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Industry leaders call for more investment in Maldives tourism R&D

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Leading players in Maldives tourism has called on authorities to ramp up investment in research and development.

Members of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) gathered at Kurumba Maldives last week for the industry body’s annual general meeting, where tourism pioneer Mohamed Umar ‘MU’ Maniku highlighted the need to strengthen research and development efforts.

“Industry policies should be based on comprehensive research findings,” he said.

MU Manik stressed that industry performance cannot be determined based on arrival numbers only. Other factors such as occupancy rate should be taken into account as well, he added.

“Due to the improved air connectivity, last year was a good year for the industry. This year looks promising too,” MU Maniku said.

The owner of Universal, which owns and operates the largest collection of resorts in the Maldives, hailed the ongoing development of the country’s main Velana International Airport.

In addition to minor improvements, a USD 800 million mega project has been launched to expand and upgrade the main Velana International Airport. The project involves building a brand new runway, an international passenger terminal and a seaplane terminal as well as other support facilities, including a fuel farm that can store 45 million litres and a 120,000 tonne cargo facility.

The airport is a key infrastructure that supports the Maldives multi-billion dollar tourism industry. Expansion of the airport is expected to boost tourist arrivals to the island nation as it aims to attract at least two million tourists by 2020.

Maldives concluded last year with a record 1.4 million tourist — a 6.8 percent growth over 2017.

Over the past few 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 more than 130. That number is set to increase as another 20 resorts are expected to open 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 previous government announced 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.

Meanwhile, the new government has pledged to ramp up tourism promotion.

Reflecting the new government’s pledge, the state budget for 2019 includes MVR 104,200,000 (USD 6.7 million) for tourism promotion, up from MVR 34,733,333 (USD 2.2 million) this year and the previous year.

The government is also working on a new strategic masterplan for tourism. Consultation sessions are underway, including a symposium dedicated to guesthouse tourism.

Photo: Sun Online

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Ifuru Island Resort launches exclusive Fanatics Program for ultimate guest rewards

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Ifuru Island Resort has announced the launch of the Ifuru Fanatics Program, a new membership initiative designed to reward its valued guests. This program aims to enhance every aspect of the guest experience, combining luxury, exclusivity, and unforgettable moments into a seamless offering. Whether catering to seasoned travellers or first-time visitors to the island paradise, the Ifuru Fanatics Program is designed to make each stay extraordinary.

Program members will enjoy a range of benefits designed to elevate their visit from the moment of arrival. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary bottle of Prosecco and a personalised welcome card from the General Manager, setting the tone for a memorable stay. Members are also eligible for one-level suite or villa upgrades, subject to availability, and can take advantage of early check-in and late check-out privileges, allowing them to make the most of their time on the island.

The program also provides significant savings, with members receiving discounts of up to 50% on future bookings, spa treatments, and dining experiences. Guests can indulge in jet-lag massages, explore the lagoon with dive sessions, or enjoy floating canapé and cocktail experiences. Premium membership tiers offer even more exclusive perks, such as private romantic dinners, Island Wedding Ceremony packages, and generous resort credits for activities and services.

The Ifuru Fanatics Program features four membership tiers: Basic, Turquoise, Blue, and Pink. Each tier offers progressively luxurious benefits. Turquoise members enjoy curated privileges, while Blue members gain access to enhanced experiences, such as private cocktail sessions and Japanese Teppanyaki dinners. Pink members, the highest tier, receive complimentary two-night stays in luxurious suites, private beach dinners, and credits of up to $500 for the Dive Center. Each tier is tailored to different preferences, ensuring a personalised and memorable experience for every guest.

Membership in the Ifuru Fanatics Program is exclusively available to guests who book directly through the Ifuru Island Maldives website, the official Ifuru app, or by contacting the resort’s reservations team. These exclusive benefits are not offered for bookings made through third-party platforms, ensuring members receive the most direct and personalised service.

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Bipasha Basu’s intimate birthday celebration at Fushifaru Maldives

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Fushifaru Maldives had the privilege of hosting Bollywood power couple Karan Singh Grover and Bipasha Basu for a memorable birthday celebration. Accompanied by their daughter, the family enjoyed the tranquil beauty and genuine hospitality of the resort during their stay on the picturesque island.

A highlight of their visit included a coconut tree planting activity on the island. Bipasha described the experience as “planting joy and hope for us all” in an Instagram post, reflecting the family’s admiration for Fushifaru’s dedication to sustainability and its pristine natural environment.

Bipasha’s birthday was celebrated with an elegant dinner under the starlit sky, featuring a gourmet menu that included succulent lobster. The candlelit setting, paired with breathtaking ocean views, created an enchanting and intimate atmosphere for the occasion.

Bipasha described her experience at Fushifaru as “very lovely,” praising the resort’s exceptional hospitality, culinary offerings, and attention to detail. She expressed gratitude for the “beautiful trip,” further reinforcing Fushifaru Maldives’ reputation as a premier destination for families, couples, and celebrities seeking exclusive and luxurious escapes in the Maldives.

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Emerald Maldives hosts tennis masterclasses with Filippo Volandr

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Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, a distinguished 5-star deluxe property and member of The Leading Hotels of the World, has announced a collaboration with Filippo Volandri, the esteemed coach of the Italian National Tennis Team.

From February 21 to 28, 2025, Volandri will conduct six exclusive tennis masterclasses, designed to cater to both children and adults seeking to improve their skills on the court.

As the coach behind Italy’s 2024 Davis Cup victory and a key figure in the Italian national tennis team, Volandri brings extensive expertise and a passion for the sport. Known for his strategic approach and ability to inspire players of all levels, he offers a coaching experience that is both insightful and engaging.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to enhance their tennis abilities under Volandri’s tailored guidance. Whether seasoned players or newcomers to the sport, attendees will benefit from expert insights into technique, strategy, and gameplay. These sessions will take place at the resort’s world-class tennis facilities, set against the serene backdrop of the Maldives, creating an unforgettable environment for skill development.

Rohit Chhettri, General Manager of Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The collaboration with Filippo Volandri provides our guests with an extraordinary opportunity to learn from one of tennis’s finest coaches while enjoying the unmatched luxury and natural beauty of our resort.”

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