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Le Meridien Maldives announces new senior appointments

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Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa’s leadership team receives a refresh with new hires for the roles of Director of Sales & Marketing, Director of Revenue Management and Executive Sous Chef.

A passionate and result-oriented professional, the new Director of Sales & Marketing, Airika Sirak, brings over 25 years of industry knowledge and expertise. The Estonian national has previously contributed to the growth of a prolific portfolio of notable international hotel chains, such as Hilton and Marriott International, in Europe and UK, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and now Maldives.

Within her new role, Airika will orchestrate impactful business, sales, and marketing initiatives to drive business growth, and greater brand awareness, as well as mentor her team members to reach their goals and advance within their respective organisations.

Priti Pandey, Director of Revenue Management, started her career with Marriott International in 2013 as Reservations Supervisor with Four Points by Sheraton Ahmedabad, and has been loyal to the hotel brand since. As a data-driven professional, she sees her role as paramount in streamlining distribution channels, optimising revenue streams, and in aligning the resort’s long-term strategy in the highly competitive hospitality landscape of the Maldives.

With his restaurant featured in Conde Nast Traveller’s Top 50 restaurants in India 2018 -19, Sivakumar Gopalakrishnan takes the role of Executive Sous Chef at Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa. His extensive experience of over 15 years helped shape his food philosophy of high quality, innovative, sustainable, and mindful consumption. Prior to his role, Sivakumar worked at renowned properties such as The Oberoi, Trident and The Leela in India and Le Cirque in New York, where he oversaw the main kitchen operations, was responsible for a team of over 100 members, the planning and executive of various menus and serving styles, as well as working closely with the sales teams to achieve budgets and lead the team to deliver the best dining experiences to guests.

Commenting on the new appointments, General Manager Nilesh Singh said: “We are delighted to welcome Airika, Priti and Shivakumar as integral parts of Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa. Each of their outstanding career accomplishments and incomparable experience is truly an asset and will be instrumental in helping the teams achieve new benchmarks.”

Offering understated luxury and a chic take to island living, Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa opened doors in September 2021, marking the brand debut in one of the world’s most captivating destinations. With 141 villas, families can explore the dedicated kids-friendly programmes, spacious accommodation, fresh feasts and unparalleled views across the pristine beaches.

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AIDA brings over 2,000 tourists to Maldives in major economic boost

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Maldives recently welcomed the Italian-flagged cruise ship AIDA, carrying 2,139 tourists. Operated primarily for Swiss, Austrian, and German visitors, the ship arrived on December 8, 2024, from Muscat, Oman. This visit marks the first cruise ship arrival since regulatory changes were implemented at the request of the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA).

The AIDA’s stopover is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. The influx of tourists is likely to benefit various businesses, including restaurants, souvenir shops, local dhonis, guesthouses, and retail outlets in Malé and Hulhumalé. This surge in activity is anticipated to further solidify the Maldives’ position as a leading cruise destination in the region.

This milestone underscores the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to diversify its tourism offerings. Beyond its economic impact, the AIDA’s visit is expected to enhance foreign reserves and contribute to broader national economic growth. The vessel is scheduled to depart the Maldives on December 9, 2024, at 6 PM, after a brief yet impactful visit.

The Maldivian tourism industry continues to thrive despite global challenges. This achievement follows recent accolades, including being named the World Travel Awards’ (WTA) World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year and earning the title of World’s Leading Green Destination for the first time. The successful introduction of cruise tourism marks the beginning of a promising new chapter, with future visits poised to further invigorate the industry and local economy.

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A Soaring Festive: celebrate the season in style at Ifuru Island Maldives

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This festive season, Ifuru Island Maldives invites guests to a tropical paradise celebration under the theme ‘A Soaring Festive.’ Taking place from December 21, 2024, to January 10, 2025, the event promises a vibrant, entertainment-filled program designed to create joy, excitement, and lasting memories.

Catering to diverse preferences, A Soaring Festive offers an array of experiences, from dynamic nightlife and unique performances to relaxed island vibes, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Renowned DJ Rawlo will headline the nightly entertainment, captivating audiences with high-energy performances and dynamic beats. Breaking away from conventional DJ stereotypes, Rawlo’s electrifying sets promise to keep guests dancing under the stars until late into the night.

Adding to the festive lineup, the talented duo Synthetic Seduction—comprising Evgeniya and Olcay—will deliver versatile performances, including soulful saxophone melodies, lively DJ sets, and engaging duo band shows. Whether guests are enjoying cocktails by the pool or dancing on the sand, this duo creates the perfect ambiance for both relaxation and high-energy fun.

For those seeking visual artistry, Jonas and Aygul will dazzle with awe-inspiring fire shows, mesmerising LED displays, skillful juggling acts, and elegant belly dancing. Their multi-faceted performances promise to light up the island with unforgettable entertainment.

Complementing the headline acts, ‘A Soaring Festive’ features a variety of activities designed to enhance the holiday experience. Guests can participate in beach games, competitions, and themed culinary events that celebrate the flavors of the season, ensuring a celebration filled with joy and excitement.

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New deep-sea fish species discovered in Maldives: Chromis Abadhah

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In a breakthrough for marine science, a new species of fish has been discovered in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Named Chromis Abadhah, the species derives its name from the Maldivian Dhivehi word Abadhah, meaning perpetual, symbolising the ongoing commitment to planetary conservation. The name also acknowledges the support of the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, which funded the research.

The fish was first spotted near Maafilaafushi in the Kaafu Atoll. Subsequent studies revealed that the species inhabits multiple regions of the Maldives, ranging from Lhaviyani Atoll to Dhaalu Atoll. Researchers documented the fish in eight distinct locations, indicating that it may be distributed across various parts of the country.

Chromis Abadhah resides at depths between 95 and 110 metres, in the mesophotic zone, where sunlight begins to fade. This habitat sets it apart from other species in its family, which are typically found in shallower waters of around 30 meters.

The new species belongs to the ‘Dan’ba’ family, a group of damselfish commonly found in Maldivian seas. However, Chromis Abadhah is distinct from its relatives in several ways:

  • Unlike other Chromis species, it lacks the characteristic black cross line near the neck.
  • Its upper shell comprises 14 bones, compared to the typical 13 seen in related species.

While other Chromis species, such as Chromis axillaris, Chromis pelora, and Chromis woodsi, are found in various parts of the world, Chromis Abadhah appears to be endemic to the Maldives, making it a unique addition to the region’s biodiversity.

The study was a collaborative effort involving Maldivian experts and international scientists. To better understand the species, researchers captured four specimens using a specialised net. Their findings, published in a scientific paper, highlight the importance of deep-sea exploration in uncovering hidden marine treasures.

The identification of Chromis Abadhah underscores the Maldives’ rich marine biodiversity and the critical role of research in its preservation. This discovery also emphasises the importance of protecting deep-sea habitats, which often harbour unique and endemic species.

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