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Show your love for Maldives on Monday, stand to win over 30 free holidays

Published

4 years ago

June 8, 2020

Travellers around the world are invited to join a virtual journey on Monday to rediscover the memories of the beautiful islands of the Maldives, as the Indian Ocean tourist paradise prepares to reopen its borders to visitors.

The ‘Maldives, the sun will shine again’ Facebook live event aims to tell the world that the Maldives is slowly but surely on the road to recovery and is getting ready to start welcoming visitors again.

The three-hour live feed will let participants “re-live the Maldives dream” from the comfort of their home. They will be virtually transported to some of the very best locations in the Maldives and be told of “how we are preparing as we await your return”.

Well-wishers from around the world, including celebrities, key opinion leaders, influencers, artists and fans of Maldives, will join officials from the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) at the event.

Local musicians and artists will also come together to show their love, sentiments, wishes, memories and messages to “remind that indeed the sun will shine again” in the Maldives.

During the event, lucky winners will get over two dozen free holiday packages offered by the luxury resorts in the archipelago.

The Maldives is preparing to reopen its borders to visitors in July.

The 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.

Before the pandemic, the government had been bullish about tourism prospects, targeting two million, high-spending holidaymakers this year after last year’s record 1.7 million.

However, tourist arrivals saw a year-over-year decline of 22.8 per cent in the first 10 days of March. Officials say the number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives could drop by half in 2020.

All international airlines have suspended scheduled operations to the Maldives, as the island nation enforced a blanket suspension of on-arrival visa in late March in a bid to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

With arrival numbers falling and the visa suspension in effect, several resorts across the Maldives had been closed.

Tourism has been the bedrock of the Maldives’ economic success. The $5 billion-dollar economy grew by 6.7 per cent in 2018 with tourism generating 60 per cent of foreign income.

However, the government is at present projecting a possible 13 per cent economic contraction this year — an estimated $778 million hit.

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.

Eighteen more cases — all foreigners working or staying resorts and liveaboard vessels except five Maldivians who had returned from abroad — were later identified.

A six-case cluster of locals, detected in capital Male on April 15, confirmed community transmission of the coronavirus. Several more clusters have since been identified, bringing the total number of confirmed case in the Maldives to 1,903.

Eight deaths have been reported and 827 have made full recoveries.

The 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 stay-at-home orders in capital Male and its suburbs, a ban on inter-island transport and public gatherings across the country, and a nationwide closing of government offices, schools, colleges and universities.

Non-essential services and public places in the capital such as gyms, cinemas and parks have also been shut.

Restaurants and cafes in the capital have been asked to stop dine-in service and switch to takeaway and delivery.

A nationwide shutdown of all guesthouses, city hotels and spa facilities located on inhabited islands is also in effect.

Show your love for the Maldives by being part of the Facebook live event on Monday, June 8, 2020 from 8-11pm local time (GMT +5).

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Etienne Ng, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay), to speak at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024

Published

17 hours ago

September 7, 2024

m@ldives

Hotelier Maldives has announced that Etienne Ng, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay), will be a featured speaker at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024. The GM Forum, the largest gathering of hospitality professionals in Maldives, will take place on September 19 at CROSSROADS Maldives.

Etienne Ng leads Weixin Pay’s operations across Southeast Asia, where the platform has seen substantial growth. His session at the forum will primarily focus on Chinese travel trends and their spending behaviour. He will also highlight the role of digital payments in enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency within the hospitality industry.

Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, commented on the announcement: “Etienne Ng’s participation at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024 will offer attendees valuable insights into the growing impact of digital payments in the tourism and hospitality sectors. His experience in managing Weixin Pay’s expansion in Southeast Asia makes him a key voice in discussions about the future of payment solutions in the industry.”

This year’s GM Forum, now in its eighth edition, will focus on ‘The Evolving Luxury Landscape’ in the Maldives. Industry leaders will discuss the future of luxury travel, including the new luxury traveller’s psyche, digital marketing, and sustainable practices. Topics will cover private islands, underwater experiences, and the opportunities and challenges faced by hoteliers in the country. The forum will feature diverse panels and interactive sessions, emphasising personalised guest experiences and local cultural integration. It aims to foster active participation and share innovative case studies from the luxury travel industry.

Sponsors and partners of GM Forum 2024 include:

Ooredoo Maldives: Digital Partner (Title Sponsor)
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM): Silver Sponsor
Dhivehi Insurance: Silver Sponsor
Fuel Supplies Maldives: Silver Sponsor
Manta Air: Aviation Partner
Male’ Aerated Water Company: Beverage Partner
Atmosphere Wellness: Wellness Partner
Souvenir Marine: Transport Partner
Printlab: Printing Partner
CROSSROADS Maldives: Venue Partner
Lights Out: Coverage Partner
Associate Sponsors: Alia Investments, Villa Hakatha, GAGE, Wyntronix, Uniforms Unlimited and Spa Ceylon Maldives

With Etienne Ng joining the lineup of speakers, the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024 will offer attendees insights into the latest developments in digital payment technologies and their applications in the Maldivian hospitality sector.

John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group, will be the keynote speaker at the event. Hotelier Maldives will soon announce additional speakers, presenters, and panel discussions, further shaping the forum’s agenda.

News

Bandos Maldives gears up for International Housekeeping Week 2024

Published

17 hours ago

September 7, 2024

m@ldives

Bandos Maldives is all geared up to celebrate International Housekeeping Week from September 9th to 15th, 2024, to honour the dedication and hard work of its housekeeping associates.

The week will feature a series of engaging activities designed to foster team spirit, enhance skills, and recognise the vital role of housekeeping in delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Bandos Maldives, along with the Kuda Huraa team, has organised a series of exciting activities to kick off International Housekeeping Week. The celebrations include friendly competitions, such as a bed decoration contest, football match, and a visit to Kuda Huraa for a friendly volleyball game and shared activities.

The week also features a fun-filled picnic with team-building games at the sandbank, and a creative bed decoration and towel art competition. The festivities will culminate in an official dinner and award ceremony hosted by the Bandos Management, demonstrating their commitment to supporting and motivating the dedicated housekeeping team.

Join the resort in celebrating the exceptional housekeeping team that keeps Bandos Maldives immaculate and welcoming for all guests.

News

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort celebrates World Wellness Weekend with exquisite three-day wellness retreat

Published

17 hours ago

September 7, 2024

m@ldives

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced its upcoming celebrations for World Wellness Weekend, taking place from September 20th to 22nd, 2024. Guests are invited to embark on a transformative journey of holistic wellness amidst the serene beauty of the Maldives.

Nestled between verdant rainforest and white-sand beaches on a private natural island, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a place where luxury meets holistic wellness. With a choice of overwater and beachside villas overlooking the alluring waves of the Indian Ocean, guests enjoy unrivalled tranquility during an idyllic stay for World Wellness Weekend in 2024 .

The three-day retreat promises a comprehensive programme designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Each day features a curated selection of activities, including yoga, fitness classes, and wellness workshops, set against the luxurious settings of the resort. Activities can be arranged with the assistance of the iconic St. Regis Butler Service, and is complimentary to all guests at the resort.

Day 1: Friday, September 20, 2024:

Begin with Morning Yoga & Meditation at the Yoga Sala.
Strengthen your core with a TRX Workout in the Fitness Studio.
Explore Ayurvedic healing during the “Balancing Your Doshas” workshop in the Drawing Room.
End the day with an invigorating Beach Boot Camp at Alba Beach.

Day 2: Saturday, September 21, 2024:

Start the day with a peaceful Morning Yoga & Meditation session.
Engage in Kickboxing and Anti-Gravity Yoga for a dynamic workout experience.
Discover the ancient art of Thai healing with the Tok Sen Thai Therapy Experience at Iridium Spa.
Conclude with Chakra Yoga, focusing on the Ajna Chakra.

Day 3: Sunday, September 22, 2024:

A calming session of Morning Yoga & Meditation sets the tone for the day.
Indulge in a BR Skin Instant Workshop at Iridium Spa.
Experience the unique Pool Bike Fitness class at Alba Pool.
Learn the Art of Massage Techniques in a hands-on workshop.
Energise with Jumping Fitness and finalise the retreat with Chakra Yoga, concentrating on the Sahasrara Chakra.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, which opened in November 2016, is nestled on a private island in a secluded Maldivian atoll, amidst thriving marine life. Just 45 minutes from Male by seaplane, guests are transported into a newfound paradise in the Dhaalu Atoll.

The resort draws inspiration from nature itself. Designed by WOW Architects | Warner Wong Design (Singapore), the unusual contemporary design of The St. Regis Maldives draws inspiration from the natural setting of the resort. This is represented by the manta ray shaped lagoon villas, a signature bar in the shape of a whale shark, a lobster-inspired spa and a spiral shell shaped library.

There are seven distinct dining venues, including two Asian specialty restaurants featuring Eastern haute cuisine and Japanese style Kaiseki cuisine, an international restaurant that offers dishes spanning from Asian to Western flavors, an underground wine cellar, a shack style restaurant, a signature overwater bar that rolls out stunning views of dramatic sunset, and a restaurant located inland amongst the tropical gardens featuring middle-eastern cuisine. Additionally, guests can also enjoy the Iridium Spa, which presents six overwater treatment rooms, including two that are dedicated to healing Ayurvedic treatments. Spa guests can also enjoy a Blue Hole.