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Maldives revises 2019 tourist arrivals figure to record 1.7 mln

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Maldives on Tuesday revised its record arrival figures from last year, raising the number of tourists that visited the popular Indian Ocean holiday destination in 2019 from 1.67 million to 1.7 million.

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), the official tourism promotion body, had announced last week that the Maldives concluded 2019 with a record 1.67 million tourists.

However, the tourism ministry said Tuesday that 1.6 million tourists visited the Maldives by December 15, with the 1.7 millionth visitor arriving in the country on December 31.

Official figures released by the tourism ministry on Tuesday show that a total of 1,702,831 tourists visited the Maldives in 2019 — a 14.7 per cent increase over 2018. December alone saw 171,292 tourists visiting the country.

Europe dominated the market with a marketshare of 49 per cent, as arrivals from European countries recorded year-over-year growth of 14.8 per cent to reach 833,904 in 2019.

Asia Pacific followed closely with a marketshare of 41.4 per cent. Arrivals from the region recorded year-over-year growth of 13.5 per cent to reach 704,117 in 2019.

The relatively new American market, which recorded year-over-year growth of 23.3 per cent, secured a marketshare of five per cent as arrivals from the US reached 84,793, whilst the Middle East and Africa had a marketshare of 3.5 per cent and 1.1 per cent, respectively.

China maintained its position as the top contributor to Maldives tourism with a marketshare of 16.4 per cent.

India, which had recently overtaken traditional European markets to claim the second spot, increased its marketshare to 9.7 per cent. India was the best-performing individual market of the year, as arrivals recorded year-over-year growth of 83.5 per cent to reach 166,015 from 90,474 in 2018.

Italy, which had recently lost the second place to India, was able to maintain its position as the third biggest source market with a market share of eight per cent by the end of the year, whilst Germany and the UK had a marketshare of 7.7 per cent and 7.4 per cent, respectively.

The Maldives had in November welcomed the 1.5 millionth tourist of the year, reaching the destination’s initial target for tourist arrivals for the year 38 days ahead of schedule.

The Maldives welcomed 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, the government has announced an ambitious target of attracting at least two million tourists to the popular Indian Ocean holiday destination in 2020.

The government aims to attract 2.5 million tourist arrivals per year by the end of its first five-year term in 2023.

To achieve this target, the government had added MVR 50 million (USD 3.23 million) to the annual marketing budget of the tourism ministry.

In the state budget for 2020, the government had allocated MVR 154.2 million (USD 9.98 million) for tourism promotion — up from the MVR 104.2 million (USD 6.7 million) in 2019, and MVR 34.73 million (USD 2.2 million) each in 2018 and 2017.

However, challenges remain as the world-famous holiday destination struggles to match demand with a rapid increase in 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 150. 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.

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New era of luxury Wellness: Pilates Reformer arrives at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

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Setting a new standard in luxury wellness, the iconic St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is expanding its holistic offerings with the introduction of Pilates Reformer—a dynamic full-body workout renowned for its ability to lengthen, strengthen, and restore. Against the backdrop of turquoise waters and lush island serenity, guests will soon be invited to experience this transformative practice as part of a thoughtfully curated wellness journey.

With a growing global demand for integrative fitness experiences, Pilates Reformer has become a favourite for those seeking mindful movement and functional strength. Utilising a specially designed apparatus, the method elevates traditional Pilates through resistance-based training that enhances flexibility, balance, and core stability, while remaining gentle on the joints. At St. Regis Maldives, certified instructors will guide guests through personalised sessions tailored to a variety of goals, from rehabilitation and toning to posture improvement and stress relief.

The addition of Pilates Reformer complements the resort’s deep-rooted commitment to wellness, extending far beyond conventional spa treatments. Central to this philosophy is the overwater Iridium Spa—a serene sanctuary that offers more than indulgence. Guests can engage in Ayurvedic consultations, guided meditation, and holistic health screenings conducted by in-house wellness doctors. These screenings integrate Heart Rate Variability (HRV) technology with the ancient Ayurvedic technique of Nadi Pareeksha, a traditional pulse diagnosis, to identify imbalances and customise each guest’s path to optimal well-being.

Whether seeking deep relaxation, detoxification, or enhanced physical performance, the resort’s integrative approach ensures that every element of a guest’s stay contributes to overall wellness. Daily yoga, breathwork sessions, oceanfront meditation, and nutrition guidance are seamlessly woven into the island’s natural rhythm to create a truly transformative retreat.

Private Pilates Reformer classes will be offered to suit all experience levels, providing an inspiring way for guests to reconnect with both body and mind. With its iconic overwater villas, pristine beaches, and impeccable service, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to redefine luxury through the lens of well-being.

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Kudadoo Maldives Private Island joins Condé Nast Traveller’s exclusive list of World’s Top Private Islands

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Kudadoo Maldives Private Island has been recognised on Condé Nast Traveller’s prestigious 2025 list of “The 16 Best Private Island Resorts in the World.” This accolade from one of luxury travel’s most influential publications highlights Kudadoo’s dedication to delivering an exceptional island experience that seamlessly blends privacy, sustainability, and luxury. Selected for its distinctive hospitality philosophy, Kudadoo provides guests with an intimate retreat featuring just 15 ocean-facing residences, a fully solar-powered environment, and a pioneering ‘Anything. Anytime. Anywhere.’ concept that ensures personalised service and absolute freedom.

Akira Shiota, General Manager of Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, shared his pride in the recognition, “Being recognised by Condé Nast Traveller is a remarkable milestone for Kudadoo. This accolade validates the vision of ‘Freedom Reimagined,’ creating a sanctuary where guests experience unparalleled privacy, exceptional service, and a genuine connection to the surrounding natural beauty. It is a testament to the dedication of the team and the trust placed in Kudadoo by its guests.”

Ahmed Shaheen, Chief Commercial Leader at Crown and Champa Resorts, also reflected on the achievement, “This prestigious listing highlights Kudadoo’s unique position in the luxury travel market. The fully all-inclusive philosophy gives guests the freedom to enjoy every experience without limits, while the island’s status as fully solar-powered reflects a commitment to sustainability that we are incredibly proud of. We look forward to sharing Kudadoo’s story with a global audience and welcoming more guests to discover its magic.”

Kudadoo’s inclusion in this exclusive selection not only elevates its global profile but also celebrates the growing trend towards slow, intentional travel, where quality, authenticity, and respect for nature take center stage.

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Noku Maldives celebrates World Oceans Day with commitment to marine life

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In celebration of World Oceans Day, Noku Maldives, part of the Vignette Collection, announced its partnership with the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre, a leading marine conservation organisation in the Maldives dedicated to sea turtle rescue, coral restoration, and community education.

Established in 2012, the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre has spearheaded efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating injured sea turtles, particularly Olive Ridley turtles affected by ghost nets drifting into Maldivian waters. The organisation’s work also includes coral restoration, community outreach, and the protection of the fragile ecosystems surrounding the island of Naifaru.

To mark World Oceans Day, Noku Maldives will host a series of conservation-focused activities in collaboration with the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre. These activities will include interactive educational sessions for guests on sea turtle biology, threats, and rescue procedures. In addition, the resort’s staff will participate in a practical rescue and response simulation, enhancing the resort’s capacity to support marine wildlife in distress.

The lagoon at Noku Maldives is home to a resident population of sea turtles, whose frequent presence has become a cherished feature of the guest experience. This partnership underscores the resort’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of the Maldives’ rich marine biodiversity.

The collaboration was highlighted by Hussain Shahid, General Manager at Noku Maldives, who remarked, “Collaborating with Atoll Marine Conservation Centre allows us to deepen our understanding and care for the marine life that surrounds us. World Oceans Day presents an opportunity not just to celebrate the beauty of the ocean, but to act meaningfully in its protection.”

This initiative forms part of Noku Maldives’ broader sustainability efforts, embracing the ethos of conscious luxury and responsible hospitality.

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