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Etihad Airways cuts frequency on Maldives service
Etihad Airways has reduced frequency on its Maldives service, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to hit the global aviation industry hard.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline said frequency on its Maldives service will be adjusted to one flight per day from March 23. This new schedule will be effective until April 30, it added.
“Due to the spread of the Covid-19 novel coronavirus and its continuing impact on air travel services globally, Etihad Airways continues to follow UAE and international government and regulatory authority directives and has implemented a series of consolidated network changes,” the carrier said, in a statement.
“This is also being carried out for the safety and convenience of its customers and staff, and to minimise operational disruption during this period.”
Etihad Airways currently operates a twice daily service from Abu Dhabi to Male. The airline uses a next-generation 787 Dreamliner aircraft on its daily morning service.
Etihad Airways launched daily scheduled flights between the capital cities of the United Arab Emirates and the Maldives in November 2011. Since then, the airline has increased the frequency on the Abu Dhabi-Male route to 11 services a week.
The global coronavirus outbreak has hit the Maldivian economy hard, as travel restrictions and other preventive measures affect the country’s lucrative tourism industry, which contributes the bulk of the island nation’s state revenue and foreign reserves.
From the hospitality industry to the airline sector, companies have warned that their long term survival is under threat.
Government on Thursday launched an emergency MVR 2.5 billion ($161.84 million) facility and a package of financial measures to shore up the local economy against the coronavirus pandemic.
The MVR 2.5 billion stimulus plan includes MVR 1.55 billion ($100 million) in emergency loans for businesses to meet short-term working capital needs.
The emergency facility is complemented by a package of financial measures, including a six-month moratorium on principal and interest repayments for personal and business loans sanctioned by commercial banks.
Meanwhile, Bank of Maldives (BML) has announced a $2 million short-term financing facility for the tourism industry.
The facility by the country’s largest bank allows operational resorts and guesthouses finance up to $2 million to manage their working capital requirements, with a repayment period of three years.
On March 8, Maldives reported its first cases of the novel coronavirus, as two hotel employees tested positive for Covid-19 at a luxury resort in the archipelago.
Eleven more cases — all foreigners working or staying resorts and liveaboard vessels — have since been identified. All the patients are under isolation, being treated at designated quarantine facilities.
Maldives announced a state of public health emergency on March 12, the first such declaration under a recent public health protection law.
The public health emergency declaration has allowed the government to introduce a series of unprecedented restrictive and social distancing measures, including a ban on inter-island travel of tourists, including for excursions and between resort islands.
A nationwide shut down of all guesthouses and city hotels has also been ordered. Spa facilities located on inhabited islands have also been closed.
The Maldives had closed its borders to arrivals from some of the worst-hit countries, including mainland China, Italy, Bangladesh, Iran, Spain, the United Kingdom and Malaysia. Visitors from three regions of Germany (Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg), two regions of France (Île-de-France and Grand Est) and two regions of South Korea are also banned from entering the country.
All direct flights to and from China, Italy, South Korea and Iran had also been cancelled.
Cruise ships and foreign yachts had also been banned from docking at any of the country’s ports.
The island nation had installed thermal screening cameras at its international airports.
Quarantine facilities, including designated islets from the 1,192 islands that make up the archipelago, had been established.
This holiday season, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives invites visitors to embrace the festive spirit with an unforgettable blend of music, lights, and tropical flair. From December 21, 2024, to January 10, 2025, the world-renowned resort will once again transform into a dazzling, pink-hued wonderland for its famed Pink Festive events. With vibrant lights and pulsating music, this celebration delivers a one-of-a-kind winter experience.
Guests of all ages are welcomed to join the Pink Festive wave, a celebration combining Hard Rock’s iconic musical flair, exhilarating excitement, and tropical beauty. Imagine dancing to show-stopping live performances and indulging in seasonal culinary delights. Whether relaxing with cocktails on the beach, showcasing dance moves at lively parties, or joining in family-friendly events, visitors will find Hard Rock Maldives to be the perfect destination for catching some winter sun.
Adults can enjoy seaside parties and poolside relaxation, while young rockstars are entertained with high-energy adventures at the Roxity Kids Club™ and Teen Spirit® Club. The excitement culminates on New Year’s Eve with a spectacular Gala Dinner under the stars, followed by an epic countdown party featuring DJ performances and live entertainment. Guests will ring in the new year with a dazzling fireworks display lighting up the tropical sky, celebrating island-style.
Days at the resort are filled with culinary journeys, unique pool parties, friendly seaside competitions, and numerous other surprises. This year’s Pink Festive at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives promises an unforgettable fusion of Christmas cheer and rock-and-roll energy in the heart of the Maldives.
Coco Collection, a renowned luxury hospitality brand in the Maldives known for its tailored experiences, has achieved significant success at the 2024 World Luxury Hotel Awards, securing multiple honours for its resorts Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
Established in 2006, the World Luxury Hotel Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the luxury hospitality industry, celebrating excellence based on recognition from both guests and industry experts. Winners are determined through public voting across over 100 categories, spotlighting the remarkable achievements of luxury hotels worldwide.
Coco Bodu Hithi, a distinguished luxury resort in the Maldives, received several prestigious awards, including Best Luxury Beach Resort in the Maldives, Best Luxury Island Resort in the Indian Ocean, and Best Luxury Villa Resort – Global.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, also earned high praise, winning three categories: Best Luxury Cultural Resort, Best Luxury Eco Resort, and Best Luxury Sustainable Resort, all within the Indian Ocean region.
Ronalaine Fernandez, Assistant Director of Communications at Coco Collection, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “It is a true honour to receive multiple accolades this year. At Coco Collection, we are passionate about crafting personalised experiences in the Maldives that resonate with our guests. With Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, we are proud to be acknowledged for our dedication to sustainability and the unique, personalised touches we deliver every day.”
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is preparing to host a captivating Halloween celebration, inviting guests to enjoy an evening filled with magical costumes, devilish delights, and enchanting fun. The event is scheduled for 31st October 2024 and will feature a Witches and Wizards theme. Attendees can expect a thrilling mix of Trick or Treat activities, costume competitions, and themed culinary experiences.
Younger guests will have the chance to participate in a Trick or Treat activity throughout the resort, while the costume competition will see contenders aiming for the title of best-dressed witch or wizard. The festivities will continue at Rangali Bar and Atoll Market, where a special Halloween-themed menu will be offered, featuring a variety of spooky treats and devilishly delicious dishes.
Prizes will be awarded for the most impressive costumes, followed by a DJ party to keep the spooky atmosphere alive into the night. Whether guests are there for the treats, the exciting entertainment, or the friendly competition, Conrad Maldives promises an unforgettable Halloween night filled with fun, surprises, and spine-chilling moments.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels can enjoy instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money for their stay, an exclusive member discount unavailable elsewhere, and free standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology through the Hilton Honors mobile app, where they can check in, select their room, and access it using a Digital Key.
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