Featured
MMPRC kicks off roadshow series in Middle East

Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC / Visit Maldives) has kicked off an exciting series of roadshows targeting the Middle East market as part of the effort to provide a platform for industry partners from both sides to connect and establish relations. The roadshows are held in Saudi Arabia, in the capital city Riyadh, then Jeddah and finally Kuwait City on May 23rd, 25th, and 26th respectively.
Alongside its industry partners, MMPRC aims to build and maintain a strong B2B presence in GCC countries, share the latest destination updates and guidelines with the travel trade, and ultimately increase arrival figures from GCC countries. Maldivian tourism products, including resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards will be marketed through this event by MMPRC and industry partners. Sixteen participants are taking part in the Roadshow in Riyadh, with 18 participants taking part in the roadshow in Jeddah, and 16 confirmed participants for the roadshow held in Kuwait City.
The roadshow, entitled “Connect with Maldives…The Ultimate Dream Destination”, begins with a warm introduction of our industry partners followed by a destination presentation. The presentation highlights Maldives’ tourism products (resorts, guesthouses, liveaboards, and hotels), the unique experiences available here, and the latest travel guidelines for the Maldives. The safety provided by the scattered geography of the Maldives is also being highlighted during the roadshow series.
The presentation portion of the roadshow is followed by a productive night of networking and building new business relations. To maximise visibility, MMPRC has invited over 80 agents from each city to take part in the roadshow. Industry partners have the opportunity to showcase their properties, generate new business leads, and engage in one-on-one networking opportunities.
Sponsored by Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, a special raffle was conducted at the Riyadh Roadshow, awarding a free trip to the Maldives for the lucky winner. Villa Hotels & Resorts and Taj Exotica Resort & Spa are sponsoring similar raffles for the roadshows to be held in Jeddah and Kuwait City, respectively. The second and third runner-up of the raffle wins a smartwatch and amazon gift card respectively sponsored by MMPRC.
MMPRC is conducting these roadshows as part of its marketing strategy for the Middle East market. These include greater B2B contact in order to increase total outreach, campaigns that cover all the products and experiences of Maldives, and to strengthen the Maldives’ niche position in the region as a chic destination for affluent travellers.
Last year, the Maldives welcomed 91,413 tourists to the country from the Middle Eastern market with Saudi Arabia ranked as the top 7th market to Maldives. From January to March this year, the country has recorded 21,117 arrivals from the Middle East market. So far in 2022, MMPRC has taken part in major fairs across the Middle East market such as QBLT Congress, MALT Congress, and ATM 2022. MMPRC has also conducted other marketing activities alongside these fairs, and held a special press conference on the sidelines of ATM to inform the international travel trade and media on destination information of the Maldives and the plans in the pipeline for the Maldives Golden Jubilee Year of Tourism.
MMPRC has planned several activities targeting the Middle East market under the effort to maintain destination visibility. This includes joint-marketing campaigns, webinars, participation in major fairs and exhibitions, outdoor advertising, roadshows, and hosting familiarisation trips.
As the company responsible for marketing the Maldives as a destination abroad, MMPRC carried out 260 different marketing activities in 22 global markets last year, including fairs, roadshows, familiarisation trips, marketing campaigns, webinars, and interviews. The greatest testament to the success of these activities came late last year, 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.
Awards
Multiple SATA nominations for Lily Beach Resort & Spa and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

Two renowned Maldivian resorts, Lily Beach Resort & Spa and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, have been nominated across multiple categories at the 2025 South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), a prestigious recognition of excellence in hospitality and tourism across the region.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa has secured nominations in the following categories:
- Leading All-Inclusive Resort
- Leading Family Resort
- Leading F&B Resort
These nominations highlight the resort’s sustained commitment to delivering high-quality hospitality, dining, and family-oriented experiences. As a trailblazer in all-inclusive luxury in the Maldives, Lily Beach offers a refined guest experience through its award-winning Platinum Plan, which includes à la carte dining, curated excursions, wellness services, and an extensive selection of premium wines—crafted to suit the needs of today’s discerning traveller.
Guests at Lily Beach can enjoy a variety of dining options across venues such as Tamarind, Lily Maa, Vibes, AQVA, Teppanyaki, and Les Turquoise d’Aqua. The resort’s wine list has been recognised with a Wine Spectator Award. This August, Lily Beach will host Michelin-starred Chef Igles Corelli for an exclusive ‘Flavour’ dining experience.
A preferred destination for families, the resort features a lively Kids’ Club, the Vibes Family Pool, and year-round entertainment suitable for all ages. A range of activities is available, including tennis, water sports, nightly shows, and treatments at the Tamara Spa. Located adjacent to the South Ari Marine Protected Area, the resort also offers extraordinary opportunities to swim with whale sharks and manta rays, as well as explore a vibrant 360° house reef.
The nominations reflect Lily Beach’s enduring focus on culinary distinction, family-friendly amenities, and meaningful island experiences.
Voting for Lily Beach Resort & Spa is open until 15th July 2025.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, located in the remote and unspoilt Haa Alifu Atoll, has also earned nominations in three categories at SATA 2025:
- Leading Beach Resort
- Leading Wellness & Spa Hotel/Resort
- Most Romantic Resort
Well known for its generous villa sizes and natural surroundings, the resort offers a private and tranquil setting ideal for couples, honeymooners, and families seeking relaxation away from busier destinations. Villas are set among dense tropical greenery and some of the Maldives’ most pristine beaches.
Guests can explore a diverse culinary offering across five restaurants, featuring beachfront fine dining and overwater options. With a focus on fresh seafood and international cuisine, each meal is enhanced by the island’s calm atmosphere and attentive service.
Hideaway is also one of the few natural islands in the Maldives with a double house reef, giving guests direct access to rich marine life from the shore. For those who enjoy staying active, the resort’s Recreation Centre includes tennis courts, a golf simulator, padel, pickleball, a putting green, indoor badminton, beach sports, a waterpark, and a gym.
The Hideaway Spa provides treatments based on Balinese and Ayurvedic traditions, delivered in a serene garden setting. Romantic beachfront dinners and private villa experiences further contribute to the resort’s reputation as a leading destination for couples.
With a focus on space, privacy, and personalised service, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers an experience rooted in the natural beauty of the Maldives, catering to both leisure and wellness seekers.
These nominations collectively reflect the commitment of both resorts to delivering exceptional hospitality, distinctive dining, and memorable stays in the Maldives.
Voting for Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is open until 15th July 2025.
Featured
Villa Park named leading family resort in Maldives by Travel + Leisure

Villa Park has been recognised as one of the Maldives’ top family resorts at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, reaffirming its reputation as a premier destination for families seeking meaningful island escapes. Located in the South Ari Atoll, the resort blends barefoot luxury with a range of immersive experiences tailored for guests of all ages.
The resort offers activities that span from encounters with whale sharks and manta rays to moments of relaxation on the island’s powder-soft beaches. Among its family-oriented facilities is Park Players, one of the Maldives’ largest kids clubs, designed to provide a creative, nature-based environment where children can play, learn, and explore. Meanwhile, parents can unwind at Araamu Spa or dine on sustainable, plant-based cuisine at Zero Restaurant.
Villa Park also features the widest selection of beach pool villas in the country, offering spacious and comfortable accommodations suited to multi-generational travellers. Sustainability is integrated across the guest experience, with initiatives such as solar-powered operations and farm-to-table dining underscoring the resort’s commitment to responsible hospitality.
This accolade from Travel + Leisure highlights Villa Park’s continued efforts to deliver high-quality, family-friendly holidays where nature, comfort, and lasting memories converge in one of the world’s most iconic island destinations.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru shines in T+L Luxury Awards 2025 with top pool and GM honours

Angsana Velavaru, part of the esteemed Banyan Group, has secured prestigious placements in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, ranking #8 for Best Resort Pool and #3 for Best General Manager in the Maldives. These accolades underscore the resort’s dedication to outstanding service, thoughtfully crafted accommodations, and guest-centric innovation.
Located in the unspoiled South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru features 113 villas—79 of which are equipped with private infinity pools. Among them are the celebrated Beach Villas and the signature InOcean Pool Villas, which extend elegantly over the lagoon’s turquoise expanse. Each villa is designed to offer a harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort, enabling guests to immerse themselves in nature with both privacy and style.
Central to the resort’s social ambiance is the Kuredhi Pool Bar, a lively and inviting venue that offers more than just refreshments. It serves as a communal hub where guests can enjoy curated experiences such as DJ nights, aqua aerobics, and wellness sessions. This programming reflects the resort’s vision of merging serenity with social vibrancy.
Spearheading this success is General Manager Ahmed Zahir, who was recognised as the #3 Best General Manager in the Maldives. Zahir’s inspiring career began three decades ago as a Laundry Supervisor and has since evolved into a historic milestone—becoming the first Maldivian General Manager within the Banyan Group. His leadership is characterised by a deep understanding of local culture, empathy, and hands-on experience across resort operations.
“This recognition is not only an honour—it’s a reflection of how far we’ve come as a team and as an industry,” Zahir shared. “I’m proud to lead with values shaped by the Maldives itself: resilience, hospitality, and heart. At Angsana Velavaru, we aim to deliver something genuine and lasting—for our guests, our people, and our community.”
Under Zahir’s stewardship, Angsana Velavaru has fostered a culture rooted in authenticity, local empowerment, and purposeful guest engagement. The resort remains committed to evolving as a destination that honours tradition while embracing forward-thinking experiences.
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