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Maldives’ 2022 tourist arrivals cross 1 million

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Maldives on Friday welcomed the one millionth visitor of 2022.

At an event held at Velana International Airport Friday morning, officials from the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and the tourism ministry welcomed Daniela Kilnarova from Czech Republic.

The event commenced with the stamping of the one millionth visitor by the Maldives immigration. The one millionth visitor was then escorted with a traditional Maldivian Bodu Beru performance to the VIP lounge where they were welcomed by top officials from the tourism ministry, MMPRC, Maldives Border Miles and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

Speaking about this decisive achievement, MMPRC CEO Thoyyib Mohamed commended all involved in realising this achievement despite numerous challenges faced due to global issues.

“This is a joyous occasion, to be able to welcome 1 million tourists to our shores despite the hurdles we are facing. This is a combined effort of government authorities, policymakers, tourism sector employees, and stakeholders who are working hard, day and night, to get here. And while we celebrate this milestone, it hardly means our work is over- in fact we have to strengthen our efforts, with renewed dedication to defend our position as the World’s Leading Destination and achieve our targets. MMPRC has been and will continue our efforts to market the Sunny Side of Life globally,” he said.

Earlier this year, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced that the nation aims to welcome 1.6 million tourist visitors to the Maldives in 2022.

Arrivals for this year, as of 31st July 2022, see India as the top source market to the Maldives with 136,828 visitors, followed closely by the United Kingdom with 109,926 visitors. Other top markets include Russia, with 101,409 visitors, Germany, with 76,224 visitors, and Italy with 53,588.

The remainder of the top 10 source markets so far this year comprises the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Spain.

India has maintained its spot in the top 3 source markets to the Maldives since the onset of the pandemic, especially as China closed their borders for international travel. As of today, Chinese borders remain closed.

MMPRC has been steadfast in their efforts to promote the Maldives and maintain destination presence across our key markets. MMPRC has conducted 16 campaigns in India so far, including participation in leading fairs such as OTM, SATTE, TTF Travel and Tourism Fair, and MILT Congress. Additionally, MMPRC conducted a roadshow, several familiarisation trips, webinars, and campaigns with leading publications and tourism companies. These efforts have played an instrumental role in positioning India as the top source market for the Maldives this year.

Maldives’ second top market this year, the UK market, has remained a top source market for the Maldives since 2020. MMPRC has conducted 7 high-level campaigns in the UK, among which were joint campaigns with; media organisations such as News UK; airlines such as British Airways; and leading tourism firms such as Kuoni, Destination 2, IF Only, and Blue Bay Travel. In addition to a familiarisation trip, MMPRC was also a sponsor of the British National Film Awards.

The Maldives has long remained a dream destination amongst Russians. To maintain Russia’s position as a top source market, MMPRC conducted 10 campaigns so far this year. MMPRC’s diverse activities in Russia include social media marketing campaigns, workshops, and joint campaigns. MMPRC has also taken part in the Moscow Dive Show and LTM Moscow – two incredibly successful fairs.

Germany has been steadily growing as a vibrant and rewarding market for the Maldives throughout the past years. MMPRC conducted 8 activities for the German market so far this year. Alongside a familiarisation trip, MMPRC conducted several successful joint campaigns with leading publications. Connoisseur Circle, a leading luxury publication in Germany, awarded the Maldives with the title ‘Best Luxury Destination of The Year’. MMPRC also took part in IMEX Frankfurt – a leading travel and tourism fair held in Germany.

The Italian market, one of the traditional top source markets to the Maldives, has returned this year. The first tourist visitors to the Maldives in 1972 were a group from Italy. Since then, the market has held strong for 50 years, with an immense potential to hold its position as a top market in the Maldives in the years to come. MMPRC conducted 8 activities for the market. These include E-learning programs, joint marketing campaigns with major tour operators in the market, and a campaign with Green Me aimed at utilising the emerging trend of sustainable travel from the Italian market. MMPRC also took part in BIT Milan this year to great success.

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

The Nautilus Maldives honoured in 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Awards

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In an increasingly fast-paced world, The Nautilus Maldives stands as a sanctuary where time slows and moments linger — a place that continues to capture the attention of discerning travellers. This haven of unhurried living has once again been recognised in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, as voted by readers in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

The accolade reaffirms the island’s quiet ability to enchant. With just 26 exclusive ocean and beach houses, The Nautilus offers complete privacy and a philosophy built entirely around individual freedom. Dining is available whenever a guest desires, and experiences unfold as inspiration strikes. A secluded sandbank transforms into a private dining room, and the Maldivian night sky becomes a stage for endless wonder.

“To be recognised again by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers is deeply meaningful,” said Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives. “Our guests come seeking beauty, but what they discover and cherish is freedom — the freedom to design their own rhythm and to create moments that are theirs alone.”

At The Nautilus, luxury is defined as liberation. Guests may drift through the UNESCO-protected waters of Baa Atoll, indulge in a Solasta Spa ritual without time limits, or share vintage champagne beneath a canopy of stars. Each stay unfolds as a personal narrative — unscripted, unhurried, and unforgettable.

Now in its thirty-eighth year, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards remain among the most respected distinctions in global travel. The results, drawn exclusively from readers’ experiences and opinions, continue to represent one of the industry’s most prestigious marks of excellence.

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Entertainment

Amilla Maldives embarks on ‘Around the World in Wonder’ festive journey

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Amilla Maldives will host a festive season celebration titled ‘Around the World in Wonder’ from 20 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, inviting guests to experience a colourful exploration of global culture, curiosity, and joy.

Drawing inspiration from Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, the celebration takes guests on a journey across continents, with each day dedicated to a different country and its unique flavours, music, and traditions. The journey begins and concludes in the United Kingdom, tracing a route through the Maldives, Spain, Italy, France, Argentina, Japan, China, India, Egypt, Brazil, the United States, and Singapore, culminating in a grand finale on New Year’s Eve.

Amilla’s 11th anniversary on 21 December will feature island-wide festivities, including guided tours, tree planting, coconut painting, Maldivian cooking demonstrations, and a cocktail and cake-cutting ceremony. On 23 December, the Tree Lighting Ceremony will adopt an Italian flair with a Venetian-themed celebration, complete with mask-making workshops, Viennese waltz, wine tasting, the Venetian Masquerade Ball, and a special ‘Treasure of the Sea’ dinner.

France will take centre stage on 24 December, featuring the Dance of the Can Can, gingerbread house making, mime face painting, a Christmas Eve buffet, and an aerial hoop performance. The following day, 25 December, will celebrate Argentina with the arrival of Santa Claus, a festive brunch infused with tango rhythms, dance workshops, magic shows, and a lively tango dinner performance.

The festivities will reach their climax on 31 December, with the Around the World in a Cocktail party leading into the spectacular Global Carnival Event. The evening will feature live performances by the Hamilton Band, complemented by bongo drummers, saxophonists, acrobats, and fire dancers. The grand countdown and after party will usher in 2026 with music, energy, and celebration.

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Awards

Lily Beach Resort & Spa wins Leading F&B Resort at South Asian Travel Awards 2025

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Lily Beach Resort & Spa has been recognised as the Leading F&B Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards 2025, held in Colombo. The accolade reinforces the resort’s position as a destination where culinary excellence is at the heart of every guest experience.

Central to the resort’s success is its renowned Platinum All-Inclusive Plan, a comprehensive concept that offers guests access to a range of premium experiences. The plan includes à la carte dining across several speciality restaurants, unlimited premium wines and spirits, French Champagne such as Taittinger, themed buffets, private dining experiences, and selected excursions. Designed to elevate each stay, it allows guests to indulge fully without additional charges.

Lily Beach offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars:

  • Lily Maa, the main restaurant, features extensive buffets and live cooking stations.
  • Tamarind presents refined Indian-Thai fusion cuisine in an elegant overwater setting.
  • AQVA serves light fare and cocktails in a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
  • Teppanyaki delivers interactive Japanese dining, combining artistry and theatre.
  • Les Turquoise d’Aqua provides a fine dining experience under the stars.
  • The Spirit Bar, set beside the ocean, offers a tranquil space for sundowners and late-night drinks.
  • Vibes combines a family-friendly pool, games area, and evening entertainment.

The resort’s culinary achievements have earned it continued recognition. In 2024, Lily Beach received the Wine Spectator Award for its exceptional wine cellar and sommelier programme, further affirming its place among the world’s leading resort dining destinations.

General Manager Laurent Driole expressed pride in the achievement, noting: “This award is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and artistry of our F&B team. Every menu, drink, and moment is crafted to delight, and to offer our guests a culinary journey as exceptional as the Maldives itself.”

The award for Leading Food & Beverage Resort is seen as a reflection of the passion and commitment of Lily Beach’s entire culinary team. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Alessio Biondi and F&B Director Adam Shareef, dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients sourced globally, ensuring guests enjoy the highest standards of quality. Their commitment to creativity and innovation means that every visit offers something new—both for first-time guests and returning visitors.

Equally vital to this success are the service teams who bring warmth and personality to each dining experience. Their genuine care and hospitality create a relaxed, homely atmosphere that embodies the essence of Lily Beach—a place where guests feel welcomed as part of a community.

With this latest recognition, Lily Beach continues to define the all-inclusive luxury segment in the Maldives, combining world-class gastronomy, seamless inclusions, and authentic Maldivian hospitality to deliver experiences that remain both refined and heartfelt.

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