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MMPRC returns to Moscow Dive Centre to showcase thrilling activities for watersports enthusiasts

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC / Visit Maldives) returns to the Moscow Dive Show for the second year, showcasing thrilling activities available in the Maldives for water sports and dive enthusiasts.
The event will be held from 17th to 20th of February in Moscow, Russia.
Moscow Dive Show is the largest exhibition held in Russia and Eastern Europe dedicated to activities, equipment, technology, and training related to water, underwater, and water sports. This includes but is not limited to diving, freediving, spearfishing, yachts, surfing, underwater photography, pool developers, beach activity organisers and training opportunities. The event brings together buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts relevant to the water, water sports and underwater field.
MMPRC is joined at this event by five co-exhibitors, who will showcase the water sport activities and adventures awaiting tourists in the Maldives. While at the Moscow Dive Show, co-exhibitors will also have the opportunity to connect with businesses who produce relevant equipment and technology, and create activity outlines or provide training related to water sports activities.
MMPRC is participating in this event to market the destination as a safe haven offering unique and thrilling experiences to tourists. Through this event, we will provide the latest travel guidelines, information about the unique geographical formation of the Maldives’ scattered islands, the stringent safety measures in place in our resorts, guesthouses, liveaboards and hotels.
This event is a great opportunity for MMPRC and local industry stakeholders to connect with global stakeholders from water sports/recreation and travel related businesses.
Additionally, participation in this exhibition will help maintain the Maldives as a top-of-mind destination for agents looking to sell dive/water sports destinations, thus improving destination presence. Participation in this show aligns with our marketing strategy for the Russia and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) market.
Russia was one of the top source markets to the Maldives in 2021. Compared to the arrival figures of 2019, there was a 175 percent increase in arrival from Russia to Maldives in 2021. From January to December 2021, Maldives welcomed 222,422 tourists from Russia. By 09th February 2022, we have welcomed 171,982 tourists out of which Russia ranks as top source market with 28,468 or 16.6% market share.
MMPRC has been conducting several activities for the Russian and CIS market as part of the effort to maintain destination momentum and increase arrivals. In 2021, MMPRC participated in major fairs such as MITT 2021, LTM Moscow, Moscow Dive Show and The Big Ocean Show targeting the Russia and CIS market. Future activities planned ahead for the market in 2022 include e-learning with Profi Travel for B2B, marketing campaigns with tour operators, and digital marketing campaigns. MMPRC also plans to participate in major fairs such as LTM Moscow 2022, UITT, Ukraine 2022 and Deluxe Travel Market Kazakhstan 2022.
In 2021, MMPRC carried out over 260 different activities in 22 global markets. This includes interviews given for news, magazines and TV, marketing campaigns, webinars, familiarisation trips, and participation in fairs and exhibitions.
The greatest testament to the success of these activities came in December, as the Maldives secured the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ (among several other accolades) at the 2021 World Travel Awards, globally recognised as the hallmark of industry excellence.
This is the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travellers from all over the globe.
This year also celebrates an exceptional year to visit the Maldives – the Golden Jubilee celebration of tourism in the Maldives kicked off earlier last year with plans to conduct new and exciting activities throughout the year. MMPRC has planned over 60 in-person events for the year 2022, including 11 fairs, roadshows and events scheduled for just the first quarter.
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Go behind scenes at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives with new immersive tour

At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, the allure of turquoise waters and golden sunsets is only part of the journey. As part of its Week in Paradise initiative, they have introduced a rare and eye-opening experience that takes guests behind the scenes—offering a deeper appreciation for what it truly takes to keep island life thriving.
Titled the Explore Our Resort Tour, this guided walkthrough is designed to go beyond the beach, spotlighting the systems, spaces, and people that quietly power of its island. It’s an invitation to witness the inner workings of paradise, where sustainability, efficiency, and teamwork come together in perfect harmony.

The tour begins at their Eco Park, where guests learn about our waste management operations—specifically the incinerator and digestor systems that play a critical role in reducing the resort’s environmental impact. From there, they visit the sewage treatment plant, where water is processed responsibly to maintain a clean and eco-conscious environment.
A stop at the diesel tanks and generator systems offers insight into the island’s energy supply, revealing how carefully calibrated operations ensure uninterrupted comfort for guests and colleagues alike. The RO (reverse osmosis) plant—another key highlight—demonstrates how seawater is converted into fresh, usable water through advanced desalination technology.

Guests also visit the laundry facilities, where mountains of linen are refreshed daily, and the often unseen administrative offices and associate accommodation units, which form the backbone of daily resort life. It’s a behind-the-curtain view of the dedication and effort that go into creating the effortless luxury that defines the Cinnamon experience.
More than just an operational tour, Explore Our Resort is about storytelling. It’s about giving guests a richer understanding of the care, coordination, and innovation that support each moment of their stay—from the spotless sheets to the lights that twinkle across the lagoon at night.

By launching this initiative, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives invites travellers to connect with the island on a deeper level—not just as guests, but as curious explorers of the world that quietly exists beyond the beach.
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Ocean, culture, community: sustainable celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru

Single-use plastics continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with over 11 million metric tonnes entering the oceans each year. Since the Banyan Group began its efforts to eliminate single-use plastics in 2018, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have led the way within the group—achieving a 75% reduction in plastic use, the highest rate across all properties.
This July, guests are invited to participate in a series of sustainability-focused activities designed to create meaningful impact:
- 12 July: A community clean-up in Malé City in collaboration with CLEAN Maldives, bringing together locals, guests, and team members to reduce marine waste in urban environments.
- 19 & 26 July: Marine litter snorkelling clean-ups around the house reef, removing plastic debris while protecting marine life and habitats.
- 29 July: A recycled arts and crafts workshop at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in partnership with Feyran Craft House, transforming collected plastic into handcrafted artworks.
These efforts support the Banyan Group’s ‘Brand for Good’ sustainability targets, which include the complete elimination of guest-facing single-use plastics by 2025 and full elimination across operations by 2030.
Taking place at Dhawa Ihuru—recognised for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives (Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025)—the Rannamaari Dive Fest invites divers and marine enthusiasts to explore the famed Rannamaari Shipwreck, located just metres from the shoreline.
This immersive day features:
- Guided dives to the shipwreck
- Underwater treasure hunts
- Marine conservation talks
- Cultural experiences including local arts and crafts, Maldivian cooking classes, and spa rituals
The event pays tribute to the vibrant marine ecosystem that defines Dhawa Ihuru as a premier dive destination.
Observed on 26 July, Maldivian Independence Day commemorates the country’s emergence as a sovereign island nation. In celebration of this historic occasion, both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have curated three days of experiences rooted in national pride, community, and tradition.
- 26 July: Guests may participate in a symbolic swim across the channel connecting the two islands, representing unity and freedom. The day continues with a Maldivian Culture Talk exploring traditions, language, and the significance of Independence Day, followed by a traditional Bodu Beru performance and beach bonfire under the stars.
- 26–28 July: Three days of beachside “Fun Olympic Games” celebrate island spirit through friendly competition and laughter.
- 25–31 July: Special dive and water sports promotions of up to 30% will be available. Offers include signature experiences such as diving the Rannamaari Shipwreck and snorkelling excursions with nurse sharks and stingrays.
The July programming forms part of the lead-up to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s official 30th anniversary in September 2025. Each initiative reflects the resort’s founding philosophy: Embracing the Environment, Empowering People. Guests are invited to reconnect with nature, engage with Maldivian culture, and experience the true spirit of the Original Maldives.
Excursions
COMO Maalifushi and Cocoa Island join global tribute to women divers on 10th PADI Dive Day

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of PADI Women’s Dive Day, COMO Maalifushi and COMO Cocoa Island will host dedicated dive experiences in tribute to the passion, resilience, and adventurous spirit of women divers worldwide. Scheduled for Saturday, 19 July 2025, this global initiative brings together divers in a united effort to increase female participation in scuba diving, while also promoting marine conservation and inclusivity beneath the waves.
On this date, both COMO properties in the Maldives will organise specially guided dives exclusively for certified female guests. These experiences offer participants the chance to explore the region’s thriving marine ecosystems and connect with a broader movement that champions gender inclusivity and environmental stewardship in the diving community.
Situated in the unspoilt waters of the Maldives, COMO Maalifushi provides access to a range of renowned dive sites, including coral gardens and manta ray cleaning stations. These underwater landscapes are ideal for divers seeking meaningful interactions with marine life in a setting of natural splendour.
Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives, commented, “At COMO, we are committed to empowering women not only on land but also beneath the surface of the ocean. PADI Women’s Dive Day gives us a platform to honour values such as inclusivity, passion, and marine conservation — all of which resonate strongly with our brand ethos. We are proud to create experiences that allow our guests to forge lasting connections with the natural world in transformative and memorable ways.”
At COMO Cocoa Island, participants can expect similarly enriching experiences, with access to gentle reef slopes, crystal-clear lagoons, and a diversity of marine life. Supported by expert marine guides, the dives are designed to be both empowering and educational, fostering a deeper appreciation of the ocean’s delicate balance.
First launched in 2015, PADI Women’s Dive Day has grown into the world’s largest celebration of women in diving. This year, both COMO resorts aim to inspire a new wave of female divers while reinforcing the importance of sustainability and unity beneath the surface.
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