Maldives seeks ways to diversify potential

Dubai and the Maldives took a positive step towards a possible exchange programme between the two destinations during the course of the recently-concluded Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

The newly appointed Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture for the Republic of Maldives, Dr Ahmad Ali Sawad met with Saeed Hareb, CEO of the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) to seek advice and discuss potential watersports opportunities between Dubai and the Maldives in an attempt further diversify their market.

Dr Sawad sought a meeting with Hareb to discuss the "impressive success" of the DIMC and follow a quest to discover how it has been achieved. Dr Sawad explained that he was looking at the DIMC project to see if it could be adopted in the Maldivian Republic.

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"We are exploring ways to broaden our horizons and Dubai has an amazing story we'd like to pursue. Dubai has managed many things and retained its identity, values and culture whilst developing tourism and a multicultural community," remarked Dr Sawad.

"In the Maldives, we have been focused on tourism for 30 years but have kept our community and tourism separate for fear of losing our principles and core values. We want to change our approach are preparing policy and plans to address this. We intend to empower our people in the tourism market to stop them feeling alienated whilst we expand our industry. We also want to concentrate on our heritage as part of our diversity," he added. Hareb was flattered that such a thriving economy like the Maldives felt that the DIMC has something to offer them. The DIMC official then went on to relate tales from the Rulers of Dubai who also saw the importance of heritage in a changing society and took measures to retain it.

Hareb invited Dr Sawad to join him to watch the 19th edition of the annual Sir Bu Naa'ir sailing race for 60ft dhows on May 23. He also extended an offer to assist Dr Sawad in his efforts for his country. Dr Sawad expressed a desire to explore how the two government bodies could work together to help develop and promote watersports in the Maldives by using the expertise DIMC has to offer.

Sid Bensalah, General Manager of DIMC, explained that "it takes small steps, a strong plan and a government that is very supportive". "These three things have been fundamental to our development as well as having fantastic facilities. The development of a marina and facilities capable of hosting good sailing and powerboat events in the Maldives would be a good place to start. With assets such as the biggest and best waterfront in the world, the best water quality and perfect weather conditions the Maldives is already more than halfway to achieving its new goal of a diverse economy. We will certainly do what ever we can to assist," Bensalah promised.

Source: gulfnews.com

Gulf Craft delivers super yacht Majesty 130

Gulf Craft, the Middle East’s largest boat and yacht manufacturer, is delivering its top-of-the-range super yacht the Majesty 130.

Following successful completion of sea trials, the largest super yacht built in the Middle East is currently on its way to Australia.

The proud owner of the 130 foot Majesty Yacht is an Australian businessman who selected Gulf Craft to build the Majesty Yacht which sleeps eight and features four cabins as well as quarters for six crew members plus a separate cabin for the captain.

The Majesty 130 is the largest vessel in the Majesty Yachts class which begins at the entry level Majesty 44.

Featuring a twin set of 2000hp MTU engines; the super yacht has a fuel capacity of 33,500 liters with the capacity for extended ocean voyages with a maximum range of 3,000 nautical miles.

Exuding elegance, the yacht was designed by Australian interior design specialists Sam Sorgiovanni Design, winners of the prestigious Superyacht Society Design Awards. The team of talented international designers has included premium fittings and finishes throughout to create an ultra luxurious yacht.

“The Majesty 130 demonstrates Gulf Craft’s ability to successfully compete at the highest levels of the international super yacht market by meeting and exceeding the expectations of a discerning clientele,” said executive manager, Gulf Craft, Erwin Bamps.

The yacht will sail to her destination port in Queensland, Australia, via Oman, India, Maldives and Singapore.

The arrival of the Majesty 130 in the Maldives has been carefully planned by Gulf Craft and the yacht’s owner to coincide with the festive season so that celebrations can take place on board the new vessel before continuing onto the final destination via South East Asia.

The completion of the Majesty 130 co-insides with Gulf Craft’s 25th anniversary, during which it has grown from being a relatively small producer of fishing boats and leisure craft to become a global player in the luxury yacht industry.

Source: TradeArabia

MTPB consolidates its regional marketing activities at the 2007 Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

The Maldives Tourism Promotion Board’s presence at this year’s Arabian Travel Market in Dubai was its strongest ever. From the 1st to the 4th May, 2007 the Maldivian delegation profiled a wide range of products and services to the Gulf region’s travel trade. A total of 44 participants from the hospitality industry, representing some 24 companies, were on the stand to meet with tour operators, travel agencies and media.

The 2007 Arabian Travel Market confirmed record breaking attendance figures of more than 12,000 visitors during the first three days of the show which were focused on visiting travel trade. There was a significant growth in visitors from around the Gulf region, which reflects each country’s buoyant economy and the strong demand for outbound travel. The Maldives is a relatively new leisure destination for the Gulf Region and the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board is now placing greater emphasis on driving destination awareness across the Gulf Co-operative Council (GCC) countries of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

The Maldives is easily accessible from the Arabian Gulf with a short flight time of around four hours. With daily flights from a combination of airlines, the consumer choice continues to grow as more tour operators and travel agencies feature the destination. The Maldives is currently the ultimate getaway for those who are attracted by private islands, stunning beaches and crystal clear waters. The Maldives provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing, rejuvenating holiday, which is a welcome contrast to the frantic pace of life in the Arabian Gulf.

Travellers from the GCC account for a small part of the current total visitor numbers to the islands. However, with a high percentage of the population being Muslim and with no visa restrictions, the destination is preparing to attract many more visitors from the Gulf region. Dr Mahmood Shougee, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation for the Republic of the Maldives said “Over the past 30 years, tourism has played a vital role in the sustained development of the Maldives economy. Today we enjoy high hotel occupancy levels and this is set to continue. The low season of June, July and August is relatively short and this coincides with the high season for outbound travel from the GCC.” Dr Shougee added “Our short term strategy is to continue to encourage new business from the Gulf region, by placing greater emphasis on the development of strong relationships with the region’s travel trade. We need to give them the tools to effectively sell the destination.”

Today, the Maldives attracts visitors who want to enjoy the peace and tranquility of an island paradise. With luxury hotels and resorts, award-winning Spa’s and probably the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world, the Maldives offers total relaxation. Currently, the islands attract more resident expatriates living in the Gulf region than GCC nationals. Dr Shougee commented “Our medium term strategy is to grow the business from the Gulf region by developing resorts which are focused on the preferences of Arab nationals.” “Today we attract Arab honeymooners and water sport enthusiasts, however we see the opportunity to develop family-focused resorts which are located on the inhabited islands, where GCC nationals can interact with the local Muslim community and enjoy many of the activities associated with town life”.

Investment in the tourism infrastructure of the Maldives continues to gather pace. Today there are many new projects underway and future foreign investment is being encouraged by the Maldivian Government. Dr Shougee concluded by saying “GCC real estate developers are currently transforming the face of the Gulf region. We will be sharing our vision for the future development of the Maldives with many of these organisations and offering them exciting investment opportunities here”. “We are confident that the marketing activities that are now being implementing in the region will ensure that there is a greater awareness of our beautiful islands, which will stimulate foreign investment and more inbound travel from both resident expatriates and GCC nationals.”

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For further information contact:

Mark Senior
Director
Afkar Marketing Company W.L.L.
Tel: +971 502977129
Tel: +973 39630801
e-mail: mark@afkarmarketing.com

Source: MTPB