Featured
Maldives ranked world’s most Instagrammed tourist location
The most Instagrammed tourist locations in the world have been revealed – with the Maldives taking the top spot on the photo sharing platform.
Travel experts from My Baggage found the archipelago in the Indian Ocean, a firm favourite with social media influencers, had been tagged almost nine million times with #Maldives.
Paris’s Eiffel Tower was found to be the second most Instagrammed tourist hotspot with 6.5 million hashtags while New York’s Times Square came in third with 4.4 million hashtags.
With more than 95 million photos uploaded on Instagram daily, the new research looked at the overall number of hashtags for tourist attractions.
The Maldives currently boasts 8.8 million hashtags and images uploaded to the photo-sharing website – more than any other tourist destination or attraction around the globe.
France’s Eiffel Tower scooped second place, with 6.5 million photos shared on Instagram with the attraction’s hashtag, followed by Times Square in New York with 4.4million images.
With limited options available for holidaying amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Maldives has become the destination of choice for many, including influencers.
While many holidaymakers decided to go on a staycation within the country, the Instagram profiles of many celebrities were filled with photos from their vacation in the Maldives, putting the island nation in the spotlight.
“The Covid pandemic has brought about a new appreciation for travel,” Paul Stewart, Managing Director of My Baggage, said.
“With various worldwide lockdowns bringing a halt to many holidays for Brits, a strong feeling of wanderlust is creeping in, with many of us eager to pack our bags and head to the next bucket-list destination.”
Closer to the UK, in a list of 20 must-visit tourist attractions, London offers some Instagrammable tourist hotspots. With Big Ben in sixth place with 3 million hashtags, followed by Tower Bridge in ninth place with 2.4 million and then Hyde Park in tenth place with 2.2 million hashtags.
And the USA boasts the highest number of attractions from one country with Times Square, The Grand Canyon, Brooklyn Bridge, The Empire State Building, and The Statue of Liberty all featuring in the list.
“Naturally, with Instagram becoming the new photo album for travellers, many draw travel inspiration from this social platform, such as the Eiffel Tower in France. While many of us wish we could visit France, we find ourselves in lockdown inside our homes. While inside, we are using our phones more, and social media and digital usage has increased in the past year. 2020 has truly been a digital year as accessibility has improved and our desired holiday destination is just a click away,” Steward added.
“This got the team at My Baggage thinking, what are the most Insta-worthy destinations in the world right now? So, we researched the total hashtags of the top 20 tourist hotspots in the world.”
The Maldives reopened its borders on July 15.
With the border reopening, 30-day free on-arrival visa is issued to all tourists with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility in the country.
There is no mandatory quarantine or testing on arrival, but tourists have to complete an online health declaration form and provide a negative PCR test result taken at least 96 hours prior to their departure.
Visitors with symptoms of the Covid-19 respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus or those travelling with someone who has similar symptoms are also tested at their own expense.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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