Featured
Maldives crowned World’s Leading Destination for second year
It was a triumphant day for Maldives as the country once again secured the World’s Leading Destination title and other accolades at World Travel Awards 2021.
The announcement was made at the WTA 2021 ceremony held virtually on 16th December 2021.
Established in 1993, World Travel Awards is the most prestigious honours program in global travel. The award is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.
The distinguished award is of great value to the destination, especially as it was achieved during such a challenging time.
Maldives won the title by competing against 18 destinations including Dubai, Indonesia, Spain, Vietnam, USA and Greece.
Speaking about the achievement, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations (MMPRC) Thoyyib Mohamed expressed his sincere gratitude to everyone who voted for Maldives.
Thoyyib noted that the achievement is possible due to the concerted efforts of the Government of Maldives, the Ministry of Tourism, other authorities, associations, NGOs and all tourism sector stakeholders.
He particularly acknowledged the tireless effort of MMPRC employees in maintaining destination presence, marketing the destination as a safe haven, promoting our tourism products and our unique geography and experiences which promoted travellers confidence towards the destination post covid.
This is the second time the Maldives won the World’s Leading Destination in a row. The Maldives won the prestigious award last year during one of the most challenging periods for the tourism industry.
The award is a testament to the strength, dedication, effort and planning shown by the Maldivian government during the pandemic.
During the marketing efforts, emphasis was placed on promoting the unique geographical formation of the Maldivian islands and the key USP ‘one-island-one-respect-concept’. These characteristics make Maldives one of the safest destinations to travel to, thus making it a ‘safe haven’ for all travellers.
Several marketing activities and campaigns were carried out in 2021, providing a platform for tourists from around the world to relive the happiness and rediscover the wonders of Maldives.
MMPRC carried out 209 different marketing activities in 24 global markets in 2021. These include 109 marketing campaigns in 24 markets, 60 fairs & virtual events, 10 roadshows and 30 familiarisation trips. With interviews and other participation over 400 activities were conducted in 2021.
Maldives has also won four awards in the Indian Ocean category at World Travel Awards, attesting to this. These categories are Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2021, Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination, Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2021, Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board 2021.
The destination has also won the famed Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination award 14 times within the last 18 years.
Awards
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.
The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.
Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.
“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.
Awards
Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.
The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.
Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.
The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.
Featured
Halloween at Sun Siyam Iru Veli turns fantasy, not fright
Sun Siyam Iru Veli marked Halloween with a one-day island celebration, “Whimsy Over Wicked,” reimagining the tradition of fright as a fairytale of fantasy on 31 October. The programme invited guests of all ages to immerse themselves in themed workshops, entertainment, and dining experiences designed to encourage creativity and the joy of make-believe.
At the Turtle Kidz Club, children joined a full-house Pumpkin Workshop, decorating pumpkins with gemstones, bright colours, and playful patterns. As the sun set over Fresh Water Beach, the festivities shifted to a Masquerade Evening, where guests enjoyed island beats and signature cocktails and mocktails against a golden horizon. The celebration continued at Turtle Beach with a Beach BBQ Dinner, presenting a Halloween-inspired menu in a storybook setting with live music by the sea.
The night concluded with a private “Cinema Under the Stars” screening, offering an open-air experience that captured the spirit of the occasion.
Through “Whimsy Over Wicked,” Sun Siyam Iru Veli highlighted creativity, connection, and the island’s natural setting. Guests departed with memories shaped by laughter, imagination, and a shared celebration under the Maldivian night sky.
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