Featured
Travel Creators Exchange 2024: Fostering collaboration and innovation
The Travel Creators Exchange 2024 wrapped up today at the JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La, marking the conclusion of a dynamic event focused on networking and collaboration among Maldives-based travel creators. The event, serving as a platform for fostering connections, idea-sharing, and establishing lasting partnerships to expand opportunities and monetize content, brought together a diverse array of industry professionals.
The honorable chief guest for the occasion, Mr. Ibrahim Faisal, the Tourism Minister of the Maldives, graced the event alongside the Managing Director of Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Ms. Fathimath Thaufeeq.

Distinguished speakers covered a range of topics during the event. Zihuny Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of MMPRC, delved into the “Power of Digital Storytelling: Collaborative Strategies for Destination Promotion.” Abdul Aleem Abdul Gafoors shared insights on “How to Monetize Content” and detailed the influencer program of Maldives Getaways. Suresh Dissanayake, Assistant Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Heritance Aarah & Adaaran Resorts, brought his nearly two decades of experience to shed light on “What does a Sales and Marketing Director Do?” Vishal Amir Ahmed, a versatile cinematographer and content creator associated with Various Arts Studio, provided insights into “Who is a Content Creator.” Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Maldives Resort, drew on his over 23 years of hospitality industry experience to discuss “The Role of Content in Tourism Marketing.”

The event facilitated valuable connections between content creators and resort sales and marketing professionals, fostering collaboration and potentially unlocking new opportunities.
Organized by Maldives Insider, Maldives Virtual Tour, Travel Trade Maldives, and Hotelier Maldives, the event aimed to empower Maldives-based travel content creators and elevate the Maldives as a premier destination for captivating travel storytelling.
Awards
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Awards
Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
Featured
Halloween at Sun Siyam Iru Veli turns fantasy, not fright
Sun Siyam Iru Veli marked Halloween with a one-day island celebration, “Whimsy Over Wicked,” reimagining the tradition of fright as a fairytale of fantasy on 31 October. The programme invited guests of all ages to immerse themselves in themed workshops, entertainment, and dining experiences designed to encourage creativity and the joy of make-believe.
At the Turtle Kidz Club, children joined a full-house Pumpkin Workshop, decorating pumpkins with gemstones, bright colours, and playful patterns. As the sun set over Fresh Water Beach, the festivities shifted to a Masquerade Evening, where guests enjoyed island beats and signature cocktails and mocktails against a golden horizon. The celebration continued at Turtle Beach with a Beach BBQ Dinner, presenting a Halloween-inspired menu in a storybook setting with live music by the sea.
The night concluded with a private “Cinema Under the Stars” screening, offering an open-air experience that captured the spirit of the occasion.
Through “Whimsy Over Wicked,” Sun Siyam Iru Veli highlighted creativity, connection, and the island’s natural setting. Guests departed with memories shaped by laughter, imagination, and a shared celebration under the Maldivian night sky.
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