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What's going on in the Maldives?

The Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has partnered with Bangkok Post in Thailand for a campaign promoting the Maldives as “the Sunny Side of Life.” The campaign aims to increase brand visibility, showcase the destination’s uniqueness, and attract more visitors from the Thai market. Thailand is considered an important source market, and MMPRC has been actively promoting the Maldives through various events and activities in Southeast Asia.

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JOALI Sustainability Fund has announced five grant recipients for locally-led projects in the Maldives’ Raa Atoll. The projects focus on sustainability, wellbeing, women’s empowerment, and ethical consumption. Recipients include Rasmaadhoo School for a hydroponic vegetable garden, Ungoofaaru School for inclusive education, Hulhudhuffaaru School for teaching embroidery, Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital for a digital radiography system, and Dhuvaafaru Zuvaanunge Jammiyya for a hydroponic farming initiative empowering women. The grants aim to create lasting positive impacts on the local communities and environments in the region.

Join Atoll Getaways at the 6th Vacation Expo! ✨🌴

📍 Location: Central Park, Hulhumale’
📅 Date: 17th to 20th April 2025!
⏰ Time: 16:00hrs – 18:00hrs
20:00hrs – 22:00hrs

Atoll Getaways is thrilled to be part of the 6th Vacation Expo, where we bring you exclusive Maldives travel deals and expert guidance on planning your dream getaway! Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort, an intimate guesthouse, or an adventure-filled escape, we’ve got the perfect Maldives experience waiting for you.

🎁 Why Visit Our Booth?
✅ Exclusive Vacation Expo discounts
✅ Expert travel advice from our Maldives specialists
✅ Customizable packages tailored to your needs
✅ A chance to win exciting giveaways!

Don’t miss this opportunity to book your Maldives dream vacation at unbeatable prices! See you at the 6th Vacation Expo! 🌊🏝️

📩 For inquiries, contact us at:
📞 +960 7 385484
📧[email protected]
🌐www.atollgetaways.com

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🏝️ Vacation Expo 2025 – A Look Back at Atoll Gateways’ Grand Showcase (Past Event)

March 17–19, 2025 | Vacation Expo 2025

Atoll Gateways made waves at the Vacation Expo 2025! From unforgettable island escapes to luxury Maldives getaways, our booth was a hub of travel inspiration.

🌟 Highlights from the Event:

  • ✈️ Exclusive Maldives vacation packages — From affordable adventures to ultra-luxury retreats

  • 💬 Live travel consultations with our experts — Holiday planning made easy!

  • 🎁 Exciting giveaways, raffles, and on-the-spot booking discounts

  • 🤝 New collaborations announced — bringing you unique and personalized travel experiences

Thank you to everyone who joined us. Stay tuned for our next big event and more travel inspiration!

Siyam World Maldives has stormed Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice® Best of the Best Awards

Siyam World Maldives has stormed Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice® Best of the Best Awards.becoming the only Maldivian resort in the global Top 10. Nestled on a 54‑hectare island in Noonu Atoll, this all‑inclusive standout earned:

#10 Best Hotel in the World
#4 Top Hotel in Asia
#2 Best All‑Inclusive Hotel Worldwide
#1 Top All‑Inclusive Hotel in both the Maldives and Asia

Since opening in late 2021, Siyam World has redefined luxury island escapes with never‑before‑seen attractions from the Maldives’ largest floating water park and first horse ranch to electric go‑karting and underwater Seabreacher rides. With 16 diverse accommodation types, 18 dining outlets, 24‑hour all‑inclusive service, and signature events like celebrity football camps, Siyam World sits firmly in Tripadvisor’s elite 1%, promising unforgettable, authentic Maldivian experiences.

Ultimate Mother’s Day Family Retreats in the Maldives at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru

This Mother’s Day season (10–25 May 2025), Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru transform the Maldives into an unforgettable family sanctuary, honoring the women who give endlessly. Nestled on pristine atolls, both resorts blend luxury, authenticity, and sustainable stewardship into every moment. From extended-stay perks to bespoke spa rituals and Marine Lab discoveries, here’s how you can create lasting mother-child memories against the backdrop of turquoise waters and powder-white sand.

Stay More, Pay Less: Quality Time Guaranteed

Make every sunrise and sunset count with our Stay More, Pay Less offer. Ideal for multi-generational travelers, this promotion rewards longer stays with tiered savings—so families can slow down, bond over beach picnics, and enjoy uninterrupted time in a private villa or overwater suite.

• Extended-stay rates: Up to 20% off on stays of five nights or more.

• Family-friendly perks: Complimentary breakfast for kids under 12 and in-room treats.

• Late checkout: Savor that final day with a 2 pm checkout, subject to availability.

Spa & Wellness: A Mother’s Moment of Rejuvenation

Celebrate Mum with soothing spa journeys at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa and 8lements Spa. Each mother receives a signature treatment plus a private yoga duo session—perfect for shared calm and reconnection.

• Signature Ritual (60 min): Aromatherapy massages using indigenous oils.

• Ceramic Keepsakes: 30% off handcrafted pieces from the Banyan Tree Gallery.

• Banyan Tree Connections: A new well-being programme featuring guided breathwork, mindful walks through tropical gardens, and family sound-healing ceremonies.

Marine Adventures & Curated Family Excursions

Ignite your sense of wonder with 30% off watersports and marine activities for Mum—and the whole family. Dive, sail, and explore together:

• Guided Snorkelling among turtles and stingrays on our house reef.

• TopCat Catamaran Cruise at sunset, complete with champagne toast.

• Full-moon Reef Swim under the stars, with expert Marine Lab guides. Plus, unlock 20% savings on day-trips like Kahan’bhu island cruises, sunset sails, and dolphin-spotting excursions.

Signature Mother’s Day Cooking Competition

On 11 May, Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru host a heartwarming cooking contest. Dads and kids team up to craft a special Mother’s Day dish—while Mum enjoys the VIP seat as our esteemed guest judge. Prizes, laughter, and delicious memories are guaranteed.

Cultural & Sustainability Celebrations

Beyond family fun, immerse yourselves in Maldivian culture and environmental stewardship:

• Vesak at Saffron (10–12 May): A mindful Thai-inspired set-menu dinner with vegan and non-vegan options honouring Buddha’s birth and enlightenment.

• Full Moon Lights Out (12–15 May): Non-essential lights off island-wide; dine by starlight, moon-lit yoga, or nocturnal Kahan’bhu cruises.

• World Biodiversity Day (22 May): Complimentary Marine Lab reef tours to learn about coral, fish, and starfish conservation.

• World Turtle Day (23 May): Hands-on workshops identifying local turtles and participating in reef-cleaning excursions.

Whether you seek tranquil spa retreats, thrilling marine adventures, or heartwarming family traditions, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru offer the perfect Mother’s Day escape in the Maldives—where love, connection, and sustainable luxury come together in harmony.

MATI Member Forum 2025: Strengthening Dialogue on Tourism Policy, Environment & Marine Safety

The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) successfully hosted the third edition of its MATI Member Forum at H. Meerumaa in Malé, bringing together industry stakeholders, key government officials, and regulatory leaders to discuss critical issues shaping the future of tourism in the Maldives.

The forum was graced by the presence of senior officials including the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, and Commissioner General of Taxation, Hassan Zareer. It served as an open platform to address regulatory, environmental, and operational challenges affecting the sector.

Opening & Recap

The event began with welcome remarks and a video presentation highlighting key moments from previous editions. Organizers outlined ongoing challenges and unresolved issues, setting the context for productive dialogue.

Panel 1: Tackling Environmental Regulations

The first discussion, titled “Addressing Regulatory Challenges Related to Environmental Impacts,” focused on aligning environmental policies with sustainable tourism growth. Moderated by Dr. Mizna Mohamed of the Small Island Geographic Society, the panel featured:

• Ajwad Musthafa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Environment

• Ahmed Jameel, MD, Water Solutions

• Ahmed Nazeer, Secretary General, MATI

They explored ways to enhance environmental stewardship without compromising operational efficiency.

Panel 2: Marine Safety and Security

A second panel, “Increasing Concerns Regarding Marine Safety and Security,” addressed growing safety risks in marine tourism. Moderated by Hassan Saeed, Resort Manager at Dhigali Maldives, the panel included:

• Dr. Abdulla Niyaz, Minister of State for Tourism and Environment

• Thorsten Antons, Regional Manager, Euro Divers Maldives

• Mohamed Solah, CEO, Crown and Champa Resorts

• Muhusina Abdul Rahman, Director of Protected Areas, Ministry of Tourism and Environment

• Fareed Ismail, Chief Superintendent, Maldives Police Service The panel discussed urgent safety improvements, especially regarding guest activities and marine conservation.

Tax Policy Presentation & Interactive Dialogue

An important session focused on the Employee Withholding Tax Regime, presented by Tholhath Rasheed, Tax Advisor at SHC Law and Tax LLP. His insights led into an engaging Q&A, where participants discussed practical implications for tourism operators.

Closing Remarks

In his concluding address, MATI Secretary General Ahmed Nazeer underlined the value of sustained collaboration between the private sector and government. He called for solutiondriven dialogue and proactive policy development to overcome ongoing and emerging challenges in the tourism sector.

This year’s forum reaffirmed MATI’s commitment to advocating for industry growth through collective action, transparency, and environmental accountability—paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable tourism future in the Maldives.

Maldives Triumphs at ATM 2025: Strengthening Global Tourism Partnerships in Dubai

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), alongside 235 delegates from 110 Maldivian companies, showcased the nation’s irresistible appeal at Arabian Travel Market 2025 (28 April – 1 May) in Dubai.

Under the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” the Maldives’ 517.5 sqm double-decker stand at the Dubai World Trade Centre became an immersive hub of culture, cuisine, and collaboration.

• Immersive Stand Experience: Visitors enjoyed B2B meeting tables, a live “Skyrock” band, traditional dance performances, and a gastronomy counter serving authentic Maldivian specialties—all designed to highlight the islands’ natural beauty and vibrant heritage.

• Liverpool FC Partnership Spotlight: A dedicated LFC-themed zone featured interactive displays, Dubai green-taxi ads, and a colossal Maldives × Liverpool FC banner at the Convention Gate entrance—underscoring the country’s innovative sports tourism alliance.

• Maldivian Evening 2025: At the Theatre of Digital Art, MMPRC hosted an exclusive gala: sensory installations, folklore showcases, live music, and a Maldivian fashion show wowed tourism executives and media alike.

• Strategic MOUs & Media Launches: Key agreements were signed with Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Bank of Maldives, IATO, and Resort Life Travel. Meanwhile, Maldivian Airlines unveiled its new in-flight magazine, and NHGAM released the second edition of “I AM Maldives.”

With over 14,000 arrivals from the Middle East and GCC by April 2025, MMPRC is doubling down on joint campaigns, influencer partnerships, and initiatives like Visit Maldives Week. By blending culture, connectivity, and sustainability on a global stage of 55,000 industry professionals, the Maldives cements its status as one of the world’s most desirable destinations.