives on Sunday elected a new president as stakeholders in the tourism industry welcomed the incoming administration.
In an election that saw an all-time high voter turnout of 89 percent, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih from an alliance of opposition parties secured a decisive victory over incumbent President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom with 58.4 percent of votes.
The Maldives electoral body confirmed the results Monday morning.
After meeting President-Elect Solih at the President’s Office Monday morning, President Yameen addressed the nation and ensured a peaceful transfer of power. He noted that he would continue to serve until the end of the his term, which expires on November 17.
President Yameen walks away after delivering his speech conceding defeat in the election. PHOTO/ PRESIDENT’S OFFICE
President-Elect Solih, meanwhile, urged national unity and pledged to work for the betterment of Maldives.
“Regardless of who you voted for, I will be the president of all Maldivians,” he said, at a press conference late Monday evening claiming his victory.
The election results have been met with praise, with tourism organisations welcoming the president-elect and Vice President-Elect Faisal Naseem, an industry veteran who had worked at top posts in resorts in his career.
Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) said it hoped Maldives would attain new heights under Solih’s leadership. The association, which comprises Maldives tourism pioneers such as Mohamed Umar Maniku and Hussain ‘Champa’ Afeef, also pledged to work with the incoming administration.
Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and Association of Travel Agents (ATA) Maldives, the two organisations representing local travel agents and tour operators, congratulated President-Elect Solih and Vice President-Elect Naseem.
“Please know that you can count on our best wishes and support as you assume the duties of the President. We look forward to working with your administration, and may you and all those who serve with you be granted with wisdom and strength to take this country forward,” MATATO said, in a statement.
Guesthouse Association of Maldives (GAM) President Ahmed Akram expressed hope that the relatively new local tourism industry would flourish under the new government. He noted that the joint opposition’s manifesto already includes several aspects specific to the guesthouse industry.
“We met him during the campaign and requested him to create a special division within the tourism ministry to facilitate and promote guesthouses,” Akram told Avas Online.
The joint opposition has proposed to triple the tourism promotion budget, which is currently set at MVR 50 million (USD 3.3 million) every year.
The government has come under fire from private organisations representing industry stakeholders such as MATATO over the lack of effort and budget to promote the Maldives as a destination.
These concerns come as the world-famous holiday destination struggles to match an increased bed capacity.
Over the past five years, dozens of uninhabited islands have been leased to local and foreign resort developers. Several international brands have entered into the market, increasing the number of resorts to 130. That number is set to increase as the government has announced the opening of some 20 new resorts over the next two years.
Along with the new resort openings come the challenge of increasing demand from budget travellers who choose guesthouses over luxury resorts that the Maldives is known for. The guesthouse sector has rapidly expanded with over 500 guesthouses in operation today.
The government has recently announced new steps to maintain a structured growth in tourism, including a slowdown in leasing islands for resort development and increased marketing efforts in key markets such as China and the Middle East in order to reach an ambitious target of a record 1.5 million tourist arrivals this year.
Main photo: President-Elect Solih (centre, left) and Vice-President Faisal (centre, right) greets supporters after claiming victory in the presidential election. PHOTO/ MIHAARU
Dusit Thani Maldives, a premier Thai-inspired luxury resort, has announced an exclusive partnership with beOnd Airlines, a premium leisure airline renowned for its exceptional services and luxury. This collaboration offers travellers a unique opportunity to enjoy exclusive privileges when booking their stay at Dusit Thani Maldives through beOnd Airlines.
Passengers flying with beOnd are eligible for a special offer at Dusit Thani Maldives, including discounts of up to 10% for stays between November 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025. Dusit Gold members receive additional discounts and privileges, further enhancing the benefits for loyal guests.
To access these exclusive offers, passengers must present a valid beOnd booking reference and use the booking code FLYDTMD when making a reservation at Dusit Thani Maldives.
This partnership strengthens the seamless travel experience that both Dusit Thani Maldives and beOnd Airlines aim to deliver to their discerning guests.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with beOnd Airlines and offer their passengers an opportunity to experience the unique blend of luxury and serenity at Dusit Thani Maldives,” said Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager, Maldives. “This partnership allows us to create more memorable stays for travellers looking to explore the beauty of the Maldives with the convenience and style that both Dusit Thani and beOnd Airlines are known for.”
The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi invites guests to step back in time with its “Sixties Glamour” festive theme, capturing the elegance and charm of a bygone era. From December 15 to January 7, the resort transforms into a sixties-inspired setting with a chic colour palette of blue, white, silver, and black, adorned with pearls, bold accents, and iconic decorations. Guests will experience a world of vintage style, complete with family-friendly activities, unforgettable events, culinary delights, and festive experiences.
“We’re delighted to once again invite our guests to enjoy the magic of the holidays with us,” said General Manager TJ Joulak. “Our ‘Sixties Glamour’ program invites guests to embrace the spirit of the season in an atmosphere of timeless elegance and create unforgettable memories with loved ones.”
The resort offers a variety of spacious accommodations suitable for couples and families, from overwater villas to Ithaafushi – The Private Island, providing the ultimate island escape. A full calendar of events and sixties-inspired holiday decor ensures that guests are surrounded by festive cheer and celebrations, including the following highlights:
Guests can embrace the season’s magic with events for all ages. Highlights include a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Peacock Alley on December 17, featuring festive music and seasonal treats. On December 25, Santa Claus and his team will bring joy to NAVA Beach with gift-giving and a chance to meet Santarina and the elves. A sixties-themed fashion show for kids and teens will also offer young guests an opportunity to showcase their style on the runway.
For the season’s major celebrations, a grand tent will host Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve festivities, complete with world-class cuisine and captivating entertainment. Additionally, “Cinema Under the Stars” at the Lagoon Pool provides a unique experience with a movie night under the Maldivian sky.
The resort’s 11 distinctive dining venues will elevate the holiday dining experience with exclusive, specially crafted menus. Signature options include “Timeless Pairing” at Amber, featuring oysters and champagne, and the “Festive Flavours of Japan” at ZUMA, offering an elegant tasting menu. At Terra, “Dom Perignon Prestige” pairs gourmet dishes with Dom Perignon Champagne, while Yasmeen presents a festive buffet inspired by Lebanese street food. Guests can also enjoy a curated wine experience at Rock, savour fresh lobster and champagne by the ocean at Mirror Pool, and partake in festive brunches at ZUMA and Tasting Table. The “Maldivian Charm” dinner highlights local flavours, while “A Tale of Two Wines” at Glow features Bordeaux and Burgundy wines paired with gourmet cuisine. Another unique experience awaits at Li Long’s Laba Festival feast.
Guests seeking relaxation can enjoy holistic wellness practices led by visiting experts, Shree and Dr. Syed, including Himalayan Sound Bath Meditation, Acupuncture, and Pranic Healing. For younger guests, special wellness activities include “Splash and Fun” at the Aqua Wellness Pool, a “Beauty Camp” for girls, and a “Fitness Boot Camp” for children.
This holiday season, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi invites guests to create unforgettable memories surrounded by the glamour and warmth of the sixties.
Cooking
Domenico Carella and Fabrizio Margarita unite for innovative culinary experience at Patina Maldives
Patina Maldives has announces an exclusive culinary pop-up, Ultra Milano by Domenico Carella, taking place from November 9th to November 13th, 2024. This exclusive experience will showcase the innovative culinary and mixology talents of Domenico Carella, a renowned figure in the food and beverage industry.
Carella has built an impressive career as a professional chef, bartender, and manager. With over a decade of experience, he has mastered the art of blending ingredients and flavours to create dishes that perfectly balance texture and taste. His culinary journey has taken him around the world, earning accolades such as Manager of the Year in Asia by “That’s Shanghai” in 2015.
At this event, Domenico Carella’s mixology will complement Fabrizio Margarita’s pizza artistry, reimagining dining with a sustainable flair at Veli Bar in Patina Maldives, Fari Islands.
Carella’s approach to food and beverage emphasises environmental respect and sustainability. His holistic vision ensures that all departments, from the kitchen to the bar, work harmoniously, aligning the procurement of raw materials to create a unified and sustainable operation.
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