News
Voting for Maldives Travel Awards Concludes
Maldives Promotion House – Voting for Maldives Travel Awards 2012 has been concluded. During the 30 day period a total of 109,984 votes were collected via the website. About 70 nominees received votes and the judging process has begun. The judging panel consists of 5 industry experts elected by the executive board of MATATO. The judges will award points for nominees from 20 categories, and the winners will be selected from the judging results.
For the ‘Leading International Airlines’ category, the winner has been selected only by public voting. From among Sri Lankan Airlines, Edelweiss Air, Air India, Thomson Airways and NEOS S.P.A, the nominee with the highest number of votes is Emirates. About 45 percent of total votes to the category were for Emirates. From among the voters a raffle draw will be taken and the winner will be awarded a return air ticket to Maldives by Etihad Airways and their GSA partner Air Plus, along with a 7 nights stay at Paradise Island Resort. Winners for the remaining categories will be announced during the awarding ceremony held at Paradise Island Resort on 28th September. The award function will be inclusive of entertainment from various artists, traditional dances and live music by Unoosha, Ritte , Mummu during the event.
A new version of the Travel Award Song “It’s the sunny side of life” has also been released with the involvement of the popular musicians including Unoosha, Mummu, Ritte, Mira, Fasy, Barchie and Furadhan. A video for the song is also soon to be released.
Maldives Travel Awards is organized by Maldives Association for Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and event is managed by High Rise. Title for this year’s event is sponsored by GMR and the event is cosponsored by Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives and Semicolon. The official event host for GMR Maldives Travel Awards 2012 is Paradise Island Resort by Villa Hotels and the official travel partner is Etihad Airways and their GSA AirPlus Travel & Tours.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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