New tax on diving threatens growth of Fuvahmulah’s infant tourism

Fuvahmulah City Council has introduced a new tax on diving activities. This historical decision marks the first time that both locals and foreigners will be required to make an additional payment apart from the charges on the services provided by dive centres, for accessing the Maldivian waters. While dive schools have been charging fees for […]

The Flourishing Coffee Market in Maldives

Coffee is a great way to start a day, and to many people it is an essential part of their daily routine. Surprisingly, prior to 2002, tea was the beverage of choice in the Maldives! Coffee arrived first as Melitta filter coffee, closely followed by LavAzza in 2003, paving the way for a whole new […]

COVID-19 AND THE GIG ECONOMY

AN IMPOSSIBILITY TO A REALITY Once thought to be an impossible economic sector, given the geographical limitations, isolation and lack of infrastructure, the Maldivian tourism industry will soon be marking its 50th anniversary in two years’ time.  Unyielding to the viability assessment and opinion of the United Nations, the Maldives had entered a new dawn […]

Tourism Indicators: Hope and Recovery amid the Pandemic

The year 2020 began with hope and positive expectations for Maldivian tourism industry, achieving a monthly growth rate of 14% in international tourist arrival for the month of January compared to January 2019. Yet, within just few weeks, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic led to an immense global health crisis, worldwide panic, uncertainty and […]

A Tribute – Dr Ibrahim Umar Maniku 1952-2020

Main Photo: Dr Ibrahim Umar Maniku (far right) with senior members of his team at The Nautilus.  With the passing of Dr Ibrahim Umar Maniku, on 25 November 2020, Maldives has lost one of its favourite sons. Dr, as everyone knew him, was an anaesthesiologist by training and an entrepreneur in spirit. His contribution to […]

Emerging Destinations: Huvadhoo Atoll

Why should the beauty of Maldives be confined to just the North? It has many spots that deserve a visit. Thanks to better transport and development of resorts the area is becoming popular among tourists. Tourism began flourishing in the Maldives since 1970s when resorts near the capital city emerged. They had the advantage of […]

Salah Shihab, Four Decades of Steering Voyages

In a career spanning 40 years, Salah Shihab has led Voyages Maldives, a pioneering company and industry leader in the safari (boating) industry of the Maldives. He has also diversified the business into hotel supplies and agriculture in the latter part of the company’s trajectory. One of the first Maldivian graduates in economics, from the […]

Emerging Destinations: Dhaalu Atoll

Dhaalu Atoll – Your next travel destination. Located in the central Maldives and relatively new to welcoming the hospitality industry; opening its first resort in the late 90’s. Dhaalu is a quiet corner with excellent diving and snorkelling. With its population of about 5000 spread across seven inhabited islands. How do we classify a destination […]

Special Feature: David Keen on ‘Brand Maldives’

While much is uncertain in the travel world at this moment, we can say with confidence that the planet’s most sought-after destinations need to be thinking more strategically than ever and ready for a swift return to action when the time comes. That might mean reassessing and readdressing offerings, or pivoting approaches to tourism philosophy […]

Boutique Dining Splendor at Jumeirah Vittaveli

When luxury travellers get drawn to a destination, the peculiarity of dining options available for their trip is one of the greatest excitement. Food experiences have the immense power to enhance their vacation experience and memories. Jumeirah Vittaveli has an incredible Food and Beverage Concept, perfectly fine-tuned for its guests. They offer unique boutique experiences […]

Reethi Faru – Encompassing the Green Dream

An Insight to the Work of Riddian Davies – Group General Manager & Commercial Director – Reethi Faru Reethi Faru, is a 4 star plus bio- luxury resort situated at a private island of Raa Atoll and is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts – the world’s largest independent hotel brand with more than […]

A Hotelier’s Guide to Food Safety Management

With globe-trotters chasing their wanderlust dreams visiting hundreds of destinations, the number of tourists travelling around the world has increased tremendously within the past decade making the Maldives no exception. However, with the increase of awareness among travellers, they have become highly conscious regarding their health, safety and surrounding environment before they choose a destination.  […]

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