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Maldives hails successful tourism promotion campaign in 2019

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More than 100 activities had been carried out throughout the world this year to promote Maldives’ tourism, making it a highly successful year for the destination, the island nation’s official tourism promotion body announced Tuesday.

Thoyyib Mohamed, Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), told journalists that 113 out of the planned 135 activities had already been carried out. Another 30 would be conducted over the coming weeks, he said.

“We have gathered the opinion of industry stakeholders and implemented corporate governance principles throughout the corporation,” Thoyyib said, during a press conference held at MMPRC’s offices in capital Male.

MMPRC took part in 17 international travel trade fairs in 2018 and some 20 this year. Other activities that had been carried out this year include:

  • Five roadshows in 13 markets
  • 17 media fam trips
  • 11 promotional activities carried out via worldwide PR agents
  • 12 joint promotional activities
  • a training programme for guesthouses

MMPRC had announced plans to participate in over 45 international travel trade fairs in 2020.

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 month.

The one millionth visitor of the year arrived in the Maldives on August 2 — 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.

According to official figures, total arrivals for the past nine months of the year increased by 15.8 per cent to reach 1,251,690 compared to the 1,080,459 in the same period last year.

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.

The government had 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.

Meanwhile, the government had proposed adding MVR 50 million (USD 3.23 million) to the annual marketing budget of the tourism ministry.

In the proposed state budget for 2020, the government had allocated MVR 154.2 million (USD 9.98 million) for tourism promotion.

A parliamentary select committee is currently reviewing the budget.

The new government, which came to power in 2018, 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) in 2018 and 2017.

Photo: Avas Online

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Celebrate Eid al Adha in paradise at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives

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This Eid al Adha (6–10 June), Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives invites guests to escape to its private island paradise for a celebration filled with relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights. Located just a 45-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport, the resort offers an unforgettable tropical retreat, perfect for families, couples, and friends seeking a memorable Eid break.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives presents an exceptional Stay & Dine package, designed for a worry-free holiday. The package includes accommodation on a half-board basis with daily breakfast and dinner at Kandooma Café, complimentary stays and meals for up to two children under 13 years old through the resort’s IHG Kids Stay and Eat Free program, and two complimentary scuba dives per person per day for up to two certified divers per villa (inclusive of equipment, air/Nitrox, return boat transfers to dive sites, and guide services, valid for a minimum of three consecutive paid nights). Guests staying five nights or more also benefit from complimentary return shared speedboat transfers.

Whether lounging on white sandy beaches, diving into crystal-clear waters abundant with colourful marine life, or relaxing at the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, the resort offers endless opportunities to celebrate the spirit of Eid.

Guests can indulge in an array of culinary delights at the resort’s restaurants and bars, featuring authentic flavours, fresh seafood, Maldivian specialties, and international favourites. From relaxed beachside bites to lively themed dinners, there is something to satisfy every palate.

Families traveling with children will appreciate the Kandoo Kids’ Club, which offers a variety of engaging activities for young guests. Meanwhile, couples and groups can explore stunning marine life, join island excursions, or simply relax and reconnect amidst the island’s natural beauty.

Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, commented: “Eid is a time to slow down, savour meaningful moments, and celebrate simple pleasures. At Kandooma Maldives, we invite families and friends to experience true island comfort, enjoy leisurely days in the sun, and indulge in authentic culinary delights crafted with care. We look forward to welcoming guests seeking a refreshing and joyful Eid escape.”

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Tacos, tostadas, and tropical vibes: Tex-Mex night at Cinnamon Dhonveli

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On a balmy Maldivian evening at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, guests were transported far beyond the turquoise waters and swaying palms to the vibrant heart of Mexico, where bold spices, generous flavours, and festive flair came alive in an unforgettable Tex-Mex dining experience.

Hosted at the resort’s Tex Mex restaurant, this exclusive culinary evening unfolded like a vibrant tapestry of taste, guided by a menu crafted to celebrate both tradition and indulgence. Each dish told a story, a moment of cultural homage wrapped in fresh ingredients and smoky, savoury aromas that floated into the air as guests dined by the ocean’s edge.

The evening commenced with the Chicken Caesar Cutlet—a zesty twist on the classic Caesar—featuring marinated chicken breast, avocado, feta, and a charred lettuce crunch. It set the tone for a menu that was both hearty and refined. Following this, the Taco Salad arrived, layered with fresh seafood, guacamole, and sour cream, offering a vivid medley of texture and freshness.

For those in search of warmth and comfort, the Mexican Chicken Soup brought soul to the table, rich with shredded cheese and tortilla chips. As the evening progressed, the grill’s stars made their appearance: a Sourdough King Beef Burger, dripping with cheese sauce and accompanied by golden fries, and the show-stopping Beef Birria Tacos, delivering a slow-cooked, spicy essence that had guests eagerly reaching for seconds.

Sharing was at the heart of the celebration. The Meaty Platter presented a bold feast—featuring grilled sirloin, ribs, and half chicken, accompanied by flour tortillas, guacamole, garlic mayo, and hot sauce. The seafood counterpart, the Seafood Platito, offered a tropical treasure trove of crispy calamari rings, prawn tostadas, green-lip mussels, and coconut-cut crabs, all enhanced by sides of salsa and creamy dips.

The Grilled Sirloin Steak, brushed with cilantro lime butter and served with shoestring fries, provided a classic finale to the main courses, while the Fajita Plates—offered with chicken, beef, or prawns—invited diners to craft their own flavourful creations for a fun, interactive finish to the evening.

Commenting on the event, Marlon Robert, General Manager at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, stated, “We wanted to create an experience that brings people together through food—flavours that spark conversation, dishes meant to be shared, and moments that stay with our guests long after the last bite. The Tex-Mex night was not just about dining—it was a culinary journey that brought a little heat, a lot of heart, and a dash of fiesta to our island.”

With the sound of the waves providing the evening’s soundtrack and the scent of grilled meats filling the air, this Tex-Mex night served as a vibrant reminder that in the Maldives, paradise isn’t just found in the scenery—it is also savoured on the plate.

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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa earns triple nominations at 2025 World Travel Awards

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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, nestled within the naturally lush embrace of the Haa Alifu atoll, has been nominated for three prestigious titles at the 2025 World Travel Awards: Maldives’ Leading Beach Resort, Maldives’ Leading Honeymoon Resort, and Maldives’ Leading Luxury Island Resort.

Anchored by North Point, one of the Maldives’ most expansive natural beaches, the resort features a crescent of powder-soft sand bordered by vibrant tropical greenery. Just offshore, a unique double house reef thrives, bustling with marine life. Guests can step from their villas directly into an underwater world teeming with colorful fish, graceful rays, and the occasional elusive guitar fish — a dreamscape for snorkellers and divers alike. For the more adventurous, legendary dive sites such as ‘Heaven and Hell’ offer encounters with the Maldivian ecosystem at its most pristine.

Accommodation at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a masterclass in space and privacy. Villas and multi-bedroom residences are artfully positioned to offer generous sanctuaries suitable for honeymooning couples, families, and groups seeking both connection and retreat. The expansive spaces afforded to each guest represent a rare form of luxury.

For those seeking the pinnacle of indulgence, The Signature Collection presents nine ultra-luxury residences. These magnificent private estates offer grand living spaces, elevated privileges, bespoke in-villa dining curated to guests’ preferences, and the attentive service of a dedicated butler — the ultimate expression of refined Maldivian living.

Romance is perfectly cultivated at Hideaway. Honeymooners are invited to create unforgettable memories through experiences designed exclusively for two, including magical ‘Cinema Under the Stars’ screenings on the beach, complete with the gentle sound of waves, popcorn, and Champagne. Private ocean escapades aboard the elegant 65-foot Hideaway Majesty yacht further enhance romantic journeys. The resort specialises in transforming life’s milestones — proposals, anniversaries, vow renewals — into deeply personal, unforgettable moments set against a paradise backdrop.

Dining at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa exemplifies its commitment to excellence. Guests can savour luxurious dishes at Oasis, the resort’s fine dining venue, featuring a signature menu crafted to captivate the most discerning palates. Culinary exploration continues across the main buffet restaurant, several à la carte options, a lively teppanyaki grill with live performances, and an Asian fusion restaurant offering exotic flavours from across the continent.

The Hideaway Spa, tucked amidst lush vegetation, adds another dimension to guest well-being. Treatments here become immersive rituals, accompanied by the natural soundtrack of rustling leaves and birdsong, offering profound relaxation, healing, and renewal for both body and soul.

In addition to luxurious accommodations and dining, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is celebrated for its exceptional recreation facilities. The expansive recreation centre includes two tennis courts, a Padel court, indoor badminton facilities, a state-of-the-art golf simulator, and a putting green. Guests enjoy active leisure surrounded by stunning turquoise waters and natural island landscapes, blending sport with nature. A fully equipped gym ensures that fitness enthusiasts can maintain their routines, even while enjoying a tropical escape.

As a true guardian of natural luxury, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa continues to embody the essence of refined Maldivian hospitality. Its unparalleled blend of natural beauty, absolute privacy, and heartfelt service has established it as a cherished sanctuary. These nominations at the 2025 World Travel Awards serve as a testament to the resort’s enduring appeal and the exceptional experiences awaiting those who seek paradise in its purest form.

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