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Maldives Travel Awards 2019 honours top travel brands, hospitality leaders

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Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) on Thursday hosted the gala celebrations of Maldives Travel Awards 2019, recognising the best of the Maldives travel industry.

Dubbed as the premier travel event in the Maldives, the Maldives Travel Awards gala saw more than 200 travel professionals come together at Crossroads Maldives — the first and largest integrated tourism development in the country — to celebrate the winners in 26 categories of the Gala Edition.

The celebrations began in the afternoon with a networking reception hosted at Café Del Mar for winners in the Guesthouse Edition. The winners in the Guesthouse Edition include:

  • Leading Food and Beverage Guesthouse: Crystal Sands Hotel, K. Mafushi
  • Leading Guesthouse (South): Reveries Diving Village Surf & Spa, L. Gan
  • Leading Guesthouse (North): Nolhi Escape, Hdh. Nolhivaranfaru
  • Leading Guesthouse (Central): Araamu Holidays & Spa, K. Dhiffushi
  • Leading Guesthouse (Male Area):
    UI Inn, Hulhumale
  • Leading Eco-Friendly Guesthouse: Wave Sound, S. Maradhoo Feydhoo
  • Leading Diving and Watersports: Dhigurah Retreat, Adh. Dhigurah
  • Leading Guest House Brand: Kaani Hotels, K. Maafushi
  • Leading Business Guesthouse: Airport Beach Hotel, Hulhumale
  • Leading Adventure Guesthouse: Remora Inn, F. Nilandhoo and Season Paradise, K. Thulusdhoo
  • Leading Guesthouse Island: Aa. Thoddoo and Aa. Ukulhas
  • Most Innovative Guest House Concept: Bliss Dhigurah, Adh. Dhigurah
  • Leading Transport Service Provider: Nevi Transfer Service
  • Leading Beach Island: L. Gan

It was followed by the gala dinner where the winners of the Gala Edition and the People’s Edition were announced. The winners in the Gala Edition include:

  • Leading Airport Hotel: Airport Beach Hotel
  • Leading Low Cost Carrier: Air Asia
  • Leading Local Carrier: Maldivian
  • Leading International Carrier: Sri Lankan Airlines
  • Leading Business Hotel: Hotel Jen Malé Maldives By Shangri-La
  • Leading Local Hotel & Resort Brand: Villa Hotels
  • Leading International Hotel & Resort Brand: Anantara Hotels & Resorts
  • Leading Liveaboard: Ark Nobel
  • Leading Surf Resort: Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives
  • Leading Food And Beverage Outlet: Niyama Private Islands Maldives
  • Leading Meeting and Conference Resort: Kurumba Maldives
  • Leading Designer Resort: Cocoon Maldives and Kandima Maldives
  • Leading Dive Resort: Bandos Maldives and Angaga Island Resort & Spa
  • Leading Human Resource Management: Velaa Private Island Maldives
  • Leading CSR Programme: Crown & Champa Resorts
  • Leading Liveaboard Brand: Carpe Diem Maldives
  • Leading Eco Resort: Six Senses Laamu
  • Leading All-Inclusive Resort: Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives
  • Leading Food and Beverage Resort: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
  • Leading Family Resort: One&Only Reethi Rah
  • Leading Wellness And Spa Resort: Kihaa Maldives and The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives
  • Leading Beach Resort: Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa
  • Leading Luxury Resort: Cheval Blanc Randheli
  • Most Romantic Resort: Huvafen Fushi Maldives

Maldives Travel Awards celebrated its eighth anniversary this year, with a record number of nominations in all major categories.

This year, the Gala edition featured 236 nominations in 28 categories, representing more than 100 registered travel brands in the Maldives. The Guesthouse Edition featured 196 nominations in 13 categories.

Winners in both editions were selected based on reviews by travellers and popular vote collected via SMS and an online voting portal. A combined total of over 110,000 votes were registered.

Meanwhile, contributions to the industry by three travel professionals were recognised, as part of the People’s Edition.

The individuals that received the ‘Tourism Personality of the Year’ award include:

  • Raffaele Solferino: General Manger, Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives
  • Ramsay Perera: General Manager, Embudu Village

“We have concluded another successful edition of Maldives Travel Awards – and we acknowledge the support and contribution from our partners and the travel industry to make this award a special recognition,” Abdulla Suood, President of MATAO, said.

“Growing numbers in nominations and popular vote is a clear indication of the progress that we are making in our efforts to develop this awards to a global recognition and a successful marketing platform for the nominees and for the destination.”

Initiated in 2012 by MATATO, the Maldives Travel Awards celebrate and honour the best tourism and hospitality products in the Maldives whilst fostering relationships with suppliers and local travel agents. From 20 categories in 2012, the awards have now expanded into three editions totalling 55 categories.

MATATO hosts three editions: the People’s Edition, which recognises successful pioneers and long serving individuals in the tourism industry, a Guesthouse Edition, which celebrates the outstanding performance of the up and coming guesthouse sector, and the Gala Edition, which is exclusive for winners in the categories for resorts, airlines and liveaboards.

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Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) holds its 34th Annual General Meeting

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The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) held its 34th Annual General Meeting at Kurumba Maldives today, with a total of 100 members in attendance. 

The day’s events began with a welcome address from the Chairman of MATI, Mr. Mohamed Umar, who also presided over the session. The agenda included an address from the Secretary General, Mr. Ahmed Nazeer, the review and approval of the minutes of the 33rd AGM, the review and adoption of the Annual Report and Financial Reports for 2023, the approval of the 2024 budget, the appointment of auditors for 2024, the welcoming of new members and election of executive board members to the two vacant positions (by-election).

In the member discussion session, the following topics were covered: the Government’s aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2023 and renewable energy generation in the Tourism Industry, new terminal of Velana International Airport and developments, employment challenges, the Industrial Relations Act and trade unions, environmental conservation and the significance of creating and executing efficient management plans for protected areas like the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA).

Following the official proceedings, the Minister of Tourism Hon. Ibrahim Faisal and the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Hon. Mohamed Saeed joined the forum. The Ministers provided remarks and engaged in a Member Q&A session. This session provided members with the chance to directly engage with the Ministers and delve into crucial industry topics. The queries focused on the Economic Outlook, forthcoming development plans and  immediate challenges and issues affecting the Tourism Industry.

A video presentation was also showcased that delved into the extensive work undertaken by MATI in 2023. The video also touched upon the Tourism Industry’s performance over the past 5 years, as well as the current and projected human resource capacity of the sector.

In his closing remarks, the Secretary General highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing industry challenges and called for greater unison amongst industry stakeholders, ending with an acknowledgement of the promising start to the year in terms of arrivals.

Executive Board Members elected to the 2 vacant positions (by-election):

  1. Ibrahim Shareef, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited
  2. Renato De Olivera, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and representative of Marriott International
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Unlocking power of travel storytelling at Travel Creators Exchange 2024

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Join us for the Travel Creators Exchange 2024, taking place on February 1, 2024, at the Hotel Jen in Male’, Maldives.

This dynamic event provides a platform for networking and collaboration among Maldives-based travel creators, fostering connections, idea-sharing, and the establishment of lasting partnerships to expand opportunities and monetise content.

Our lineup of distinguished speakers includes:

  • Zihuny Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of MMPRC, will present on “Power of Digital Storytelling: Collaborative Strategies for Destination Promotion.” MMPRC actively markets the Maldives globally, utilising a comprehensive approach that includes travel trade shows, roadshows, digital marketing, and more.
  • Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Maldives Resort, brings over 23 years of hospitality industry experience. He will discuss “The Role of Content in Tourism Marketing,” drawing on expertise in revenue, customer service, sales & marketing, and human capital development.
  • Suresh Dissanayake, Assistant Vice President of Sales & Marketing of Heritance Aarah & Adaaran Resorts, with nearly two decades of experience, will shed light on “What does a Sales and Marketing Director Do?” He brings extensive luxury hospitality experience and a proven track record in sales, distribution, and marketing.
  • Vishal Amir Ahmed, a versatile cinematographer and content creator, will explore “Who is a Content Creator.” Currently associated with Various Arts Studio, he specialises in providing multimedia solutions to various clients.

Organised by Maldives Insider, Maldives Virtual Tour, Travel Trade Maldives, and Hotelier Maldives, this collaborative effort aims to empower Maldives-based travel content creators and elevate the Maldives as a premier destination for captivating travel storytelling.

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Acclaimed contemporary artist Ana Pušica explores perpetuality and community at Patina Maldives

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Ana Pušica Kramer, an internationally  acclaimed contemporary artist, joins Patina Maldives for an exclusive  art residency in the now infamous Fari Art Atelier. From January 22 to  February 22, 2024, Ana Pušica will grace the shores of the Fari Islands,  weaving a vibrant narrative of colour and emotion across her larger  than-life canvases. 

Her artistry transcends boundaries, melding abstraction and figuration into awe-inspiring masterpieces. Having exhibited globally, from New York to Beijing, Ana’s paintings are a physical, intuitive act rooted in movement.  Described as a “beautiful fluorescent thunderstorm,” Ana’s art explores light and colour, capturing the energy of life itself. 

The Fari Art Atelier which has previously hosted the likes of Daniel Arsham, Chris Stamp and David Nott, will be transformed into Ana’s studio and gallery showcasing her enthralling artworks—a mesmerising journey through poetry, memory, and the vibrant interplay of colour. Guests at Patina are invited to delve into Ana’s world, where each stroke reveals layers of meaning, evoking sensations of intense lightness and boundless interpretation. 

At Patina Maldives, Ana will immerse herself in a month-long residency, inviting the Patina Malidves community or guests and team to witness her artistic fervour firsthand. Guests will have the rare opportunity not only to observe her creative process but also to engage with and create art alongside this luminary.

Experience artistry at its most exclusive

Art Exhibition
Experience Ana’s captivating exploration of colour and emotion in her spellbinding artworks displayed at the Fari Atelier.

Art Workshops: Message in a Bottle
As part of a collaborative artwork, Ana invites Patina guests to participate in short workshops, actively contributing to the creation of a permanent installation at Patina Maldives.

Open Studio Session
Join Ana for an exclusive open studio session, offering guests a behind the-scenes look at her creative process.

Ana Pušica residency package
Discover a world where creativity knows no bounds as Ana Pušica, the maestro of contemporary art, transforms Patina Maldives into an immersive canvas of inspiration.

Book now to secure your experience.
For more information and reservations, please visit Patina Maldives or contact
reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com

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