Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is set to become an absolute hotspot for dessert lovers in the fall, as the luxury resort hosts award-winning Swedish pâtissier Seb Pettersson.

From October 27 to November 10, Chef Pettersson, together with Hideaway’s Executive Chef Sebastien Pinson, will spoil guests of the luxury resort with exceptional sweet sensations.

The highlight of his stay is a gala dinner for in-house guests, featuring the best desserts the island has ever seen. A dessert buffet at Matheefaru Restaurant on Tuesday, October 29, as well as the gala dinner at Sunset Pool Café on Thursday, November 7, will see Chef Pettersson team up with Hideaway’s Executive Chef Pinson to combine their talents and create a unique culinary experience.

Christian Szabo, General Manager at Hideaway, appreciates the creative work of the Swede: “We look forward to a refreshing, modern twist on textures, ingredients and presentation by Chef Seb Petterson.”

During his stay at Hideaway, Chef Pettersson will also be training the resorts’ kitchen staff in his art and share his tips for exquisite delicacies.

Guests who visit the resort at a later date, can rejoice as well; the artful desserts created by Chef Pettersson will still available in the resort’s restaurants.

“This is another step to take the culinary experience to the next level. We will continue to bring more and more talented and renowned chefs to the resort, making it an exquisite culinary destination in the Maldives,” Michael Wieser, CEO of parent company Lily Hotels, said.

One of the youngest members to have ever joined the Swedish confectioner scene, Chef Pettersson’s CV already boasts impressive achievements. He spent his apprenticeship at Michelin-starred restaurants, including Oaxen Krog, Operakällaren and Ekstedt in Stockholm.

With his imaginative and artfully designed creations, Chef Pettersson surprised the jury of the “Culinary World Cup 2018” in Luxembourg with new interesting flavours and designs in 2018. For example, he uniquely combined milk chocolate with extraordinary herbs and almonds into a work of art, whilst his combination of honey, chocolate and roasted sesame helped the Swedish national cooking team bring home gold.

In 2016, Chef Pettersson presented his creations for the Swedish Junior Culinary Team at the IKA Culinary Olympics in Erfurt. His extraordinary dessert of cherries, chocolate and pistachios was placed on the winners’ podium and was awarded gold.

Hideaway Beach Resort is located on the crescent-shaped island of Dhonakulhi in the northernmost Haa Alif atoll of the Maldives, 290km from capital Male. Characteristic features are unique quietness, comfort and privacy in a 297,000sqm tropical setting.

A total of 103 spacious villas in 10 categories are situated at a great distance from each other, either amongst evergreen tropical vegetation or above the turquoise blue lagoon. A personal butler is available in almost all villa categories and fulfils all guest wishes. The resort’s culinary diversity is reflected in four restaurants and bars.

With a paradisiacal house reef to be explored directly from the beach, Hideaway Beach Resort is the only hotel in the Maldives with a fully equipped harbour. It also offers the largest rum and whiskey menu in the Maldives, and is home to The Spa at Hideaway Maldives, diving school Meridis Dive & Relax, and a professionally supervised Kids Club.

Voting for the Maldives Travel Awards Guesthouse Edition 2019 has opened, organiser Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) announced Tuesday.

Voting for the Guesthouse Edition began on September 20 and will continue until October 20. Votes can be cast online or via SMS.

The Guesthouse Edition features 96 nominees in 14 categories.

More than 65 guesthouses have been nominated for the awards, including seven islands contesting in the ‘Leading Guesthouse Island’ and ‘Leading Beach Island’ category. Nominees include properties from across the archipelago, bringing together a collection of guesthouses that projects the diversity of the destination.

Winners in the Guesthouse Edition are selected based on a combined score, which takes into account their ratings on TripAdvisor (60 per cent) as well as popular vote (40 per cent) collected through a web portal and an SMS voting platform.

As a major shift from previous years, MATATO will be presenting the ‘Leading Guesthouse Award’ to four winners selected from four different parts of the country, including South, North, and Central region. The leading guesthouse in the satellite town of Hulhumale will also be recognised as a separate category.

Winners of the Guesthouse Edition will be announced in October at a special function to be hosted in the island of Thoddoo in Alif Alif atoll.

In 2017, the Guesthouse Edition received more than 175 nominations and registered a record number of 176,000 votes.

Initiated in 2012 by MATATO, the Maldives Travel Awards celebrate and honour the best tourism and hospitality products in the Maldives whilst fostering relationships with suppliers and local travel agents. From 20 categories in 2012, the awards have now expanded into three editions totalling 55 categories.

MATATO hosts three editions: the People’s Edition, which recognises successful pioneers and long serving individuals in the tourism industry, a Guesthouse Edition, which celebrates the outstanding performance of the up and coming guesthouse sector, and the Grand Gala, which is exclusive for winners in the categories for resorts, airlines and liveaboards.

Idyllic island resort Amilla Fushi has triumphed at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), taking home the award for ‘Leading Wellness and Spa Resort’ in the Maldives for a second consecutive year.

In a glamourous ceremony held at the Amari Galle, Sri Lanka on September 20, Amilla received Silver award at national level in the highly coveted category.

SATA is the first ever regional travel awards endorsed by multi-national associations providing the tourism sector of the South Asian region with recognition towards their facilities and service excellence. SATA aims to encourage and raise service standards of the tourism industry within the region, identifying and rewarding hospitality organisations.

Nominations included 36 categories in 10 segments, with a record of 500 nominations from the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal and Bhutan.

Amilla’s Banyan tree-shaded Javvu Spa features 10 treatment pods; a yoga pavilion; fitness centre; a wet area; a private training studio; Sensora chromotheraphy and Wellness Café.

Javvu’s holistic approach is complemented by an integrated spa menu of blissful pampering, featuring results-driven treatments from a carefully curated edit of world-class brands and ancient healing and energy therapies.

Most recently, Javvu became the first spa in the Maldives to introduce therapeutic treatments incorporating activated hemp-based products with cannabidiol (CBD).

The award-winning spa works with select partners to help deliver an undeniably exceptional wellness experience.

Each Javvu Spa massage therapist has been trained in the Pure Massage Spa Training Method, created by massage expert, Beata Aleksandrowicz, who provides spas worldwide with advanced training in a modern concept of massage based on Beata’s Twelve Principles of Massage.

The Spa’s Ila Body Treatments and QMS Medicosmetics have been carefully selected for their unique blend of natural healing ingredients that leave the skin and body feeling refreshed and revitalised after every treatment.

Blissful pampering can also be enjoyed at the resorts Nail Salon, Hair and Beauty Lounge and Barber using the very best premium products for the perfect finishing touches; from Margaret Dabbs’ world-class hand and foot treatments that reverse age and promote silkiness or Balmain Hair Couture’s red carpet hairdo’s to slick and sophisticated styling with Gentlemen’s Tonic.

Javvu Spa was also recognised at this year’s World Luxury Spa Awards, named the Indian Ocean’s best Jungle Resort Spa. This was the fourth year running that Javvu Spa has won, after being crowned as the Indian Ocean’s leading luxury Beach Spa in 2018, and Indian Ocean’s leading luxury Beauty Spa in 2017.

Located just 30 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport, Amilla Fushi offers a choice of 59 Houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestle among lush tree tops or hug the shores of pristine white sand; plus eight spectacular four- to eight-bedroom Beach Residences ideally suited to large families, groups of friends and VVIPs seeking the ultimate in space and privacy.

Amilla’s innovative restaurants range from the diverse, informal foodie hub Baazaar to the relaxed yet sophisticated overwater dining at the signature Feeling Koi. Guests can even drop in to gourmet café and deli The Emperor General Store or The Wine Shop & Cellar Door to treat themselves to lighter snacks, a favourite bottle or a gourmet selection of artisanal cheeses.

With an unrivalled range of purpose-designed multi-bedroom accommodation options, and an exciting, inspiring and active Kids’ Club The Sultan’s Village, Amilla Fushi is putting the Maldives on the map as a destination not just for couples, but for families and friends.

For further information and bookings, visit www.amilla.mv, email stay@amilla.mv or call t. +960 6606444

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort has opened its doors.

Set amidst 18 hectares of lush tropical flora and fauna on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, the all-inclusive resort boasts 122 decadent villas, including two exclusive Aqua Villas featuring bedrooms submerged beneath the turquoise waters for a truly memorable experience of the region’s marine life up close.

This is the second such offering in the Maldives and in the world. Conrad Maldives Rangalhi Island had in November opened The Muraka, the world’s first undersea residence.

In addition to the Aqua Villas, the new Pullaman Maldives Maamutaa also features The Royal Suite — a resort within a resort which provides complete privacy and indulgence including a high degree of personalised services.

“We are delighted to be shining the spotlight on the Maldives once again with the launch of our fifth Accor property. Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort is a stunning addition to the premium segment and we look forward to welcoming global nomads to explore the spectacular marine life of Gaafu Alifu Atoll and its surrounding diving sites,” Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer of Accor, Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

Featuring a range of overwater and beachside villas, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is surrounded by lush vegetation, a natural lake and sun-kissed beaches, plus one of the region’s largest and deepest lagoons. With water temperatures slightly cooler than many other islands, the richness of the marine life and the colours of the coral are unparalleled. For example, this is the only place where divers can spot up to 13 species of sharks in the water.

Guests will never go hungry, as the resort boasts one of the most generous, all-inclusive offers in the Maldives, complete with a variety of culinary delights available at six outlets across the island.

Options include Mélange, an all-day dining restaurant; The Hub, a sunken pool bar offering signature drinks and delicious sharing plates; Saffron Affair for a sophisticated evening of tapas and craft cocktails; and Souq Oven for Middle Eastern dishes, for pairing with a wine list featuring over 80 wines from around the world.

For something more casual, guests can enjoy healthy café treats and alchemy experiences at Sol Rising; or one of the region’s first organic, vegetarian and vegan restaurants, Phat Chameleon, set amidst a vegetable and herb garden. For those on the go, the playful Bites on Wheels food cart offers refreshing sorbets and light snacks throughout the day.

Children and teens are well catered for at Playground and Skillz Sports Centre, with a range of entertaining and educational activities including snooker, table tennis, various board games and a golf simulator. Nature walks, treasure hunts, and outdoor sports are also available for the adventurers at heart to enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

Pullman’s well-being approach focuses around the four pillars of Sleep; Sport; Food; and Spa and here it’s all about bringing guests as close to nature and the outdoors as you can get.

Fitness enthusiasts can start at the resort’s Fit Trail island jogging track with five fitness stations offering a variety of physical trails, or level up with a complete boot-camp Raaveriya Workout experience that kick starts with callisthenics followed by an invigorating run on the beach and a refreshing swim in the lagoon.

For complete restoration of the body, mind and soul, choose from a selection of signature facials, body treatments and massage therapies available at the resort’s Spa by Phytomer, which features eight treatment rooms perched over a shallow, white sand lagoon.

Guests can sign up for a local arts and crafts classes, marine conservation talks, or enjoy nature trail walks around the island with the resort’s resident marine biologist, or scuba dive and snorkel in one of the Maldives’ largest blue lagoons covering a total area of 1,700 hectares. The surrounding coral gardens feature a diverse variety of reef fish, dolphins, turtles and sharks around the resort’s 26 dive sites.

“With our generous all-inclusive offering, we look forward to welcoming guests to the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort where they can explore the island’s sandy beaches, nature trails and renowned diving sites while enjoying full wellness and culinary journey,” John Bendtsen, General Manager of Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort, said.

As a special opening offer, guests can enjoy complimentary return transfers valued at USD 360 USD per person when booking a stay of five nights or more, valid from September 25 to December 23rd.

Accessible by a 55-minute domestic flight from Velana International Airport, followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride from Kooddoo Airport, the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort is the first Pullman branded hotel in the Maldives and the fifth Maldivian property in AccorHotels’ portfolio.

A newcomer to the Maldives booming tourism industry, AccorHotels is on a major expansion drive with five properties already under its belt in just two years. The French multinational hotel group runs Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives and Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, as well as the just opened Pullman Maldives Maamutaa.

Velaa Private Island has launched a four-hands dining experience featuring international Michelin-starred chefs.

Throughout November, each guest chef will collaborate with the island’s Executive Chef Gaushan De Silva on a gastronomic menu. Visiting chefs include Brian Mark Hansen from Denmark’s one Michelin-starred Søllerød Kro, Alain Alders from Netherlands’ one Michelin-starred De Vrienden van Jacob, Tristan Brandt from Germany’s two Michelin-starred Opus V, and Valentino Cassanelli from Italy’s one Michelin-starred Lux Lucis.

Dishes prepared will be served at three of the resort’s dining venues, including Tavaru, Athiri and Aragu restaurant.

These intimate seven-course degustations will be further elevated by wines, which have been hand-picked by intentionally-renowned wine makers from five of the world’s most prestigious estates. The visiting wine makers include Vincenzo D’andrea from Italy’s Bibi Graetz, Rajat Parr from the American Domaine de la Côte, Frédéric Engerer from France’s Artémis Domaines, Rodolphe Péters from Champagne Pierre Péters, and Álvaro Palacios from Spain’s Bodega Álvaro Palacios.

Tucked away within the collection of islands that form the northern Noonu atoll, Velaa Private Island is elegantly positioned to overlook enchanting vistas of a cerulean ocean. Its name derived from generations of sea turtles that flock there to nest and hatch; it is comprised of 47 private villas, houses and exclusive residences. The resort also includes a Romantic Pool Residence which can only be reached by boat.

At Velaa Private Island, all details have been considered: each villa comes with a personal butler, all services offered can be tailored to personal specifications. Attention to detail everywhere is also impeccable: stone pavements from the desert in Jordan, Indonesian flowerpots, luxury wood panelling from Borneo, and glimmering Italian marble.

Velaa Private Island offers endless exclusive opportunities. These unique offerings include the Maldives’ first and only snow room, the largest and most extensive wine collection in the region, one of the few Maldivian resorts with a private submarine, an extraordinary kids’ club conceptualised as the world’s ideal kids’ club by the owner’s seven-year-old daughter, and the only resort in Asia with a My Blend by Clarins spa.

Personalising and tailoring the entirety of the island depending on specific requirements, there is no limit to ensure the ultimate experience. Guests can sit back in the knowledge that the island’s highly trained and dedicated butlers will cater to each and every whim. Whether it is watching a spectacular fireworks display within the Maldivian night sky, dancing into the early hours with an Al fresco live music event, stepping aboard the island’s private yacht for a glamorous sunset cruise or enjoying a private, open air cinema night, anything is possible. Other interactive activities perfect for private groups include gourmet cooking classes with one of the resort’s chefs or wine tasting within the Maldives’ largest wine cellar.

For those looking to get involved in some Indian Ocean adventure, Velaa’s high-tech water toys, including the hover board, jetpack and fly board serve as the definitive adrenaline rush. Whilst discovering the wonders beneath the island’s welcoming waters, guests can learn to dive or simply snorkel the coral rainbow.

An assessment has been launched to determine the impact of British tour operator Thomas Cook’s collapse on the Maldives’ tourism industry, the island nation’s government announced Wednesday.

Tourism minister Ali Waheed told journalists that a joint assessment with the economic and finance ministries is being conducted to determine any potential impact of Thomas Cook’s collapse on the Maldives’ main economic activity. Challenges faced by local travel companies will also be assessed, he added.

“Thomas Cook had been a major player in the Maldives’ tourism industry and its collapse will definitely affect our industry. But we are taking this as an opportunity and we’re prepared to do what’s necessary to mitigate any damage,” the minister said.

“We’ve met with officials from Thomas Cook as well to get a clear understanding of the situation. We’re confident that we can turn this around and ensure that our industry partners do not suffer.”

The Maldivian authorities have put in place necessary measures, including a dedicated help desk, at the country’s main Velana International Airport to ease the situation for holidaymakers waiting to return home. Efforts are being made to provide food, assistance and accommodation.

Minister Waheed noted that assistance has been provided to some 804 tourists in Maldives affected by Thomas Cook’s collapse. More tourists booked via Thomas Cook are expected to arrive in the Maldives over the next 24 hours as well, he added.

The minister stressed that the Maldives will not send away any tourist. Accommodation had been arranged at the airport transit hotel for those needing it, whilst several resorts have provided complimentary holiday packages to some affected by the situation, he said.

“The Maldives is known for its warm hospitality. We will work with our industry partners to accommodate any and all tourists affected by this unfortunate situation. I’ve personally met some who were devastated because of this situation,” the minister said.

“Some tourists have been offered discounted packages as well. We’re doing everything possible to ensure that the Maldivian holiday experience that people the world over had come to enjoy and love.”

Thomas Cook’s 178-year existence of came to an end on Monday after the British travel firm failed to find private investment to keep it afloat, affecting thousands of holidaymakers.

The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is co-ordinating the repatriation, the biggest in peacetime, after the tour operator “ceased trading with immediate effect”. UK authorities hope to get some 16,000 holidaymakers back home on chartered flights.

Thomas Cook had secured a £900m rescue deal led by its largest shareholder Chinese firm Fosun in August, but a recent demand from its lending banks to raise a further £200m in contingency funding had put the deal in doubt.

The holiday company had spent all Sunday in talks with lenders trying to secure the additional funding and salvage the deal, but to no avail.

Its plea for government aid was also rejected.

Customers on a package holiday have Atol protection – a fund paid for through industry levies – which will cover the cost of their holiday and repatriation.

Thomas Cook has blamed a series of issues for its problems including political unrest in holiday destinations such as Turkey, last summer’s prolonged heatwave and customers delaying booking holidays because of Brexit.

But the firm has also faced fierce competition from online travel agents and low-cost airlines.

In addition, many holidaymakers are putting together their own holidays and not using travel agents.

Thomas Cook had been one of the leading European tour operators to the Maldives, with the firm heavily contributing to the growth of the UK market in Maldives’ tourism.

The latest official figures released by the Maldives’ tourism ministry put the UK at the fourth position amongst the top source markets to the Maldives with a marketshare of 7.4 per cent. Visitor numbers from the UK saw an increase of 11.1 per cent to reach 73,262 during the first seven months of the year.

Thomas Cook also runs a resort on the island of Eriyadu under its “smartline” brand.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts has opened the overwater villas at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, completing the resort’s offering.

Set on the southern tip of the Maldives in the remote and pristine Gaafu Alif Atoll, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo’s Beach Island Experience opened in May. A palm tree-peppered private island, it comprises 21 beach villas and residences, a sublime spa, beachside restaurants and a world-class dive centre with an on-site marine biologist.

Just moments away by boat, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo’s Overwater Island Experience — a unique experience, offering complete intimacy, unreachable by foot — completes the resort.

Officially opened on September 22, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo’s Overwater Island Experience completes the resort. With its vast overwater villas and residences, sophisticated Nikkei restaurant Yuzu and sunset-facing Yapa pool bar, it will provide unparalleled luxury to those who dream of a life spent on the water.

Together these two private islands offer two distinct experiences, bound together by Raffles’ legendary service.

All the facilities of the resort – and the very best of the Maldives – will be at their full disposal. A unique offering, a Marine Butler is available to every guest and will happily lead snorkelling tours of the resort’s two remarkable and endlessly fascinating house reefs.

Gaafu Alifu atoll is one of the world’s largest and deepest atolls and the clear, blissfully warm waters immediately surrounding the Raffles resort teem with a kaleidoscope of colourful fish. Guests are encouraged to keep an eye out for Apollo, one of the 20 resident hawksbill and green turtles that regularly swim by to say hello.

“For couples looking for an unforgettable romantic hideaway, our exceptionally spacious villas and the discreet expertise of the Raffles butler service redefines the resort experience. From intimate dining with our private chef service to snorkelling and diving in the world’s most breathtaking coral reefs, we create a place where guests can enjoy the best of both worlds in a destination known for its stunning surroundings,” Oliver Larcher, General Manager of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

On the beach island, the overwater Raffles Spa combines Eastern practices with age-old local influences and offers highly personalised facials by Biologique Recherche; rejuvenating body treatments from Aromatherapy Associates; and signature manicure and pedicure services by Margaret Dabbs London.

An expansive gym caters to all fitness levels; yoga sessions are held on an ocean-facing deck; a jogging route winds its way along gardens abloom with hibiscus and bougainvillea; visiting practitioners will lead practice sessions in tai chi, mindfulness and more.

Relaxed feet-in-the-sand dining is encouraged here, too. The Firepit is an outdoor barbecue restaurant where hearty seafood and meat specialties such as spicy lobster with green papaya and tender beef tenderloin are flame-grilled over the charcoal fire. The tables and chairs carved from the sand are set directly on the shore for uninterrupted views of the starlit skyline.

Starting with healthy smoothies and freshly baked pastries, breakfast is a highlight at the all-day international restaurant Thari.

Paying homage to its namesake at Raffles Singapore, guests can enjoy the signature Maldives Sling at the Long Bar which features a special concoction of gin, grapefruit, coconut, cinnamon and clove that mirrors the Maldivian evening sunset.

The overwater island makes the most of its seascape setting at pool bar, Yapa, where world-class mixologists create signature cocktails inspired by the spirits from South America and Japan. Guests can enjoy a Pisco sour and delicious tacos whilst watching the evening sunset over the Indian Ocean.

At adjacent fine-dining restaurant Yuzu, Peruvian chef Anibal Torres serves authentic Nikkei cuisine with a refreshing blend of Japanese and Peruvian influences using sustainable seafood from a locally sourced market. Bespoke dining experiences include a sunrise breakfast on a private sandbank or an exclusive Champagne and sashimi by the cruise deck with the company of playful dolphins.

Wherever guests spend the night, they will reside in some of the largest villas in the Maldives – each featuring a large marble bathtub, private pool and outdoor shower. Surrounded by lush foliage, the beach villas offer a sunrise or sunset view whilst the overwater villas overlook the dazzlingly turquoise water.

“Accor is bringing to the resort our expertise in delivering unparalleled luxury experiences renowned in our Raffles brand. The Raffles collection now includes 14 distinguished properties in leading addresses across 12 countries and we are thrilled to welcome guests at the first Raffles in the Maldives,” Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer, Accor Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives, said.

On both islands, the luxurious two-bedroom residences provide an exclusive retreat for families and friends, whilst the Raffles Royal Residence offers the perfect setting for a very special celebration. Opening on the beach island next year, this three-bedroom hideaway is the ultimate Indian Ocean luxury that features an infinity pool, endless space and a retractable roof on its upper level so guests can enjoy the beautiful night sky under the stars.

AccorHotels took over the management of the existing resort on the island of Meradhoo from Dubai-based hospitality group Jumeirah in 2017, with plans to reposition the luxury resort under the iconic Raffles Hotels & Resorts brand.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo boasts 21 island villas and 16 ocean villas with private pools, three restaurants, a scenic cocktail bar and an array of facilities and activities to relax, rejuvenate and reinvigorate the body, mind and spirit. These facilities include an award-winning luxury spa, overwater fitness centre, yoga programmes, water sports, private dining options, 24-hour butler and private chef service, along with snorkelling and diving at its finest. The resort’s PADI-certified dive centre offers adventures through the wonders of some of most breath-taking coral reefs in the world.

A newcomer to the Maldives booming tourism industry, AccorHotels is on a major expansion drive with four existing properties and one under development in the island nation. The French multinational hotel group runs Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives and Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, as well as the recently-opened Pullman Maldives Maamutaa.

Maldives has welcomed world champion freediver William Trubridge, as the island nation attempts to break the record for most people freediving simultaneously.

Trubridge, who arrived in the Maldives Thursday morning, will participate in the world record attempt on October 1. The “Neyvaa” freediving event, organised as part of the World Tourism Day 2019 celebrations, will witness at least 500 people freediving off Baros Maldives.

The Maldives is attempting to break the record held by ‘La Scuola del Mare 2’ (Verona), in Torri del Benaco, Verona. Verona set the record for the most people freediving simultaneously on October 11, 2009 with 280 people.

Trubridge is a world champion and double world record holding freediver from New Zealand. He was born in the UK but moved to New Zealand when he was 18 months old.

As of 2013, Trubridge holds the world record in the free immersion and the constant weight without fins disciplines, and was the first to break the 100m barrier unassisted.

Trubridge mainly competes in the depth disciplines. He additionally scored the highest number of points for an individual at Team’s World Championships, 313.3, which he achieved at the 2010 Freediving Team’s World Championships held in Okinawa, Japan.

On 18 January 2011, Trubridge won the World’s Absolute Freediver Award (WAFA) naming him best all around freediver, with the highest combined score in six freediving disciplines: static apnea, dynamic apnea with fins, dynamic apnea without fins (pool disciplines), constant weight apnea with fins, constant weight without fins, and free immersion (depth disciplines).

Trubridge is an Apnea Academy instructor and as of 2013 operates a freediving school and annual competition, both called Vertical Blue, at Dean’s Blue Hole in Long Island, Bahamas from September to May. During the summer he teaches courses in Europe and trained at Tenerife Top Training Centre.

Trubridge was the main subject of a documentary entitled “Breathe” directed by Martin Khodabakhshian, which documents Trubridge’s pursuits in 2010 to become the first free diver ever to reach 300 feet with a single breath in the discipline of constant weight no fins.

On February 15, 2019 Trubridge became the first man to complete an ‘underwater crossing’ of one of the major channels, swimming across the Cook Strait as a series of 934 breath hold dives. He wore fins and swam with a dolphin kick horizontally underwater at a depth between three-five metres, surfacing only for short recoveries during which he remained immobile.

The crossing took nine hours 15 minutes, and was done to raise awareness of the plight of New Zealand’s Hector’s dolphin and Maui’s Dolphins, which are both threatened with imminent extinction due predominantly to fishing bycatch in their territory.

Celebrated Thai photographer Chi Wai David Lau has arrived in Maldives to capture the beauty and culture of the island nation, in a bid to promote the destination.

David will be staying in Kuramathi Maldives and Jumeirah Vittaveli, as well as Season Paradise. At these locations, he will experience the Maldivian hospitality whilst capturing the natural beauty and culture of the Maldives through his lens.

The pictures taken during his stay will be unveiled in Siam Paragon, a popular mall located in the heart of Thai capital Bangkok.

David, whose interest in photography began at the young age of eight, generally takes pictures that showcase the unique cultural aspects of the countries he visits.

His recent exhibitions in Bangkok featured pictures from his trips to Sichuan, Tibet, Indonesia, Russia, Kenya and Morocco. His most recent published work displays photos from his visit to Russia and Sichuan, China.

David has received the Associateship of Photography from Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain and the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand.

The celebrated Thai photographer is in the Maldives as part of a series of familiarisation trips conducted by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) to promote the Maldives.

MMPRC kicked off the series of familiarisation trips in April, starting with a team of Indian journalists and bloggers. The official tourism promotion entity has brought in teams from the UK, China, South Korea, as well as countries from Eastern Europe.

“MMPRC aims to promote Maldives tourism in Thailand and increase arrivals,” a statement issued by MMPRC read.

A total of 32,436 tourists from Thailand visited the Maldives in 2018 — an increase of 24.6 per cent from the previous year. That growth has continued this year, as 17,697 Thai tourists visited the Maldives by the end of July.

Maldives’ main seaplane operator Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) has announced plans to add four additional seaplanes to its fleet, with the first of the four arriving in the Maldives Thursday.

In what the airline calls its most aggressive expansion drive in its history of more than 30 years, TMA took delivery of its 53rd aircraft on Thursday. It was ferried from Santa Maria, Portugal and reached the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport at around 6.10pm.

The remaining three aircraft are scheduled to arrive in the Maldives in the upcoming months, expanding the airline’s fleet to 56 aircraft.

“TMA has played a pivotal role in developing the tourism infrastructure in Maldives and the latest addition to its fleet is in line with its commitment to serve the growing demand with the new upcoming resorts and also provide added flexibility to all its partner resorts,” a statement issued by TMA read,

“As the company welcomes the 53rd aircraft to its fleet, it would like to thank all its partners for their invaluable contributions and everlasting support in the growth story of TMA.”

TMA started in 1989 as a company operating a helicopter fleet under the name Hummingbird Island Helicopters.

Eight years later, the name was changed to Hummingbird Island Airways, as the first seaplane was added to the fleet. The transition to a seaplane-only fleet was completed in 1999. A year later, the name Trans Maldivian Airways came to be, and still today represents a synonym for connecting the Maldives islands.

In February 2013, Blackstone, one of the world’s leading investment and advisory firms, acquired controlling stakes in TMA and its sole competitor Maldivian Air Taxi (MAT), and merged the two under the TMA brand.

A consortium led by US-based Bain Capital and Chinese conglomerate Tempus Group had in 2017 bought TMA from Blackstone for around USD 550 million.

TMA currently operates an all-amphibian fleet of 53 Twin Otter aircraft on regular flights throughout the Maldivian archipelago, making it the largest seaplane operator in the world.

In 2016, TMA operated over 120,000 flights, transferring close to a million passengers, including 80,000 residents.

Seaplane is the preferred mode of transport between the main Velana International Airport and dozens of resorts, especially those located in the outer atolls.

Shangri-La has announced an exclusive ‘Honeymoon in Maldives’ offer at Shangri’s La Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives.

The hospitality firm said it is rolling out customised offers at special rates — starting from USD 600 per night per couple — for those wishing to spend their honeymoon at its resort in the Maldives.

“To start the day in the most romantic way, couples staying in a villa with private pool can delight in a lazy morning indulgence with a floating breakfast featuring a variety of pastries, Poached Eggs, exotic fruits, waffles and more goodies ready to satisfy their foodie cravings,” an announcement read.

With the ‘Honeymoon in Maldives’ offer, guests can celebrate memorable moments from honeymoon to anniversary or even a proposal. The offer comes with a bottle of Champagne upon arrival, daily breakfast at Javvu restaurant, a romantic ‘Dine by Design’ private culinary experience, a mesmerising cruise to spot spinning dolphins at sunset, and a 60-minute signature couple’s massage at CHI, The Spa.

A private hideaway, in a world of its own, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa is the perfect setting for couples, with its secluded location as part of the Maldives southernmost atoll.

For the ultimate luxury experience, Villa Muthee, is the epitome of tropical refinement. The presidential villa nestles in its own luxurious environment with its private walkway entrance, a spacious deck with a private infinity pool and direct access to the ocean, a separate living room, yoga pavilion and even its own spa treatment room to let guests relax without leaving the villa.

Beyond Villa Muthee, the resort offers an extensive choice of accommodation, such as the unique Tree House Villas, Perched on stilts among the emerald green treetops, the villas offer intimate settings with marvellous views of the ocean and a large deck with its own private infinity pool. For true ocean lovers, the Water Villas, positioned over the lagoon, offer the perfect seascape for those who cannot resist slipping into the aquamarine waters teeming with tropical marine life. These open and airy villas come with overwater hammocks for languorous lounging.

The resort offers many options for water adventurers, such as turtle-quest snorkelling, diving to a unique shipwreck site, surfing with half a dozen great wave setups or parasailing for a bird’s eye view of the island. Tropical ‘havenists’ will also find their own piece of paradise in the unique flora and fauna that can be explored while cycling around Villingili’s jungle and coastal pathways or while playing on the only golf course in the Maldives. Couples can also enjoy a range of cultural experiences like no other in the Maldives, with guided tours of the neighbouring islands of Addu atoll, visits to the local farms and samplings of Maldivian cuisine.

The brightest gem in the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, Villingili island is a haven for those seeking true romance. As if it was meant to be, the resort is located in the heart-shaped Addu atoll, just a five-minute boat ride away from Gan International Airport.

Asia Group Trading has launched a new product called “Euro Fresh”, a soft drink packed in glass bottles.

Kuredu Resort Maldives is the first resort to use the product, which is available in different flavours, in their mini bars. The launch is part of the resort’s efforts to reduce single-use plastics.

Kuredu has significantly reduced the number of single-use plastics at the resort. In addition to eradicating single-use plastic straws completely, the resort encourages guests to use reusable water flasks, continue providing in-house bottled water, use cutlery made from biodegradable materials at events whenever possible, and work hard to raise eco-awareness amongst guests, team and local communities alike.

Located on a 1,800 metre by 325 metre remote island in the northern atoll of Lhaviyani, Kuredu is accessible by a 35-minute scenic seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport. This 4.5-star resort has 383 rooms, including beach and water villas, making it the second largest resort in the Maldives.

The island boasts a dive and snorkel centre, a water sports centre, a spa, golf and tennis courses, a kids’ club, and an extensive choice of restaurants and bars. Kuredu guests can also dine in 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at the neighbouring Hurawalhi Maldives resort.

Asia Group Trading is an international trading company providing a one-stop solution for all resort and hotel supplies. The company’s partners include World Sourcing Solution, a Belgium supplier of F&B products, and Caralise Sprl, another Belgium supplier of resort and hotel supplies.

Asia Group Trading’s logistic partner is Asia Forwarding, one of the leading logistic companies in the Maldives. Together, the companies aim to supply the best quality products to resorts and hotels across the Maldives.

The first ever international beach volleyball tournament in Maldives has kicked off at Furaveri Maldives.

The President of Maldives Invitational Beach Volleyball Tournament kicked off on Friday. Science and technology minister Mohamed Maleeh Jamal officiated the official opening ceremony.

The tournament, which will conclude on September 29, is organised by Maldives Volleyball Veterans (MVV) and Ministry of Youth Sports and Community Empowerment in collaboration with Biggs Island Productions (BIP) and Beach Volleyball Thailand (BVT).

During the tournament, Maldivian teams are joined by 26 international teams, including those from North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Australia.

The tournament sees male and female athletes compete in a ‘Men’s Pro Doubles’ division, a ‘Mixed Rec Doubles Division’, and a ‘Mixed Rec Quattro Division’. Each team plays in round-robin format leading up to knockout rounds and finals on September 29 where the winning team will be awarded prize money of USD 7,000.

The athletes enjoy four nights at the magical Furaveri Maldives: three days of beach volleyball on a world-renowned beach; nightly activities/parties; domestic flight and all transfers within the Maldives, including VIP fast-track clearance through Maldives Immigration; a welcome package, complimentary daily spa/massage; and complimentary nightly fishing trips.

of beach volleyball on a world-renowned beach; nightly activities/parties; domestic flight and all transfers within the Maldives, including VIP fast-track clearance through Maldives Immigration; a welcome package, complimentary daily spa/massage; and complimentary nightly fishing trips.

Located in the exotic Raa atoll in the northern part of the Maldives, Furaveri is accessible by a 45-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport.

The 107 private villas have been specifically designed to meet guests’ individual preferences and are set amongst lush vegetation, in the first row on a sandy white beach or settled above a sparkling turquoise lagoon.

Situated on the northern shore of the island, Jaafaeiy Restaurant serves exclusive cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner from around the world with various choices of international and continental dishes. The buffet includes live cooking stations where food is prepared to individual desires.

Furaveri Spa is a holistic sanctuary where guests will find themselves in a serene world of delicate scents with a comprehensive range of facilities in a beautiful wooden interior that echoes Furaveri. With four open air pavilions and four air conditioned pavilions for side-by-side couple treatments, separate steam bath, sauna, jacuzzi, relaxation area as well as manicure and pedicure, Furaveri Spa offers a wide range of soothing massages and refreshing body treatments to promote relaxation and renew energy.

Furaveri is blessed with an incredible house reef with turtles, sharks, rays, barracuda, napoleons, tuna and trevally as well as colourful corals. The resort’s PADI five-star certified dive centre offers a full range of PADI programmes, from Discover Suba Diving to PADI Divemaster along with daily dives and guided snorkelling trips.

Jumeirah Vittaveli has won three prestigious awards at the annual South Asian Travel Awards (SATA).

At the SATA 2019 Gala held in Galle, Sri Lanka, Jumeirah Vittaveli was recognised as the Leading Luxury Resort in the Maldives, Most Romantic Resort in the Maldives and Most Romantic Resort in South Asia.

This is the third year in a row that Jumeirah Vittaveli has received these regional recognitions, since its first participation in 2017.

“It is a tremendous honour to be recognised for the third year in a row by the South Asian Travel Awards. I feel blessed to be part of such an enthusiastic team who never ceases to put their passion and energy into creating inspiring experiences for our guests, each and every day,” Abhijit Ghosh, General Manager of Jumeirah Vittaveli, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

Located a short 20-minute ride on board a luxurious motorised catamaran from the main Velana International Airport, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers unmatched diversity, subtle luxury and personalised exploration, whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or an exotic destination for your family.

The 3,500 square metre Royal Residence can accommodate 14 people, with prices from USD 35,000 per night. This lavish private retreat comprises private beach, dedicated restaurant, spa, two swimming pools, an overwater sundeck, jetty, chef, butler and golf buggy chauffeur. Guests can enjoy a private yacht transfer to the residence and spacious accommodation, which comprises the main Sanctuary, two Guest Villas and a double-storey guest house. An abundance of lounge and seating spaces provide the opportunity to spend quality time together. Each stay at the Royal Residence comes with a host of benefits such as daily evening canapes and champagne, personal fitness trainer as well as wellness consultant and 24-hour resident butler service. Wellness treatments can be enjoyed in the private Talise spa room inside the Sanctuary complex.

In addition to the Royal Residence, Jumeirah Vittaveli comprises 89 villas and suites each with their own swimming pool and direct access to the beach or lagoon. The private and spacious villas are available with one or two bedrooms making them the ideal accommodation for both families and couples.

Guests can enhance their romantic escape and stay at the picturesque Private Ocean Retreats, an indulgent hideaway with a loft-style bedroom upstairs, overwater hammocks, private infinity pool and full outdoor daybed. The villas are freestanding in the lagoon ensuring maximum privacy while only a two-minute ride on board the complimentary boat service from the main island. The Private Ocean Retreats are designed to offer all the resort services, from in-villa dining and yoga on a open air deck to an indulgent couple’s massage.

For the evenings, guests have the choice of a culinary journey through India in the resort’s signature restaurant Swarna, or an overwater fine dining experience featuring French cuisine at Fenesse.

The Talise spa at Jumeirah Vittaveli has been named Best Luxury Wellness Spa in Maldives by the World Travel Awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Treatments at the spa are inspired by concepts of light and space connecting with the purity and vibration of ingredients. The team produces their own island made 100 percent pure coconut oil, which is used in treatments and available as a take-home souvenir. The garden and overwater treatment rooms provide romantic spaces for couples who wish to enjoy blissful relaxation, while the spa menu also includes dedicated Mother-Daughter and Father-Son pampering sessions.

Jumeirah Vittaveli offers romantic escapes as well as a variety of land and water-based activities, including the destination’s first ice rink, a PADI Dive base, water sports centre, six restaurants and bars, and two lounges. An underground tasting room and a wine library will open soon.

Guesthouse Association of Maldives (GAM) has conducted several activities to celebrate World Tourism Day 2019.

Among the activities, conducted in association with the Maldives Police Service and Housing Development Corporation (HDC), were water sports activities such as a canoe race where 18 teams competed. A food tasting session was also held where nine guesthouses presented their culinary specialities including varieties of both local and international cuisine.

Dive Club Maldives also arranged a bubble maker dive for kids, which saw the participation of 27 kids of 5 to 12 years old.

All the events took place at Hulhumale beach area on September 28.

GAM says that the event was a success with support from a number of tourists and locals residing in Hulhumale.

GAM was established in 2014 when a group of establishment owners got together to promote the local tourism industry. They continue to help guesthouses in the Maldives in a bid to develop local island tourism in the Maldives.

Royal Jordanian has begun a scheduled charter service to the Maldives.

The first Royal Jordanian flight landed at the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport on Friday.

Until October 16, the flagship carrier of Jordan will offer a weekly non-stop service between Queen Alia International Airport in Amman and Velana International Airport in Male. A Boeing 787-8 jet will serve this route.

Founded in 1963, Royal Jordanian has become the second-largest carrier in the Levant. With a fleet of 43 aircraft including seven Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner jets, the airline operates over 500 flights per week, with at least 110 daily departures. Along with codeshare destinations, the airline reaches 43 destinations around the world.

Middle East remains one of the major emerging source markets for the Maldives’ tourism industry. The region saw its market share reach 3.9 per cent due to a 14.9 per cent increase in the number of tourist arrivals (42,774) in the January-August period.

Maldives has ramped up tourism promotion in the Middle East. Stakeholders of the tourism industry, including government and non-governmental organisations, have held exclusive events in Saudi Arabia and other key Arab source markets.

Sun Aqua Spa has been awarded the “Leading Wellness and Spa Brand” at the annual South Asian Travel Awards (SATA). At the SATA 2019 Gala that took place in Galle, Sri Lanka last weekend, Sun Aqua Spa beat off competition from leading spa and wellness brands across the region.

Sun Aqua Spa specializes in healing and rejuvenating rituals with pure, wholesome ingredients that draw on the Earth’s organic goodness. The indulgent treatment menu includes flower baths, Ayurvedic rituals, aromatherapy massages, and scrubs that leave you rejuvenated. Treatments are based on the elements of earth, water, air, and fire with an inspired mix of Eastern and Western therapies and modern beauty treatments.

Sun Aqua Spa at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef consists of six private treatment pavilions each with open air flower baths, open showers, a hydrotherapy area and double treatment beds. Encompassing the Five Element Theory — Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth and Water — sun aqua spa offers a lengthy menu of Ayurvedic wellness rituals, pampering beauty therapies and massage techniques from around the world.

Sun Aqua Spa located at Sun Aqua Pasikudah on the East Coast of Sri Lanka offers a fantastic selection of boutique spa experiences using organic local ingredients that are full of natural goodness. Guests can indulge with selection five specialty packages or a signature treatment such as Hideaway Spa Dining Experience which combines full body treatments and delicious cuisine.

The latest addition to the Sun Aqua Spa portfolio is at Sun Aqua Iru Veli in Dhaalu Atoll. The tranquil Sun Aqua Spa at Sun Aqua Iru Veli offers seven overwater pavilions with double massage tables, open-air rain showers and romantic flower-strewn baths and a main spa house with hydrotherapy pools, steam, sauna and spa boutique.

Leading resort supplier Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has concluded another successful edition of their annual Masterclass workshop, aimed at helping chefs expand their knowledge in the culinary arts.

This year’s Masterclass was conducted on September 28, at Hulhule Island Hotel by renowned Michelin-starred Chef Bruno Mernard.

The event, which was attended by chefs from across the Maldives, provided a unique opportunity to observe and interact with Chef Mernard who is regarded as one of the best in the culinary industry with over 35 years of experience and three Michelin stars to his name.

Showcasing three exquisite dishes, Chef Mernard demonstrated preparation techniques and methodologies behind creating simple yet elegant dishes which can be perfectly reproduced for as many guests as needed.

This was followed by a discussion session where he shared tips and advice for participants to help further their skills in the field; one of his main takeaways being a few words of wisdom from his mentor: “Competitions are important, but more than being number one at a competition for one day, you need to be the very best every day for your customer.”

Attendees were presented with certificates to signify the invaluable knowledge they had gained.

A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, commented: “The audience took away a lot thanks to the engaging manner in which Chef Bruno conducted the session.”

Following this successful Masterclass, the hospitality industry is gearing up for the Hotel Asia Exhibition & International Culinary Challenge 2019, the biggest event of its kind in the Maldives.

Organised by Maldives Exhibition and Conference Service (MECS), with BBM serving as the main sponsor, it is due to take place from October 6-9 at the main convention centre of Dharubaaruge in capital Male.

The first edition of Corporate Maldives Business Expo kicked off on Sunday.

The Business Expo, held at the main convention centre of Dharubaaruge in capital Male, was inaugurated by Minister of Communication, Science and Technology Mohamed Maleeh Jamal during a small ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Focused on targeted learning, networking, building valuable new business relationships and finding partners that will help business owners to take their business to the next level, the Business Expo is a two-day event. Over 100 exhibitors have participated in the expo, whilst 1,200 visitors are expected to visit the event.

Two days of pure networking

Corporate Maldives Business Expo is attended by the entire business community. Over 150 business from different sectors will be there to network and create new business opportunities. The expo will also introduce business profiles and new products and services to other businesses and consumers.

Features Gold 100 companies

“GOLD 100” is a list of leading 100 business entities in the Maldives, published by Corporate Maldives at the beginning of every year, in recognition of their exemplary work and success.

The list is not a ranking of businesses, and as such is published in alphabetical order. The companies are some of the most elite businesses in the Maldives and getting in touch with them is something you can do at the Business Expo, to learn more about their success story and business portfolios.

Identifying challenges faced by entrepreneurs

The expo plays host to four different summits. Leading professionals and aspiring figures will be present as panelists and will share their business success stories at the summit.

The summit will also explore, ideate, collaborate and generate new approaches that respond to the ever-changing needs, challenges and aspirations of the young entrepreneurs in the Maldives.

Maldives Young Entrepreneurs’ Summit

This is a unique conference for young entrepreneurs within the country to network and share their knowledge in business and economics, as well as the importance of entrepreneurship and presenting ideas to advance it.

The summit took place on Sunday, from 2-5pm at Dharubaaruge.

Maldives Tech Summit

Maldives is a tech-savvy community where almost everyone has a smartphone. However, the adoption of the latest tech innovations in the Maldives is slow. The summit intends to identify and address the problems related to developing, introducing and adopting the latest tech innovations in businesses for a digital transformation in the Maldives.

The summit took place on Sunday, from 8-10pm at Dharubaaruge.

Maldives Women Entrepreneurs’ Summit

Under the theme, “Equality begins with Economic Empowerment”, this new exciting platform intends to empower women, women-led organisations and SMEs by bringing together proficient women entrepreneurs and providing them with a zone to interact, network and share their thoughts.

The summit will take place on Monday, from 2-5pm at Dharubaaruge.

Maldives Finance Professionals Summit

Maldives Finance Professionals Summit is a professional development event for professionals working in the finance sector, designed to discuss local and global issues relevant to the sector. The summit targets professionals from across the financial sector, including banking, Islamic finance, insurance, leasing and valuation.

The summit will take place on Monday, from 8-10pm at Dharubaaruge.

Tourist arrivals to the Maldives in August recorded year-over-year growth of 12.4 per cent, the island nation’s tourism ministry announced Wednesday.

Official figures for the month of August released by the tourism ministry show that a total of 139,338 tourists visited the Maldives during the month — an 12.4 per cent increase over August 2018.

According to the August statistics, total arrivals for the past eight months of the year increased by 16.6 per cent to reach 1,134,071 compared to the same period last year.

The strong performance in the January-August period is mostly due to a significant rise in tourist arrivals from the traditional Europe market, which recorded year-over-year growth of 15.6 per cent, and the relatively new American market, which recorded year-over-year growth of 25.5 per cent.

Tourist arrivals from Europe stood at 546,373 in the past eight months, accounting to a market share of 48.2 per cent, whilst the Americas contributed 4.9 per cent of the total arrivals. Asia Pacific also contributed 42.2 per cent of the total tourist arrivals with 478,048 tourists from the region holidaying in the Maldives by the end of August.

Relatively new markets such as Africa and the Middle East also maintained their strong performance.

Middle East saw its market share reach 3.9 per cent due to a 14.9 per cent increase in the number of tourist arrivals (42,774) in the January-August period, whilst Africa, which observed a 22.4 per cent growth in arrivals, contributed one per cent (11,555) of the total tourist arrivals over the past eights months.

All the top five source markets posted positive growth in arrivals by the end of August.

Despite a slight year-over-year drop of 2.1 per cent in arrivals in August, China maintained its position as the top contributor to Maldives tourism with a marketshare of 18.1 per cent, as arrivals from China increased by 5.9 per cent during the January-August period to reach 205,591.

India, which had overtaken traditional European markets to claim the second spot, maintained its position, as the Maldives’ closest neighbour retained a marketshare of 9.2 per cent with a 104.1 per cent growth in tourist arrivals during the past eights months of the year. A total of 104,242 tourists from India spent their vacation in the Maldives during the period.

Italy, which had in May lost the second place to India, maintained its position as the third biggest source market with a market share of 8.1 per cent. Arrivals from Italy increased by 32.1 per cent to reach 92,162 in the January-August period.

Germany and the UK, which slid to fourth and fifth position in May before exchanging their positions in July, exchanged places again in August, as the UK once again fell to the fifth position with a marketshare of 7.3 per cent, whilst Germany’s marketshare increased to 7.5 per cent. Arrivals from Germany grew by 19.1 per cent to reach 84,745 during the past eight months of the year, whilst visitor numbers from the UK saw an increase of 10.5 per cent to reach 83,089 during the period.

Maldives has welcomed over a million tourists this year, as the destination attempts to reach an ambitious target of 1.5 million visitors over the next three months.

The one millionth visitor of the year arrived in the Maldives on August 2 — a month ahead of last year. In 2018, the one millionth mark was reached on September 9, whilst it was celebrated in October the previous year.

Maldives welcomed a record 1.4 million tourists in 2018. It was a 6.8 per cent increase from the 1,389,542 tourists that chose to holiday in the Maldives in 2017.

Meanwhile, government has revised its forecast for the number of tourists visiting the island nation this year, increasing the estimate to a record 1.6 million from 1.5 million.

This positive growth in the tourism industry comes amidst concerns by private organisations representing industry stakeholders such as the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) over the lack of effort and budget to promote the Maldives as a destination.

These concerns come as the world-famous holiday destination struggles to match an increased bed capacity.

Over the past few years, dozens of uninhabited islands have been leased to local and foreign resort developers. Several international brands have entered into the market, increasing the number of resorts to more than 130. That number is set to increase as another 20 resorts are expected to open over the next two years.

Along with the new resort openings come the challenge of increasing demand from budget travellers who choose guesthouses over luxury resorts that the Maldives is known for. The guesthouse sector has rapidly expanded with over 500 guesthouses in operation today.

The previous government announced steps to maintain a structured growth in tourism, including a slowdown in leasing islands for resort development and increased marketing efforts in key markets such as China and the Middle East in order to reach an ambitious target of a record 1.5 million tourist arrivals this year.

Meanwhile, the new government has pledged to ramp up tourism promotion.

Reflecting the new government’s pledge, the state budget for 2019 includes MVR 104,200,000 (USD 6.7 million) for tourism promotion, up from MVR 34,733,333 (USD 2.2 million) this year and the previous year.