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Maldives elected chair of UNWTO Commission for South Asia

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Maldives has been elected as chair of World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) Commission for South Asia for the forthcoming biennium.

The 2020-2022 chairmanship election took place on Tuesday at the 57th meeting of the UNWTO Commission For South Asia in Bhutanese capital Thimphu. The Maldives is represented at the meeting by state tourism minister Dr Ahmed Salih.

The result of the vote will be ratified during the UNWTO’s 23rd General Assembly to be held in St. Petersburg, Russia on September 9.

The last time Maldives had served as chair of the commission was during the 1995-1997 period.

UNWTO Commission for South Asia is one of six regional ‎commissions established in 1975 as subsidiary organs of the General Assembly. These regional ‎commissions normally meet once a year. They enable member states to maintain ‎contact with one another and with the secretariat between sessions of the General ‎Assembly, to which they submit their proposals and convey their concerns.

Each ‎commission elects one chairman and its vice-chairman from amongst its members ‎for a term of two years commencing from one session to the next session of the ‎General Assembly.‎‎

The UNWTO Commission for South Asia consists of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Maldives has one of the most dynamic and active tourism industries amongst all member states of the commission. The multi-billion dollar tourism industry of the island nation is known world over for offering the highest quality of tourism products, best in class service, impeccable natural beauty, holistic experiences and more.

Official figures show that 144 resorts, 12 hotels, 508 guesthouses and 148 liveaboard vessels are registered in the Maldives. The number of registered travel agencies and dive schools stand at 308 and 272 respectively.

Government had earlier said that a total of 132 tourism projects involving 140 islands are being carried out across the Maldives.

Meanwhile, Maldives welcomed a record 1.4 million tourists in 2018 — a 6.8 per cent increase from the 1,389,542 tourists that chose to holiday in the Maldives in 2017. Other factors such as average duration of stay, bed nights and occupancy also posted positive growth in 2018.

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Bavarian traditions meet island living at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Oktoberfest

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli has announced that it will host its own take on Oktoberfest from 1 to 5 October 2025, bringing one of the world’s most recognised celebrations to a tropical island setting. The resort will combine Bavarian traditions with Maldivian hospitality, offering guests a week-long programme of music, food, and festivities.

A highlight of the event will be a performance by international DJ twins Kristina and Anna Grushina. With a strong global following of more than two million on social media and chart-topping success on Spotify, the sisters are renowned for their high-energy sets that transform any stage into a vibrant dance floor. Their performance on the resort’s beachfront is expected to be a key feature of this year’s festival.

Alongside live music, the festival will present German brews and themed culinary experiences inspired by Oktoberfest. Guests will be able to enjoy Bavarian-style dishes alongside a selection of hops and lagers served beachside. To add to the atmosphere, family-friendly activities and games will be organised throughout the resort, creating a spirit of connection and celebration in an island environment.

“We are excited to bring together international music talent, authentic gastronomy, and our island’s natural beauty in this celebration,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Every year, Oktoberfest and many other celebrations at Sun Siyam Olhuveli continue to highlight culture, community, and entertainment in a way that is unique to our resort and to the Maldives.”

The five-day festival will not only celebrate Oktoberfest but also demonstrate Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s ability to host immersive experiences that blend international entertainment with the relaxed lifestyle of the Maldives. Guests staying at the resort during this period will experience a beachfront festival of music, cuisine, and festivities designed to leave a lasting impression.

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W Maldives to host ‘The Joy Rituals’ wellness programme in September 2025

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W Maldives will introduce The Joy Rituals, a two-week wellbeing programme in collaboration with Happy Hormones Yoga founders Rajendra Kumar and Katrin Berger. Scheduled from 15 to 27 September 2025, the initiative will feature yoga, meditation, laughter, and sound healing sessions designed to encourage guests to reconnect with their inner energy while experiencing the natural surroundings of the Maldives.

The programme includes sunrise and sunset yoga, breathwork and meditation, laughter yoga, immersive sound healing, and lectures on health and happiness. Aqua Yoga in the lagoon and evening meditations under the stars will provide distinctive experiences. The schedule coincides with World Wellness Weekend, held from 19 to 21 September 2025, aligning the resort’s programme with global wellbeing initiatives.

Rajendra Kumar, a two-time world record holder and gold medallist in yoga, is recognised for his focus on laughter and presence in practice. His record for continuous laughter lasting three hours and 47 minutes reflects his approach to joy as a form of self-discovery. Katrin Berger, a certified yoga teacher, sound healer, and molecular biologist, integrates science and spiritual practice in her sessions, combining sound healing with yoga to encourage balance and connection.

Commenting on the collaboration, Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives, said, “At W Maldives, we are constantly looking for bold and inspiring ways to elevate the guest experience. The Joy Rituals with Happy Hormones Yoga brings a fresh dimension to wellness, blending the playful spirit of W with transformative practices. It is a chance for our guests to find balance, energy, and joy in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings.”

Rajendra Kumar added, “Yoga is not only about physical postures, it is about living fully, freely, and with a smile. Through The Joy Rituals, we want to remind people that laughter and joy are powerful tools for healing and awakening. Bringing this philosophy to W Maldives feels like the perfect match of spirit and setting.”

Katrin Berger also shared, “Our work is about creating harmony in both body and mind. With sound healing and yoga, guests can release tension, restore balance, and feel more present in their lives. At W Maldives, surrounded by nature and beauty, this experience becomes even more profound. We are thrilled to share The Joy Rituals with guests from around the world.”

Guests may book the Stay, Dine, and Fly package, which includes daily breakfast, a three-course dinner, and roundtrip seaplane transfers. The programme offers visitors an opportunity to engage in two weeks of movement, laughter, and wellness in a Maldivian island setting.yog

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Excursions

Marine encounters: spinner dolphins at Canareef Resort Maldives

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At Canareef Resort Maldives, one of the most popular experiences for guests is the dolphin tour. The abundant presence of dolphins in the surrounding waters ensures that each cruise offers a remarkable encounter with these marine creatures, creating lasting memories for visitors.

Every dolphin tour at Canareef provides an opportunity to observe pods of dolphins gliding and leaping across the waves. Guests often describe the sight of spinner dolphins darting through the clear ocean as a defining image of the Maldives’ natural marine beauty.

Morning cruises and sunset tours alike are guided by experienced staff, who share insights as dolphins appear in their natural environment. Many guests recount moments when dolphins swim alongside the boat, a spectacle that creates a unique sense of connection.

The activity is regarded as more than just an excursion; it is considered a celebration of nature and a highlight of a stay at Canareef. It allows guests to experience the Maldives in a way that underlines why dolphins are seen as ambassadors of the islands.

For travellers seeking encounters with dolphins amid turquoise waters, Canareef presents an ideal opportunity. The resort also offers seasonal promotions, including early booking discounts for the remainder of this summer, next winter, and summer 2026.

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