News
SriLankan Airlines to Open a Training Center in Maldives
Maldives Promotion House – The International Aviation Academy (IAA) the training arm of SriLankan Airlines has announced the launch of its first overseas operations in Maldives. The franchised training agreement between IAA and Orient Express Pvt Limited, Maldives will make new avenues in the Aviation Industry in terms of building human capital for the future.
This will be the first International Air Transportation Association (IATA) Authorized Training Centre (ATC) in the Maldives.
As an Authorized Training Centre for IATA, IAA has been in the field of aviation education for the past decade actively engaged in providing education solutions.
Recognition as one of the Top10 training partners in South Asia by IATA in 2012 further validates IAAs presence in Aviation Education in the South Asian Region. Further IAA is the first in South Asia to be recognized by IATA as a Regional Training Facility for international aviation training by awarding the Franchised Training Partner in the Maldives.
Furthermore IAA is the sole training provider for Travel Agents Association of SriLankan (TAASL). IAA is responsible for catering all training needs of SriLankan Airlines, whilst expanding its market for external training both locally and internationally. Orient Express Pvt Limited, established in 1990’s is a well experienced corporate in the service sector in Maldives. It is one of the leading goods and service providers having strong ties with globally renowned partners. As a new extension Orient Express Pvt Limited join hands with IAA to provide education solutions to the Maldives.
Organizing of the infrastructure facility and marketing of the training programmes in Maldives would be the key areas to be looked after by Orient Express Pvt Limited. General Manager Orient Express said “This is a great opportunity for the Maldives, joining hands with a reliable brand to establish aviation education, which will immensely benefit us.”
The IATA ATC will bring many advantages. Ability to acquire world class training for competitive price, from a qualified and well experienced panel of instructors within Maldives would be a golden opportunity. Successful completion will equip the candidates with IATA Certification. This will open new horizons with a wide range of job opportunities across the globe. High performers will also have the opportunity for On the Job Training.
As defined by the Manager IAA, this partnership with the best corporate house in the Maldives, further supported by the Maldivian government is a solid beginning. The IAA Branch will deliver the same level of high quality aviation education to Maldivian youth to enter a most sought after lucrative aviation industry, producing qualified native aviation professionals
Pradeepa Kekulawala, Head of Human Resources, SriLankan Airlines said, “Being one of the IATA Top 10 Aviation Academies of South Asia, a recognition of our excellence and effectiveness in Aviation training, we decided to offer our programmes to the regional markets and our first choice was Maldives, considering our long term relationship between the countries and the lucrative Travel & Tourism opportunities.
SriLankan Airlines is a household brand in the Maldives with a history of more than two decades and to achieve the next level, we decided to have a branch in Maldives.
IAA have an exclusive status from IATA to offer IATA training programmes at the training centre. This itself proves the quality of training offered along with Oriental Express, franchisee and local partner. IAA guarantee usual highest quality training to the market, delivered by professional trainers of SriLankan Airlines and to provide outstanding on the job trainings and internship opportunities.
Crown & Champa Resorts (CCR) has announced that numerous properties within its portfolio have been recognised in the Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026, reinforcing the resort collection’s reputation for delivering exceptional holiday experiences in the Maldives.
Based on genuine guest reviews and ratings collected over a 12-month period, Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards recognise hospitality businesses that consistently receive outstanding feedback from travellers worldwide. The awards recognise the resorts among the highest-rated accommodations.
Jawakara Islands Maldives Earns ‘Best of the Best’ Recognition
Among CCR’s award-winning resorts, Jawakara Islands Maldives received Tripadvisor’s prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ distinction for 2026, placing it among the top 1% of hotels worldwide. The resort was also ranked #21 among Asia’s top hotels.
Featuring two islands connected by a bridge across a turquoise lagoon, Jawakara Islands Maldives combines contemporary luxury with authentic Maldivian charm, offering guests a unique island experience.
The ‘Best of the Best’ accolade is Tripadvisor’s highest recognition, awarded to a select group of properties that consistently receive exceptional guest feedback and maintain outstanding traveller satisfaction throughout the year.
Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026 – Top 10% Worldwide
The following CCR resorts were recognised among the top 10% of hotels globally in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026:
- Kudadoo Maldives Private Island – An exclusive fully solar-powered private island featuring 15 overwater residences and its signature fully inclusive “Anything. Anywhere. Anytime.” luxury concept.
- Hurawalhi Island Resort – Home to the iconic all-glass 5.8 Undersea Restaurant and offering an adults-only retreat with exceptional dining and ocean experiences.
- Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa – A wellness-focused resort featuring all-pool villas, holistic spa experiences, and a vibrant house reef.
- Veligandu Maldives Resort Island – Renowned for its iconic sandbank, natural beauty, diverse culinary offerings, and memorable marine adventures.
- Komandoo Island Resort & Spa – Truly adults-only (aged +18) island retreat known for its romantic atmosphere, vibrant house reef, and exceptional diving experiences.
- Meeru Maldives Resort Island – One of the Maldives’ most popular resorts, offering a blend of family-friendly and adults-focused experiences, extensive dining options, and expansive beaches.
- Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa – A top diving and snorkelling destination located within a whale shark hotspot and offering both adults-only and family-friendly accommodation options.
“These recognitions reflect the dedication and passion of our champions across the resorts. Every day, they work tirelessly to create memorable experiences for our guests, and these awards are a testament to their commitment to genuine Maldivian hospitality. We are grateful to our guests for their trust and valuable feedback, which continues to inspire us to deliver exceptional holiday experiences,” said Mohamed Solah, CEO, Crown & Champa Resorts.
Madifushi Private Island has been internationally recognised as the Best Elegant Private Island in the Maldives at the prestigious Fashion Travel Awards 2026, organised by Fashion TV Russia, one of the world’s leading media platforms dedicated to fashion, luxury, and lifestyle.
The second edition of the Fashion Travel Awards took place on May 2026 in Moscow, aboard the luxurious Radisson Royal Flotilla. The exclusive gala welcomed over 150 distinguished guests, including tourism leaders, celebrities, influencers, media representatives, and renowned international travellers. The event celebrated excellence across the global travel and hospitality industry, recognising outstanding hotels, resorts, destinations, and tourism professionals.
As an official partner of the event, Madifushi Private Island was proudly presented on stage to an international audience before being announced as the recipient of the Best Elegant Private Island in the Maldives award. The recognition reflects the resort’s commitment to delivering refined luxury, personalised service, and unforgettable guest experiences in one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations.
Speaking on the achievement, Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager of Madifushi Private Island, said: “Receiving this recognition from the Fashion Travel Awards is particularly meaningful as it celebrates not only hospitality, but also elegance, sophistication, and the overall guest experience. Being named the Best Elegant Private Island in the Maldives is a wonderful reflection of the refined character we have carefully built at Madifushi Private Island. It inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, creating distinctive experiences, and introducing even more unique concepts that surprise and delight our guests.”
During the event, representatives of Madifushi Private Island also participated in an exclusive interview with Fashion TV, providing an opportunity to showcase the resort and the Maldives to a global audience. The interview will be broadcast throughout the year across the Fashion TV network and displayed at its partner venues, including luxury restaurants, fitness clubs, yacht clubs, and concert halls. The event will also receive continued coverage through international magazines and online media platforms.
This latest accolade further strengthens Madifushi Private Island’s growing international reputation as a destination that seamlessly combines elegance, privacy, authentic Maldivian hospitality, and bespoke luxury experiences.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has unveiled its new padel court, adding a fresh dimension to island wellness and offering guests a dynamic new way to stay active in paradise.
Now with over 30 million players worldwide, padel is one of the fastest growing sports, offering a fun and inclusive activity for beginners and experts alike. The brand new court is framed by Maldivian palm trees and white sand, creating a striking backdrop for both leisurely matches and spirited competition.
Complimentary for all guests, the court includes the use of premium rackets and balls, allowing guests to discover a new skill in a tropical island setting. Families are invited to enjoy dedicated on-court sessions designed for all ages to create memorable, shared experiences. Benches line the court, creating a comfortable space for spectators to watch and support friends and family.
Located beside InterContinental Maldives’ fitness centre with its state-of-the-art gym, personal training programmes, and aerobic workout sessions, the new padel court aims to enhance the resort’s distinctive approach to luxury, wellbeing and curated guest experiences.
Overwater Pool Villa starting from $1,290++ per night with a variety of inclusions. The padel court is complimentary
for guests.
For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
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