Travel
2017 is the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

12 months to celebrate and promote the contribution of the tourism sector to building a better world. This is the major goal of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017 that will start in few days.
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development recalling the potential of tourism to advance the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector than can contribute effectively to the SDGs.
“This is a unique opportunity to build a more responsible and committed tourism sector that can capitalize its immense potential in terms of economic prosperity, social inclusion, peace and understanding, cultural and environmental preservation” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.
Accounting for 7% of worldwide exports, one in eleven jobs and 10% of the world’s GDP, the tourism sector if well managed can foster inclusive economic growth, social inclusiveness and the protection of cultural and natural assets.
The International Year will promote tourism’s role in the following five key areas:
- Inclusive and sustainable economic growth;
- Social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction;
- Resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change;
- Cultural values, diversity and heritage; and
- Mutual understanding, peace and security.
The presentation of the International Year will take place in Madrid on 18 January 2017 on the occasion of the Spanish Tourism Fair, FITUR.
UNWTO invites all partners to join the celebrations by sharing their activities and initiatives to advance sustainable tourism for development at www.tourism4development2017.org
Family
Hop into adventure this Easter at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives

Prepare to spring into the season and secure your unforgettable Easter Escape at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection. Promising a basket full of fun for all ages, the resort is pulling out all the stops for its in-house guests with the ultimate Easter activity lineup. Running the entire Easter weekend, get into the festive spirit with culinary delights, family fun, lively celebrations, and more, as well as all the resort’s signature experiences.
This year’s Easter festivities take place from April 19th to April 21st and include an exciting array of activities for little ones, all hosted by Camp Safari, the resort’s engaging kids’ club. Younger guests will have plenty of opportunities to unleash their inner creativity with classic Easter crafts such as Easter egg painting, Easter hat-making, and designing their own Easter basket. Meanwhile, older kids can master the intricate art of palm leaf origami, creating an adorable keepsake to remember their tropical island escape.
The Easter lineup also includes plenty of options for those seeking to make cherished memories as a family, including an eggciting Easter hunt, where guests must search the island to uncover chocolate treats and win exciting prizes. Additionally, over at Water Sports Beach, guests of all ages can enjoy some Easter fun in the sun at the family beach games. Featuring a sack race, egg and spoon race, balloon fight, and tug of war, this is a great way to bond and laugh over some friendly competition.
As for entertainment, the resort will be brimming with celebrations over the holidays, such as the Easter Parade on April 20th. Led by the Easter Bunny and accompanied by traditional Boduberu drummers, the colourful spectacle will wind its way around the island, filling the air with rhythm and festive cheer. On April 21st, the energy shifts to the Main Pool Area for the Easter Pool Disco Party, where resident DJ Roshan will spin upbeat tracks under the stars, creating a vibrant, family-friendly celebration to cap off the day.
Of course, no Easter celebration would be complete without a flavourful feast, and this year, The Reef takes centre stage with a variety of indulgent dining experiences. Start the day with an Easter Buffet Breakfast, featuring a lavish spread of international favourites and live cooking stations to keep you energised for the festivities ahead. Later, gather with loved ones for a lively Easter Brunch filled with succulent meats, traditional trimmings, and decadent desserts, priced at USD 99 for adults, 50% off for kids, and included for all-inclusive guests.
Alternatively, those seeking a more relaxing experience can grab some popcorn and cosy up with a family movie night under the stars on April 19th. Wellness enthusiasts can also find their zen with a sunrise yoga session at North Beach on April 20th.
Alongside Easter activities, guests are also invited to dive into a world of marine wonder just steps from the shore. With visibility reaching over 30 metres during April, the resort’s house reef reveals a hidden world of vibrant corals, a beautiful shipwreck, and fascinating marine life, from nurse and leopard sharks to rays and reef-dwelling fish. The dive centre is your gateway to it all, offering expert guidance, gear, and tips on exploring responsibly while preserving the reef’s delicate ecosystem.
Hop into island adventures, sweet surprises, and sun-drenched celebrations at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, The Centara Collection. From egg hunts and beach games to festive feasts and poolside parties, this Easter weekend promises eggstraordinary fun for all ages. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Easter in the Maldives – book your island escape today.
- When: April 19th to 21st
- Offer: Exclusive Easter activities
- Price: Activities are complimentary for all in-house guests except for the Easter brunch**, which is priced at USD 99 for adults, 50% off for kids, and included for all-inclusive guests
Easter Schedule
Saturday, April 19th
- 10.00 pm to 11.00 pm: Family Easter Eggciting Hunt at Camp Safari
- 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm: Pre-Easter Afternoon Tea at Camp Safari
- 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm: Easter Family Beach Games at Water Sports Beach
- 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm: Movie and Popcorn Night at Reef Beach
Sunday, April 20th
- 6.30 am to 7.30 am: Communal Sunrise Yoga Session at North Beach
- 7.00 am to 10.00 am: Easter Buffet Breakfast at Reef
- 10.00 am to 11.00 am: Easter Egg Painting at Camp Safari
- 12.00 pm to 2.30 pm: Easter Brunch at The Reef
- 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm: Easter hat-making at Camp Safari
- 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm: Easter High Tea at the Library/ Camp Safari
- 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm: Easter Parade around the island
Monday, April 21st
- 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm: Afternoon Tea at the Library
- 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm: Palm Leaf Origami at Camp Safari
- 9.00 pm to 11.00 pm: Easter Pool Disco Party at the Main Pool Area
Featured
The Westin Maldives unveils global contest celebrating rest for the overworked

Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has announced the launch of its international social media contest titled ‘Busy Resting’. The initiative is aimed at providing a rejuvenating escape for overworked individuals in bustling cities around the world.
Running from April 11 to 24, 2025, the contest invites participants to post their most creative and unique depictions of being busy through photos or amateur videos on Instagram. Entries should feature either themselves or someone they know working in unconventional settings or situations.
The winner will be awarded a luxurious three-night stay in a Beach Villa with Pool at The Westin Maldives, complete with the brand’s signature Westin Heavenly® Bed for a restful sleep. The package includes roundtrip seaplane transfers for two and a full board meal plan, offering nutritious options from the resort’s Eat Well menu. To further elevate the relaxation experience, the winner will also receive a 30-minute treatment at the Heavenly Spa by Westin™.
To participate, entrants must share their ‘busy moments’ on Instagram, accompanied by a brief story explaining why they deserve a restorative retreat. Posts must tag @thewestinmaldives and include the hashtags #BusyResting, #WestinMaldives, and #RestAtTheWestin.
Vijay Kumar, General Manager of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, commented, “At The Westin Maldives, we recognise the importance of balance in today’s fast-paced world. This contest embodies our commitment to well-being and our belief that true restoration comes from quality rest in a peaceful setting.”
Featured
BABOR makes Maldives debut at JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort

JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort has announced an exclusive partnership with BABOR, the internationally acclaimed German skincare brand, marking a new chapter in luxury wellness in the Maldives. This collaboration introduces BABOR’s high-performance skincare treatments to the Overwater Spa by JW, offering guests a fusion of advanced formulations and tranquil island experiences.
According to Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, the partnership reflects the resort’s dedication to mindful living, sustainability, and holistic well-being. “Together, we are redefining wellness with transformative treatments at Spa by JW, that harmonise precision skincare with the serene beauty of the Maldives,” Devarapalli noted.
As a first for the country, the resort will offer BABOR’s signature treatments, including the prestigious SeaCreation line. This anti-aging collection utilises marine-based biotechnology and potent oceanic ingredients to revitalise the skin and restore its radiance.
The exclusive Ocean Bliss treatment, crafted specifically for the Overwater Spa by JW, blends BABOR’s SeaCreation products with soothing elements inspired by the surrounding ocean. This luxurious ritual promises visible skincare results and deep relaxation, set within the spa’s four overwater villas, which house six treatment rooms designed to enhance the sensory connection with the Maldivian seascape.
Located in Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon and only 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, the JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort offers a harmonious blend of luxury and nature. The resort features 80 private pool villas—including 47 overwater pool villas—that merge traditional island design with contemporary elegance. Guests can explore five distinct dining venues and two bars, each showcasing ingredients sourced from the resort’s own JW Garden.
For BABOR, this partnership marks an important step in its global expansion, solidifying its presence in the luxury wellness market and extending its award-winning skincare offerings to one of the world’s most stunning destinations.
Tim Waller, Co-CEO of BABOR BEAUTY GROUP, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “In today’s fast-paced world, true luxury lies in moments of tranquility and self-care. Our partnership with JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort allows us to craft those moments, offering guests a skincare experience that is as indulgent as it is results-driven.”
With a shared commitment to excellence, JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort and BABOR now invite travellers to embark on a wellness journey where cutting-edge skincare and the pristine beauty of the Maldives come together in perfect harmony.
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