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Joint Meeting of the Two Commissions in Asia Pacific and UNWTO Regional Ministerial Conference

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The 27th Joint Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Commission for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and the UNWTO Commission for South Asia (CSA)& UNWTO Regional Ministerial Conference on Positioning Tourism in a Wider Socio-Economic Contextwas hosted in Maldives from 3rd-4th June 2015, at Bandos Island Resort& Spa, Maldives. Countries from East Asia and South Asia were represented in the commission meeting, with affiliated members and numerous international organizations.

The Opening Ceremony held on 3rd June 2015 at Bandos Island Resorts & Spa, was enhancedby the presence of His Excellency President Abdul Yameen Abdul Gayoomas the Guest of Honor, and comprisedof some very special and important events for the Maldives tourism industry. This includes the Visit Maldives 2016 Year Campaign being nationally launched by His Excellency Yameen Abdul Gayoom. This campaign is a destination marketing initiative by the Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC) with the objective of increasing tourist arrivals to the Maldives. This event was followed by the endorsement of the Open letter campaign by the Maldives, during the ceremony where the Dr. TalebRifai, Secretary General of UNWTO presented the open letter to His Excellency President Yameen Abdul Gayoom. This campaign is a joint effort by UNWTO and World Travel and Tourism Council (WTCC) to maximize travel and tourism’s contribution economic growth and development. By accepting this open letter, His Excellency endorsed this campaign geared towards encouraging world leaders to acknowledge tourism’s potential to generate growth, development and employment.

The Ministerial Conference on Positioning Tourism in a Wider Socio-Economic Context was held in conjunction with the Joint Commission meetings with two main objectives:

To take stock of the event to which UNWTO’s Open Letter initiative has achieved its main objective of advocating that countries duly recognize the socio-economic contribution of tourism to their national economies;
And to examine national policies that will engender strategies to ensure that the projected growth in tourism demand will translate into socio-economic benefits for non-tourism sectors of the Asia-Pacific economies.

Ministers of Tourism, Deputy Ministers and senior government officials discussed and debated the next steps in strengthening government awareness and support to enable advancement of the tourism sector. Stimulating discussions enabled open sharing of national and regional insights, experience and expertise from various tourism experts. The main focus of the Joint Commission Meeting and the Ministerial Conference was on the developments in the world tourism industry, remarks and milestones achieved by the tourism industry and also the challenges and obstacles faced by the industry and how to overcome those challenges were also discussed.

Honorable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor, hosted a special Gala Dinner on 3rd June, honoring and welcoming the delegates to the Maldives. Ministers, senior government officials, Maldivian tourism industry pioneers and a huge number of industry participants also attended the dinner and were part of this social function. A very significant ceremony also took place during the dinner, where Maldivian Industry leaders signed the Private Sector Commitment to Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) and the five prominent enterprises and associations signing this commitment included the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Crown &Champa Resorts, Sun Island Resorts & Spa, Centara Hotels & Resorts Maldives and Canareef Resort Maldives. Private By signing this commitment they pledge their commitment to observe the principle of the Code; respecting human rights and cultural heritage, protecting the environment and vulnerable groups, working towards social inclusion, gender equality, and accessibility – that is, abiding by highest moral values that we as a society have accepted as fundamental in the 21st century.

The CAP-CSA Joint Commission meeting is UNWTO’s principal annual event in the Asia Pacific Region, and the meetings took place in Bandos Island Resort & Spa on 4th June 2015. The Joint Commission Meeting was chaired by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State, Culture and Tourism, India and was co-chaired by Mr. Rolando Cañizal, Assistant Secretary of Tourism, of Philippines. Honorable Minister of Tourism, Mr. Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor lea the delegation from Maldives for the joint commission meeting. Key topics discussed during the meetings this year included UNWTO’s program of work for the region, Asia’s use of TripAdvisor as a source of consumer’s data and other statutory issues related to the UNWTO Asia-Pacific Member States.Mr. Mohamed Umar Maniki, Chairman of MATI, honoring the delegates and extending them to warm hospitality of Maldives, hosted a farewell dinner on the evening of 4th June at Bandos Island Resorts & Spa. The efforts of the chairman were complimented with participation from senior government officials and tourism industry leaders in this social gathering.

The events were concluded with a special technical tour organized by Ministry of Tourismfor the delegates on 5th June 2015, aimed at exposing the participants to the unique Maldivian tourism products and the Maldivian hospitality. The first half of this technical tour included a photo flight excursion, where the delegates took a tour of the Male’ atoll area in the Twin Otter seaplanes of Trans Maldivian Airways, flying over the pristine lagoons and islands of Maldives, taking a closer look at the scenic details enabling them to truly appreciate the beauty of the paradise on earth.This was followed by a high tea organized by Kuramathi Island Resort, where the locals where exposed to the outstanding Maldivian hospitality.

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Unforgettable sunsets of Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives

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The Maldives has been recognised among the world’s finest places to watch the sunset, securing a place in the global top ten in a recent study. It’s no surprise to those who have stood on the shores of Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives as day turns to night. Here, the evening sky is never the same twice—sometimes ablaze in fiery gold and crimson, sometimes washed in gentle pinks and violets, thus making each sunset a one-of-a-kind masterpiece painted across the horizon.

At Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, guests can join a sunset dolphin cruise, where the boat moves across calm waters as the horizon changes from gold to deep orange. Dolphins often appear in playful pods, leaping and spinning beside the dhoni. “It was like they knew they were part of the show,” one guest remarked, recalling a dolphin twirling mid-air as the sun touched the water. For those who prefer a quieter setting, a private dolphin-watching trip offers the same breathtaking display, but with the added privacy of having the experience all to yourself.

For those drawn to the water, two unforgettable experiences include shark watching and fishing. Out at sea, big game and sunset fishing bring a different kind of thrill. Time passes in quiet anticipation until the sudden burst of energy when a fish takes the bait, testing both skill and patience. Whether it’s the awe of spotting sharks or the satisfaction of a well-earned catch, these moments create a connection to the ocean that stays with you long after you return to shore.

As the evening transitions, sunset becomes part of the dining experience. Golden Hour by the Beach sets a private table at the shoreline, pairing the view with wine, a curated cheese platter, and a five-course menu. Dishes may include Maldivian reef fish with tropical salsa, grilled seafood, and a dark chocolate mousse with passionfruit coulis. “It felt like the meal and the sunset were choreographed together,” a couple shared, describing how dessert arrived just as the first stars appeared overhead.

The Luxury Sandbank Date takes the idea of sunset dining even further, where a six-course fine dining menu is served by a dedicated butler. Menu highlights include seared scallops, lobster thermidor, and vanilla panna cotta, all enjoyed with uninterrupted 360-degree views of the horizon as it shifts from vibrant hues to starlit skies.

When the sun finally sets, the setting remains magical. The overwater walkways are softly lit, the lagoon reflects the moonlight like a sheet of silver, and the night sky reveals an endless display of constellations. So breathtaking it feels unreal, yet every sound, colour, and moment is yours to experience – book now and reserve your stay today.

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JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa presents world-class Omakase experience with Chef Fumio Yonezawa

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An unparalleled gastronomic experience is set to unfold in the heart of the Indian Ocean as the luxurious JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa announces a spectacular collaboration with celebrated Japanese Chef Fumio Yonezawa. On October 28, 2025, guests will be invited to A Taste of No Code, an intimate one-night-only dining experience that brings his artistry to the Maldives for the first time. This event marks the debut of the TARO Japanese Chef Series with JW Marriott Maldives, curated by TARO – a Japan-based luxury travel media partner renowned for showcasing Japan’s most exclusive cultural, culinary, and creative experiences to global audiences.

Chef Yonezawa, the visionary behind Tokyo’s acclaimed No Code, is known for reimagining Japanese cuisine through a deeply personal and instinctive lens. He began his career at Ebisu’s pioneering Trattoria Il Boccalone before becoming the first Japanese sous chef at the Michelin-starred Jean-Georges in New York, where he trained under the eponymous master. In 2014, he returned to Japan as chef de cuisine for Jean-Georges Tokyo, and in 2022 launched No Code, a genre-defying Tokyo restaurant with no fixed menu, offering poetic, ever-evolving dining experiences rooted in seasonality and minimalism. With quiet confidence and bold creativity, Chef Yonezawa continues to shape the evolution of Japan’s fine dining scene. His signature Omakase style blends precision, innovation and sustainability, presenting gourmands a rare opportunity to savor his craft in the serene elegance of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa.

On October 28, guests are invited to experience his signature Omakase style in an intimate five-course wine pairing dinner at the resort’s Wine Room, located in the heart of Aailaa. Home to more than 300 labels and 1,620 bottles, the Wine Room features a meticulously curated selection of Old and New World wines. Here, Chef Yonezawa will personally orchestrate a symphony of flavors, showcasing dishes that features fresh, locally sourced tuna and premium Wagyu. Each thoughtfully crafted plate will serve as a chapter in his culinary story—a masterful testament to his worldly perspective and creative skill.

As part of this collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy members will also have the chance to bid for an exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments: a Two-Night Culinary Experience with Chef Fumio Yonezawa and a Four-Night Stay at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa from October 26 to 30, 2025, for the bid winner and their guest. The experience begins with a JW Garden to Glass cocktail evening and an island-inspired welcome dinner with Chef Yonezawa. The journey’s highlight is his signature Omakase wine pairing dinner on October 27, personally presented by Chef Yonezawa in the Wine Room. The stay also includes two nights in an Overwater Pool Villa and two nights in a Beach Pool Villa, daily breakfast at Aailaa, a 50-minute Aromatherapy Ritual at the Spa by JW, and shared seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport—combining culinary discovery with indulgent relaxation in the Maldives.

“During my training years in New York, I was captivated by the artistry of weaving Eastern essence into Western cuisine. From that moment, I knew I wanted to create dishes that told such a story,” says Chef Fumio Yonezawa. “I am incredibly excited to bring No Code philosophy to the JW Marriott Maldives, presenting imaginative creations infused with local ingredients, crafted to surprise and delight, in a location that is truly paradise.”

“This collaboration with the masterfully creative Chef Yonezawa and TARO reflects our commitment to mindful luxury and culinary excellence,” says Mohit Dembla, General Manager. “We are thrilled to invite our guests to be wholly present for this journey, to connect with the story behind each dish, and to experience the thoughtful hospitality that defines our brand.”

Tucked away in the tranquil Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a multigenerational sanctuary where comfort, creativity, and exceptional service come together seamlessly. From curated experiences to thoughtful touches throughout, every stay is designed to inspire connection and lasting memories.

Members can bid for the once-in-a-lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Moments package from now until September 15, 2025 to discover modern Japanese gastronomy, world-class hospitality, and barefoot luxury, all in one extraordinary island escape.

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The Nautilus Maldives launches children’s sustainability workshops in partnership with ecoBirdy

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On 29 October 2025, as the world celebrates conscious living, The Nautilus Maldives, an ultra-luxury bohemian private island hideaway, invites families to embark on a journey of transformation, creativity, and renewal. Debuting on World Sustainability Day, The Nautilus introduces a new series of monthly sustainability workshops for families, developed by ecoBirdy, a like-minded innovator in circular design.

Earlier this year, The Nautilus introduced its sustainability partnership with ecoBirdy—an award-winning, family-run design brand renowned for its imaginative approach to socially and environmentally responsible design. Curated for Young Wonderers, this collaboration now deepens with immersive, hands-on workshops designed to blend creativity, learning, and environmental awareness.

Each workshop invites children and their families to discover the hidden potential in plastic waste. Through the guided storytelling of ecoBirdy’s “Journey to a New Life” based on real-world research, young minds trace the path of discarded toys—where they drift, how they degrade, and how they can be reimagined through the art of upcycling.

The storytelling soon turns into meaningful action. Children take part in a gentle beach clean-up, gathering plastic fragments from the island’s shores. Back at Young Wonderers, they sort, shred, and reshape reclaimed materials using the first recycling injection machine of its kind in the Maldives to craft a nautilus shell with a colourful swirl effect—created by ecoBirdy exclusively for The Nautilus. The final creation is The Nautilus Pendant, finished with locally-sourced Banyan Tree rope—a quiet, elegant symbol of transformation and mindful intent.

More than a creative activity, this experience is an invitation to rethink value, explore circularity, and return home with a keepsake that embodies care, consciousness, and creativity. Through this ongoing partnership with ecoBirdy, The Nautilus reaffirms its commitment to a more sustainable future and conscious living—where even the smallest hands and gestures can leave a meaningful mark.

To book, contact The Nautilus at hello@thenautilusmaldives.com or visit the resort’s website here.

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