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The Island President Wins Another International Award

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Maldives Promotion House – Hilton Worldwide and Sundance Institute has announced that The Island President has won the newly launched Hilton Worldwide LightStay Sustainability Award program, which includes USD 25,000 for one feature film and one in-process category winner. The prizes will be presented at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

Additionally, Hilton Worldwide will screen the winning feature film, The Island President, at a special private event during the Festival. A Q&A session with director Jon Shenk will follow the screening. The Island President will be released by Samuel Goldwyn Films on March 28th.

The Island President revolves around President Mohamed Nasheed’s campaign to fight global warming. The film shows surprisingly candid access to the head of state, and Shenk assures that he was not required to submit the footage for approval. Apart from some scenes of self-doubt, the documentary paints a heroic portrait of the Maldivian leader. Throughout the film Shenk accompanies President Nasheed in his journey to meet the most powerful leaders of the world.

The film is an AfterImage Public Media presentation of Actual Films, AfterImage Public Media, and Independent Television Service (ITVS) production in association with Ford Foundation and Impact Films with funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

“Our partnership with Sundance Institute provides a platform for filmmakers to tell stories that can catalyze change and elevate dialogue around critical global issues,” Vice President of Sustainability, Hilton Worldwide, Christopher Corpuel said. “The LightStay Sustainability Award recognizes these compelling documentary projects for their ability to highlight the complexities around the challenges of living in a resource-constrained world and create inspired solutions.”

The 2012 LightStay Sustainability Award winners were chosen out of 1,500 feature-length documentaries and more than 5,000 short film entries submitted to the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program. The winning films showcase the connections between sustainability, economic growth and community development.

“Sustainability is a critical topic for many of our filmmakers. This year-round partnership and awards will help support important new voices addressing these issues through documentary,”Director of the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program, Cara Mertes said.

Last month, Hilton Worldwide announced its support of Sundance Institute, a global, nonprofit organization dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and audiences in film and theater, and launched the Hilton Worldwide LightStay Sustainability Award program.

LightStay represents Hilton Worldwide’s overarching commitment to integrating sustainability into every guest experience, which is critical to the long-term success of its business. In partnership with the Sundance Institute, the partnership supports the Institute’s Documentary Film Program and awards grants to up to five documentary film projects focusing on sustainability issues.

Hilton HHonors, the company’s loyalty program for its 10 global brands, and its luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, a part of its luxury portfolio, will participate as the official hotel sponsors of the Sundance Film Festival through 2014.

Celebration

SAiiLand unveils a wonderland of festivities at SAii Lagoon Maldives

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SAiiLand welcomes visitors of all ages to explore a secret fantasy garden, swim in a sea of holiday cheer, and create their own fairy-tale moments. From festive family pool parties to culinary feasts bursting with flavour, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to ensure a celebration full of warmth, fun, and SAiiSational spirit. With live music, treasure hunts, and immersive experiences, this festive season promises to bring joy at every turn.

This year, SAii Lagoon Maldives, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, invites guests to wander through a Secret Fantasy Garden, reach for the horizon, discover the unexpected, and dive into the island’s festive atmosphere. Whether crafting gingerbread houses, dancing under a sky full of stars, or enjoying a secret garden-inspired gala, every aspect of the SAiiLand adventure has been curated to blend joy, elegance, and island spirit.

Alexander Traeger, General Manager at SAii Lagoon Maldives, expressed excitement about sharing the season’s magic with guests. “Whether seeking exceptional dining experiences with family or winter sun adventures in the Maldives, there is something special for everyone.”

Visitors can enjoy festive cocktails at sundown, race through the SAii Amazing Race, or indulge in a feast beneath the stars. The festivities begin with a charming Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony and culminate in a stunning New Year’s Eve countdown, complete with fireworks and endless celebrations. Guests can look forward to live music, culinary delights, and a few magical surprises to make the end of the year truly unforgettable.

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Featured

Fuvahmulah: Home to the world’s largest tiger shark aggregation

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Fuvahmulah Island in the Maldives has been recognised as the location of the largest documented aggregation of tiger sharks globally, according to a recent study published on Nature.com.

Over six years, researchers led by Lennart Vossgaetter from the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Germany identified 239 individual tiger sharks through non-invasive photo identification methods. This represents the highest number of individual tiger sharks recorded in a single, geographically confined area.

The research revealed that tiger sharks around Fuvahmulah exhibit strong site fidelity, especially adult females, which remain in the area for extended periods during gestation. The waters surrounding the island provide critical habitat for these sharks, offering warm temperatures and a consistent food supply from discarded fish waste, making it ideal for reproduction.

Positive Outlook for Tiger Shark Conservation

The study highlighted Fuvahmulah as a vital site for tiger shark conservation in the Indian Ocean, housing the world’s largest known aggregation. The protected status of sharks in Maldivian waters contributes to the island being a “bright spot” for conservation efforts. Researchers emphasise that the island’s waters are essential for supporting female tiger sharks during gestation, serving as a crucial refuge that helps sustain their population.

However, the researchers also pointed out the necessity for further studies on the geographic connectivity of Fuvahmulah’s tiger sharks. Telemetry research could determine whether these sharks primarily inhabit the protected waters of the Maldives shark sanctuary or venture beyond its limits. Such insights are essential for understanding their movements and enhancing conservation strategies.

Balancing Tourism and Conservation

The study also raised concerns about the absence of formal regulations governing shark tourism in the Maldives, which has become a significant economic driver for local communities. The researchers noted that shark diving at sites like Fuvahmulah’s “Tiger Harbour” is currently unregulated, lacking official guidelines for shark provisioning for tourism purposes. Existing codes of conduct at diving sites are voluntary and vary by dive center.

Drawing inspiration from successful management strategies employed in other shark diving destinations, such as locally managed marine protected areas (MPAs) in Fiji, the researchers recommended establishing formal regulations to oversee shark provisioning and diving practices in Fuvahmulah. They argued that adopting sustainable practices is crucial to ensure the long-term conservation of tiger sharks and the economic benefits derived from shark tourism.

To prevent future conflicts between tourism and conservation, the study advocates for incorporating stakeholder interests into local management plans, promoting sustainable ecotourism practices in one of the world’s largest shark sanctuaries.

About Fuvahmulah Island

Fuvahmulah is the second southern-most atoll in the Maldives, situated 500 km from the capital, Male. The island, home to a population of 9000, is accessible via daily scheduled flights operated by the national carrier, Maldivian. Several dive centres are located near the harbour, accommodating the growing number of tourists who visit for tiger shark diving.

In addition to its fame as the “Tiger Shark Island”, Fuvahmulah is also known for its long, white sandy pebble beach, locally called “Thoondu”, on the northeast coast. The beach, with its natural beach breaks, is a popular destination for surfing.

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News

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef named top Luxury Hotel at SATA 2024

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef has proudly been awarded the title of Leading Luxury Hotel (Silver category) in the Maldives at the 2024 South Asian Travel Awards (SATA). This prestigious recognition was presented at a sophisticated ceremony in Kathmandu, Nepal, highlighting the resort’s steadfast commitment to luxury, exceptional guest experiences, and significant contributions to Maldives tourism.

Resort Manager Thoha Yoosuf received the award on behalf of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, expressing sincere gratitude for the honour. “We are incredibly proud to be recognised among the top luxury hotels in the Maldives. This award reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team, who strive to ensure that every guest experience at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is remarkable. We look forward to continuing to elevate luxury travel in the Maldives,” Thoha stated.

Part of the esteemed Sun Siyam Resorts collection, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef consistently provides world-class service, emphasising an authentic and indulgent Maldivian experience. Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the resort combines natural beauty with modern luxury, offering guests a tranquil sanctuary with outstanding amenities, including overwater villas, gourmet dining, rejuvenating spa treatments, and exciting water sports.

The South Asian Travel Awards honour excellence in hospitality throughout the region, recognising hotels, resorts, and tourism companies that excel in customer service, innovation, and sustainability. This prestigious accolade further cements Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s reputation as a leader in luxury travel, making it a top destination for discerning travellers seeking the ultimate Maldivian experience.

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