News
Visit Maldives Showcases the Vibrant Maldives Underwater World at Moscow Dive Show 2024

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) is showcasing the vibrant Maldives underwater world at the Moscow Dive Show 2024 alongside 4 industry partners. Taking place from 08 to 11 February 2024 at the “Gostinyi Dvor” Exhibition Centre in Moscow, Russia, the event marks a pivotal opportunity for engaging with both the B2B and B2C clientele in the dive and underwater segments of Russia.
The Moscow Dive Show stands as the preeminent exhibition in Russia and CIS, focusing on equipment, tourism, and training for individuals passionate about an active lifestyle and water-based sports. Diving, spearfishing, freediving, and underwater photography form the core activities at the exhibition, attracting a diverse audience of industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. The event serves as a crucial platform for industry partners to unveil their latest plans, establish collaborations with new partners, and strengthen existing ties within the Russian and CIS markets.
Visitors to the Moscow Dive Show include underwater and watersports enthusiasts; qualified activity instructors; potential business partners engaging in wholesale equipment purchases and direct hotel and safari yacht bookings; as well as industry professionals and consumers. The event presents opportune access to qualified travel buyers, influencers, and market professionals through the B2B and B2C facets.
MMPRC aims to showcase the diversity of the Maldives underwater at the Moscow Dive Show this year. The Maldives, blessed with an abundance of marine life and diverse seascapes is renowned worldwide as a leading dive destination. Over 2,000 marine species and special diving spots in each atoll with many undiscovered areas remain ready to explore. The Maldives offers the rare opportunity to witness awe-inspiring whale sharks throughout the year and is a known hotspot for many types of marine animals such as
manta rays, turtles, and nudibranchs. Travellers visiting our beautiful destination can expect a wide array of experiences tailored for diving and watersports enthusiasts.
Visit Maldives has a comprehensive strategy tailored to the Russian market to ensure a robust destination presence. This includes the reinforcement of the Maldives’ brand through amplifying social media presence through influencers, ambient outdoor advertisements, coverage in publications facilitated by familiarisation trips, and ad campaigns across social and conventional media. The campaigns strategically employ local languages to create affinity and increase market penetration, with a special emphasis on leveraging social media and communication platforms that are most popular within Russia, such as VK, Telegram, and Facebook in order to maintain a consistent and engaging online presence.
Russia has proven to be a significant source market for the Maldives. In 2022, the Maldives welcomed 201,954 visitors from Russia, securing its position as the top source market. This trend continued in 2023, with 208,041 arrivals as the 2nd top source market of the year. Visit Maldives conducted and participated in various activities last year for this market, including participation in the Moscow Dive Show, conducting social media marketing initiatives, engagements with luxury travel partners, joint marketing promotions with esteemed partners like Kompass Tour, as well as collaborations with Kazakh bloggers. Activities in the pipeline for the first quarter of this year includes joint marketing promotions, familiarisation trips, and other strategic initiatives to further solidify our presence in the Russian market as a top of mind destination.
Awards
Villa Nautica wins DERTOUR Red Star Quality Award

Villa Nautica has been recognized among the world’s top 150 resorts, receiving the esteemed Red Star Quality Award 2024 from DERTOUR Group. This accolade, reserved for hotels that uphold the highest standards of guest satisfaction, highlights the resort’s commitment to excellence in service, hospitality, and overall experience.
A maritime celebration of quayside life, Villa Nautica blends urban sophistication with the spirit of the open sea. Inspired by the sleek elegance of a superyacht, its interiors reflect a polished, modern aesthetic, where crisp nautical lines meet understated luxury. The resort’s lifestyle is equally refined, offering guests a seamless blend of relaxation and adventure. With world-class scuba diving, exhilarating water sports, and direct access to some of the Maldives’ most stunning marine landscapes, Villa Nautica captures the essence of the seafarer’s dream with a glamorous twist.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Villa Nautica stands apart for its authenticity. Unlike many international hospitality brands in the Maldives, Villa Resorts is one of the few locally owned and operated groups. This deep connection to the destination shapes its ethos, offering guests more than just a holiday, but an experience rooted in genuine Maldivian warmth. Every element, from its personalized service to its commitment to sustainability, reflects a philosophy of meaningful hospitality, one that seeks to leave guests feeling enriched and restored.
The Red Star Quality Award is DERTOUR Group’s top recognition, given to only 100 resorts in long-haul destinations and 50 in Europe, based on guest feedback and key performance metrics. For Villa Nautica, this acknowledgment highlights its consistent ability to provide a well-rounded and memorable experience, where service and atmosphere come together to offer guests something truly special.
News
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives welcomes guests with new standard of serenity

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has on April 1 officially opened Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives with an exclusive introductory offer. Guests are invited to experience this tranquil island retreat with special privileges and premium benefits, including Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, upgrades, and more, for a limited time only.
Representing the final piece in Centara’s vision of offering extraordinary experiences across four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each catering to unique traveller preferences, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that perfectly complement the natural beauty of the surroundings. This private island sanctuary seamlessly blends Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian allure, inviting guests to indulge in world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, and experience rejuvenating wellness journeys at the serene Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this stunning property also signifies the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project set to redefine experiential travel in this breathtaking destination. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives blends sophisticated tranquillity with immersive experiences, catering to discerning travellers seeking a refined escape while also granting guests unprecedented access to the thrilling water attractions and vibrant facilities of neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives this April,” said Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”

To celebrate the grand opening, Centara invites guests to take advantage of its Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Book from now until 30th June 2025 for stays between 1st April and 15th October 2025 and enjoy the privilege of staying 4 nights while only paying for 3, or extend your escape with Stay 7, Pay 5. This offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary champagne and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, plus extra perks for CentaraThe1 members and more.

For more information about Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives or to make a reservation, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cglm/introductoryoffer.
Family
Exciting Easter adventures await families at Kandooma Maldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives invites families to embrace the spirit of Easter with an exciting line-up of activities and themed experiences from 18 to 24 April 2025. Set on a private island in the South Malé Atoll, the resort offers the perfect setting for a memorable tropical Easter escape.
A Week of Wholesome Adventures at Kandoo Kids’ Club
The Easter celebrations centre around the Kandoo Kids’ Club, open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm for children aged 4 to 12. Supervised by a caring and energetic team, it will offer a rotating schedule of themed activities, including nature exploration, wellness-focused fun, traditional Maldivian experiences, Easter celebrations, and ocean discovery that little VIPs will surely enjoy.
Island-Wide Easter Fun
Families can enjoy a week full of island-wide Easter activities. On Easter Sunday, 20 April, guests can participate in Easter card making, egg painting and decoration, and a festive Easter Egg Hunt. The evening will conclude with an International Easter Dinner Buffet at Kandooma Café, showcasing a diverse selection of global flavours, from roast lamb and seafood to bunny-themed treats and indulgent desserts.
Throughout the week, guests can also participate in various recreational activities, including sunset cruises, snorkelling adventures, volleyball matches, and an Easter-themed movie night under the stars.
Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, shared: “Easter is a time for families to come together, and at Kandooma, we’re proud to offer a setting where guests of all ages can connect, celebrate, and create special memories. Our team puts great care into crafting meaningful experiences, especially for our younger guests, and we’re excited to welcome families for a truly unforgettable Easter week.”
Plan the Perfect Family Escape
Families looking to make the most of Easter at Kandooma Maldives are encouraged to take advantage of the Family Getaway package. This special offer includes family-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, memorable island experiences, and the added benefit of kids staying and dining for free. Terms and conditions apply.
For bookings and more information, visit https://maldives.holidayinnresorts.com/hotel-offers/family-getaway/. For the full Easter 2025 Brochure, visit https://holidayinn.aflip.in/HIRKM_EasterBrochure.html.
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