Featured

Maldives 2019 tourist arrivals cross one million

Published

5 years ago

August 21, 2019

Maldives has welcomed over a million tourists this year, as the destination attempts to reach an ambitious target of 1.5 million visitors over the next three months.

Tourism minister Ali Waheed told journalists on Wednesday that the one millionth visitor of the year arrived in the Maldives on August 2.

“Through renewed efforts, we are confident that we will be able to welcome 1.5 million tourists by the first anniversary of our administration (on November 11),” the minister said.

The Maldives marks one millionth visitor milestone this year a month ahead of last year. In 2018, the one millionth mark was reached on September 9 whilst it was celebrated in October the previous year.

Meanwhile, official figures for the month of July released by the tourism ministry show that a total of 132,144 tourists visited the Maldives during the month — an eight per cent increase over July 2018.

According to the July statistics, total arrivals for the past seven months of the year increased by 17.2 per cent to reach 994,733 compared to the same period last year.

The strong performance in the January-July period is mostly due to a significant rise in tourist arrivals from the traditional Europe market, which recorded year-over-year growth of 16 per cent, and the relatively new Asia Pacific market, which recorded year-over-year growth of 17.4 per cent.

Tourist arrivals from Europe stood at 487,165 in the past seven months, accounting to a market share of 49 per cent, whilst Asia Pacific contributed 41.5 per cent of the total tourist arrivals with 413,066 tourists from the region holidaying in the Maldives by the end of July.

Relatively new markets such as the Americas, Africa and the Middle East also maintained their strong performance.

Arrivals from the Americas increased by 26.6 per cent to reach 49,821 in the January-July period compared to the same period last year, accounting to 26.6 per cent of the total tourist arrivals.

Middle East also saw its market share reach 3.5 per cent due to a 16.6 per cent increase in the number of tourist arrivals in the January-July period, whilst Africa, which observed a 24.9 per cent growth in arrivals, contributed one per cent of the total tourist arrivals over the past seven months.

All the top five source markets posted positive growth in arrivals by the end of July.

China maintained its position as the top contributor to Maldives tourism with a marketshare of 17.4 per cent, as arrivals from China increased by 7.6 per cent during the January-July period to reach 172,834.

India, which had overtaken traditional European markets to claim the second spot, maintained its position, as the Maldives’ closest neighbour retained a marketshare of 9.4 per cent with a 99.2 per cent growth in tourist arrivals during the past seven months of the year.

Italy, which had in May lost the second place to India, maintained its position as the third biggest source market with a market share of 8.1 per cent. Arrivals from Italy increased by 32.3 per cent to reach 80,713 in the January-July period.

Germany and the UK, which slid to fourth and fifth position in May, exchanged places, as the UK claimed the fourth position with a marketshare of 7.4 per cent, whilst Germany’s market share dropped to 7.2 per cent by the end of July. Arrivals from Germany grew by 10.4 per cent to reach 71,479 during the past seven months of the year, whilst visitor numbers from the UK saw an increase of 11.1 per cent to reach 73,262 during the period.

Maldives welcomed a record 1.4 million tourists in 2018. It was a 6.8 per cent increase from the 1,389,542 tourists that chose to holiday in the Maldives in 2017.

Meanwhile, government has revised its forecast for the number of tourists visiting the island nation this year, increasing the estimate to a record 1.6 million from 1.5 million.

This positive growth in the tourism industry comes amidst concerns by private organisations representing industry stakeholders such as the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (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 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.

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Celebration

Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s festive journey begins with Cake Mixing ceremony

Published

12 hours ago

November 17, 2024

m@ldives

Sun Siyam Olhuveli marked the highly anticipated start of the festive season with a lively Christmas Cake Mixing ceremony held on the picturesque Watersports Beach, set against the stunning backdrop of a Maldivian sunset. The event, which took place on November 15, 2024, continued the resort’s cherished tradition of welcoming the holiday season, drawing inspiration from the classic European Rumtopf practice, where seasonal fruits are soaked in rum to create festive treats.

Under the vibrant hues of the evening sky, guests joined in the time-honoured ritual of mixing dried fruits, spices, and spirits, creating a flavourful base for the Christmas cakes and seasonal delicacies to be served during the festivities. The engaging atmosphere was enhanced by the active participation of the resort’s culinary team and management, who guided attendees through the experience while sharing insights into the tradition’s origins and its role in building excitement for the holidays.

Following the cake mixing ceremony, the resort hosted an exclusive Management Cocktail event to express gratitude to its guests for choosing Sun Siyam Olhuveli as their holiday destination. This intimate gathering featured a curated selection of beverages and canapés, providing a relaxed setting for guests to connect with fellow travellers and members of the resort’s management team. The evening was made even more special with the distribution of prizes and gift vouchers, adding an element of surprise and joy.

Commenting on the occasion, Hassan Didi, Executive Chef at Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives, stated, “With the cake mixing ceremony, we set the tone for a season of joy, togetherness, and celebration. It’s a cherished tradition that brings our guests and team together, creating unforgettable memories as we head into the holiday season.”

This year’s festive celebrations at Sun Siyam Olhuveli will feature an extraordinary theme, AstroFest 2024-2025, running from December 21, 2024, to January 8, 2025. This interstellar-inspired event promises a series of unforgettable activities and experiences, including stargazing sessions on the beach, celestial-themed gala dinners, and stellar performances. Designed to capture the wonder of the cosmos, AstroFest offers guests a unique blend of luxury and enchantment beneath the breathtaking Maldivian night sky.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli looks forward to welcoming guests to this cosmic celebration, setting the stage for a holiday season filled with joy, imagination, and festive cheer.

Celebration

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives unveils spectacular Christmas and New Year offerings

Published

12 hours ago

November 17, 2024

m@ldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives invites travellers to escape to a tropical paradise for an unforgettable festive season, offering stays from December 22, 2024, to January 7, 2025. The resort promises a stunning lineup of events, gourmet dining, and activities for all ages.

Nestled on a pristine natural island, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives provides an idyllic setting for families, couples, and groups of friends to celebrate Christmas 2024 and welcome the New Year. Located just a 40-minute scenic speedboat ride from Male’s Velana International Airport, the festive experience begins the moment guests arrive. The resort’s dedicated team ensures a seamless and memorable holiday from start to finish.

“At Kandooma, every detail is designed with our guests’ comfort and joy in mind, from festive celebrations to tranquil island escapes. To enhance the experience, we’ve created an e-brochure that highlights all the exciting activities available during the festive season,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.

The resort, situated on a peaceful private island, offers a serene escape exclusive to its guests, ensuring privacy and safety for families. Dining options include the vibrant international buffet at Kandooma Café, the elegant Asian Kitchen with its fresh seafood and Asian-inspired dishes, and the Hibachi Table-Top Barbecue experience. Guests can enjoy poolside snacks at Bokkuraa Pool Deck, refreshing drinks at the BAR-aveli Beach Bar, or stunning views at the rooftop Sunset Bar, perfect for watching Maldivian sunsets.

For the festive season, the resort offers exclusive accommodation packages with Half Board, Full Board, or All-Inclusive options. The All-Inclusive package includes premium beverages, afternoon snacks, and free scoops of ice cream during specific hours.

The island features a range of villas to suit different preferences, from Overwater Villas for romantic getaways to 3-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas for families or groups. The two-story Beach Houses offer direct beach access, while Beach Villas feature stunning sea views and outdoor hammocks. Garden Villas, nestled in lush greenery, include open-air showers and private outdoor seating. Festive season rates start at $394++ per night for double occupancy in a Garden Villa, with a minimum four-night stay. Additionally, kids under 13 stay and eat free. Mandatory Gala Dinners during the festive period add an elegant touch to the celebrations.

The culinary team at the resort has crafted holiday meals that blend international flavours with Maldivian specialties. On Christmas Eve, the Gala Dinner at Kandooma Café features a lavish feast and live entertainment, priced at $250++ per person, with complimentary dining for children under 13. Christmas Day celebrations include a bonfire gathering at Surf Corner and a Sand Snowman competition at the Kandoo Kids’ Club, complete with a visit from Santa distributing festive treats.

The resort’s New Year’s Eve celebrations include a Glittering Gala Dinner poolside at Kandooma Café, featuring a sumptuous feast under the stars and live entertainment. Guests can dance into 2025 with live music and DJ performances. The Gala Dinner is priced at $350++ per person, with children under 13 dining for free. Both Gala Dinners follow an “All White” theme, encouraging guests to dress in white for a magical evening.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a popular destination for Russian guests celebrating Orthodox holidays. On January 7, the resort will host a special Russian Orthodox Christmas celebration, featuring a vibrant beach party with a live DJ, music, dancing, and oceanfront festivities.

Throughout the festive season, the resort offers a full schedule of activities for all ages. Children can enjoy the Kandoo Kids’ Club, complete with a water playground, indoor craft zones, and island adventures. Parents can relax knowing their children are engaged and entertained while they enjoy the festive atmosphere of the island.

Cooking

Island-inspired plant-based delights await this January at Nova Maldives

Published

2 days ago

November 16, 2024

m@ldives

Each year, the number of people participating in Dry January continues to grow, with more individuals embracing this alcohol-free movement. Similarly, Veganuary is expected to reach new heights in 2025, surpassing the 25 million participants who took part this year, marking it as a record-breaking year for exploring plant-based foods.

Nova Maldives invites guests to celebrate Dry January and Veganuary 2025 with a variety of plant-based and alcohol-free offerings. These culinary experiences are designed to embody the wellness-focused and island-inspired lifestyle that Nova champions.

Throughout January, Nova’s expert mixologists will host interactive cocktail-making classes, providing guests with an opportunity to refine their skills while enjoying the resort’s tranquil surroundings.

Dining options during this special month include vibrant creations at Soul Kitchen and refreshing mocktails at Wink Bar. Featured dishes include the Maldivian Coconut & Vegetable Curry and Kopee Faiy Salad, both crafted from sustainably sourced local ingredients for an authentic taste of Maldivian culture. Among the alcohol-free beverages are the tropical Solis Sunset Cooler, inspired by the sunsets over South Ari Atoll, and the Cucumber Basil Fizz, a refreshing blend of basil and cucumber flavours.

For those wishing to recreate these dishes and drinks at home, Nova provides full recipes, encouraging culinary exploration inspired by island cuisine.

Featured Recipes:

Maldivian Coconut and Vegetable Curry (Tharukaaree Riha): This traditional Maldivian dish combines fresh vegetables with creamy coconut milk for a hearty, plant-based meal. The recipe highlights local ingredients and supports sustainable farming practices.
Kopee Faiy Salad (Kopi Fai): A refreshing side dish made with Kopee Faiy leaves, grated coconut, lime juice, and salt. Simple to prepare, this salad is a burst of freshness and complements any meal perfectly.
Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Stack with Herb Pesto: Enhanced with crispy slices of fried breadfruit, this dish combines the savoury flavours of grilled vegetables with a homemade herb pesto, offering a nutritious and satisfying option.

Signature Mocktails:

Solis Sunset Cooler: A tropical blend of passion fruit juice, lime, and coconut water, topped with soda for a refreshing finish.
Cucumber Basil Fizz: A vibrant mix of fresh cucumber and lemon juices with basil syrup, creating an invigorating beverage.

General Manager Abdulla Aboobakuru emphasises Nova’s commitment to showcasing authentic Maldivian cuisine, “At Nova, we’re passionate about presenting dishes rich in fresh, plant-based ingredients. With the growing global trend toward mindful eating and health-conscious choices, our new recipes not only highlight local produce such as coconuts, spices, and tropical fruits but also cater to those seeking sustainable and nourishing dining options.”