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As Maldives’ tourism celebrates 50 years, Corbyn sees ‘phenomenal’ progress

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George Corbyn, an Italian tour operator who had been instrumental in introducing tourism to the Maldives 50 years ago, said on Tuesday that the development of the industry has been phenomenal.

The first tourists to arrive in the Maldives were a group of 22 Italian journalists who arrived in February 1972 under the supervision of Corbyn. Corbyn had previously said in an interview with a foreign newspaper that the group had arrived in the Maldives on February 16.

On Tuesday, Corbyn returned to the Maldives on the invitation of the Ministry of Tourism to participate in some of the activities being held to mark the 50th anniversary of the Maldivian tourism industry.

Speaking to reporters at the airport, Corbyn said the Maldives has made significant progress in the past 50 years.

“It’s hard to believe what these islands have done in 50 years,” he said.

“Maldivians are very good. It is also part of the beauty of the Maldives.”

This is the third time Corbyn has visited the Maldives since he left the country. He will be in the Maldives for six days during which he will stay at:

  • Maagiri Hotel: The location of the house where some of the first tourists that Corbyn brought to the Maldives stayed at
  • Kurumba Maldives: The first resort developed and opened in Maldives
  • An unidentified resort in Noonu atoll
  • Kuda Villingi Maldives Resort

Corbyn said he would meet with various tourism related organisations to see what more can be done for the industry.

“We want to expand tourism to the US market. It’s a huge market,” said Corbyn, who now lives in the United States.

“Now the US market is frequented by honeymooners. But the Maldives is a place where there are more than that. For example, watersports, diving and fishing.”

In addition, Corbyn will:

  • attend the ceremony held at Manhattan Business Hotel on Wednesday to launch a stamp set to mark the 50th anniversary of Maldivian tourism
  • attend a talk show at the auditorium of the Maldives National University on Thursday regarding the history of the Maldivian tourism industry

Everything in the Maldives is special for Corbyn

Having retired, Corbyn now consults with travellers and travel planning facilities. His consultancy is based on his nearly 60 years of experience traveling.

When asked what was the most unique aspect of Maldivian tourism, Corbyn said each and every aspect of the Maldives was special.

“Atolls, beaches, sand, underwater world; everything is different, it’s beautiful,” he said.

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives introduces summer offer across four island resorts

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives has introduced a summer offer aimed at travellers seeking longer stays across its four island resorts.

Guests booking stays of seven nights or more will receive complimentary return transfers for two people, while shorter stays will include complimentary one-way transfers. At participating resorts, up to two children under the age of 12 can also stay and dine free.

The offer includes savings on selected excursions and activities and is available for bookings and stays until 31 October 2026.

Guests who book directly through Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives will have access to additional benefits, including options to personalise their stays with beach dining, spa treatments and island activities. Members of the brand’s loyalty programme will receive further savings and earn double Discovery Dollars during the promotional period.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers beachfront accommodation, a range of activities and speedboat transfers from Malé. Its accommodation and family-focused programmes are designed for guests seeking a combination of recreation and time together.

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides accommodation, dining options, wellness services and water-based activities within an island setting. The resort caters to couples, families and travellers visiting the Maldives for the first time.

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, located across two islands in Meemu Atoll, is positioned for couples and honeymooners. Guest experiences include sunset dining, spa treatments and access to the surrounding lagoon.

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon caters to divers and snorkellers through its house reef, marine life and access to dive sites. The resort provides direct access to underwater experiences in the Indian Ocean.

The summer offer provides savings of up to 65% across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives’ four properties.

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JOALI Maldives wins two honours at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia

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JOALI Maldives has been recognised in two categories at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia 2026, receiving honours among the Best Resorts in the Maldives and for the Most Outrageous Villa.

The recognition reflects the resort’s Creative Living philosophy, which brings together art, nature, wellbeing, sustainability and hospitality within the guest experience.

Located in Raa Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, JOALI Maldives opened as the Maldives’ first art-immersive luxury resort. Art installations, dining experiences, wellbeing programmes and accommodation are integrated across the island as part of its approach to resort living.

The property features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, positioned across the island and above the Indian Ocean. The accommodation has been designed to provide privacy, space and access to views of the surrounding environment.

Each villa combines contemporary design with materials including timber, marble, bamboo and terrazzo, as well as handcrafted finishes. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides views of the ocean, while private pools connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Artworks and design pieces are also incorporated into each villa, reflecting the resort’s Creative Living concept and extending the art experience into the accommodation.

Guests can choose from Beach Villas, Water Villas and multi-bedroom Residences, with options designed for couples, families and groups. The larger residences provide additional living areas, pools and facilities for guests seeking more space and privacy.

Each villa is supported by a dedicated Jadugar, a term used by the resort to describe its butler service. The Jadugar assists guests throughout their stay by arranging dining experiences, island activities, celebrations and other personalised services.

Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the island’s pathways, gardens and viewpoints.

JOALI Maldives said the awards reflected the work of its team and the support of its guests, partners and wider community. The resort also said it would continue developing experiences focused on creativity, wellbeing and connection.

The recognition adds to JOALI Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury resort sector, where its art-led design and Creative Living philosophy form the basis of its guest experience.

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Michelin-Starred Chef Grégoire Berger to host dining experience at Lily Beach Resort & Spa

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Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced a culinary collaboration with Chef Grégoire Berger, chef and co-owner of the Dubai restaurant Kraken.

Known for progressive French cuisine influenced by the ocean, Berger has received a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Dubai from 2022 to 2024. His restaurant has also been included among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while his work has received recognition through several international culinary awards.

Berger’s approach draws on the sea as a source of ingredients, ideas and presentation. His menus combine French culinary techniques with marine influences, with each dish developed around a narrative connected to the ocean.

As part of his visit to Lily Beach in August 2026, Berger will host a fine-dining dinner for a limited number of guests. He will also introduce a signature dish at AQVA Bar & Restaurant during the collaboration.

The programme forms part of Lily Beach’s efforts to expand its culinary offering and introduce visiting chefs and dining concepts to guests in the Maldives.

Located in South Ari Atoll, the resort will provide guests with an opportunity to experience Berger’s cuisine within its all-inclusive hospitality concept. The collaboration will combine his Michelin-recognised approach with the resort’s existing food and beverage programme.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa has established its hospitality offering around its premium all-inclusive model, supported by a range of dining venues. Its restaurants offer overwater dining, international buffet selections, seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.

The resort’s culinary programme is supported by the Platinum Plan, an all-inclusive package that includes dining experiences, a selection of wines and spirits, excursions and personalised services.

Through the collaboration with Berger, Lily Beach aims to add another dining experience to its guest programme while continuing to develop its position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality market.

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