The Maldives has topped the poles in 22nd Annual Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards leaving other popular beach destinations such as Bali, Phuket and Seychelles trailing behind in its wake.
The award, which was announced on Thursday, October 15th night, was for Top Islands Award. The Maldives scored consistently highly in categories which included variety of activities, atmosphere / ambiance, great beaches, friendliness of people, range of lodging, food and restaurants and scenery. The overall score was an impressive 87.50, out of a total of 100.
This year, 25,008 readers responded the annual Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice survey and the results were announced at the Readers’ Choice Awards gala which was held at New York City’s IAC Building hosted by Stanley Tucci and Mary Louise Parker.
On top of this accolade, the Maldives also bask in the reflected glory of a number of its resorts was recognised in the Top Resorts – Asia category. These resorts includes Soneva Fushi by Six Senses, Maldives at number fifteen, Soneva Gili by Six Senses, Maldives which took twentieth place and One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives which came in at number twenty four.
Condé Nast Traveler’s annual reader awards are regarded as one of the most authoritative in the US tourism industry. The magazine has an unbending ‘truth in travel’ policy and is renowned for its editorial integrity. The questionnaire was available to all readers through a secure Wed site and the results were collated and analysed by Mediamark Research, Inc., of New York City.
Source: http://www.visitmaldives.com
Showing posts with label MTPB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MTPB. Show all posts
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Maldives Press Conference held at WTM
Press conference was held during the first day of the World Travel Market to share the updates of the tourism industry as well as government e with the British media. This is the first time that the tourism sector held a press conference after the new government came into power.
The Press Conference was headed by Dr. Ahmed Ali Ali Sawad, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. In the head table also included Dr. Farahanaz Faizal, High Commissioner of Maldives to the UK, Mr. Hussain Afeef, Executive Board Member of Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) , Ali Shiyam, Economic Advisor to the President of the Maldives, Yusuf Riffath, Chairman of Maldives Association of Travel agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), Mohamed Riyaz Chairman of Maldives Yacht Association (MAYA)
The information that the Maldives shared with the media included the bold initiatives taken by the government for the protection of the environment as well bringing to the attention of the vulnerability of the environment to the world through the much talked about ‘under water cabinet meeting’. Information was also given about the forecast of tourist arrivals for the coming years while highlighting the resilient of the tourism product of the Maldives and the continuous effort from the industry to sustain the market.
The new policies for the development of the country with tourism was also addressed at the conference, focusing on the major national transport system that was introduced and the efforts of the government to support the target of being a carbon neutral country in 10 years time with major projects like the recently announced wind farm to source power. The direction towards building a destination with a cultural product to enhance the existing popular Maldives product was also shared with the media. Source:
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Maldives Promoted Via United Kingdom Radio Stations
Male’, 02 September 2008; Maldives has initiated a radio promotional campaign on four major radio stations in the United Kingdom. The main objective of this campaign is to promote and portray the Maldives as an affordable luxury destination. The promotion will be aired from Maldives as a breakfast show in UK.
The partnering resorts and radio station broadcasting from those resorts are as follows.
Broadcasting date: 1 – 5th September 2008
| Resort | Station / Region | Broadcast time in UK |
| Royal Island Resort & Spa | Hallam FM (Sheffield) | 6 a.m. – 9 a.m. |
| Kurumba Maldives | Key 103 (Manchester) | 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. |
Broadcasting date: 8 – 12th September 2008
| Resort | Station / Region | Broadcast time in UK |
| Bandos Island Resort & Spa | Invicta FM (Kent) | 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. |
| Coco Palm Dhunikolhu | Metro FM (Newcastle) | 5 a.m. – 10 a.m. |
This campaign is expected to reach to an audience of over 1.3 million people. The listeners to each of the stations have an opportunity to win a holiday for a couple in Maldives by participating in a quiz. This radio campaign is supplemented with a parallel online campaign on the radio stations website. The live show from Maldives can be listened by visiting to their website in the above mentioned times.
www.metroradio.co.uk,www.key103.co.uk, www.hallamfm.co.uk, www.invictafm.co.uk
Maldives welcomed 69,715 visitors from UK during the first half of this year. UK emerged as the largest generating market for the Maldives in 2007 with 125,158 visitors and a market share of 18.5 percent.
Source: MTPB
Friday, January 4, 2008
Corporate Re-Branding of Hulhule Island Hotel
Hulhule Island Hotel was officially inaugurated on August 15, 2001 by the Hon’ President of Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. The hotel has earned a considerable number of compliments for both its high quality and personalised services since then. Hulhule Island Hotel was also adjudged as the ‘Best Culinary Establishment’ at Maldives in the last Hotel Asia Exhibition & Culinary Challenge.
The initial hotel operations commenced with the following on offer for the guests:
o 88 rooms
o Swimming Pool
o Faru Coffee House
o Captains Fun Pub
The market segments for the hotel were purely based on transit guests and short layover of airline crews. The average length of stay for a guest was less than 24 hrs as Hulhule Island Hotel was positioned as the transit hotel or an airport hotel only.
In Hulhule Island Hotel’s pursuit of continuous improvement and to serve the more discerning travelers even better, the following developments took place over the last couple of years:
* At-site cooking counter - Commenced operations in January 2005
* Gymnasium - Commenced operations in April 2005
* Champs Bar - Commenced operations in November 2006
* Spa - Commenced operations in June 2007
* Renovated lobby - Commenced operations in October 2007
* New Café for team - Commenced operations in November 2007
The new wing construction was planned and is nearing completion now comprising 51 deluxe and super deluxe rooms that will have superior style, design theme and finishes. To top it off, all the guest rooms will have a better sea view as this wing will be closer to the sea and with a balcony with each of the rooms. In this new wing, Hulhule Island Hotel shall also be extending other facilities such as a rooftop restaurant with a panoramic view of both Male and the Indian Ocean. The revised inventory for Hulhule Island Hotel shall be 136 rooms inclusive of various categories of rooms on offer.
Hulhule Island Hotel held the groundbreaking ceremony for its new guest wing on July 17, 2006 to formally kick off the construction for the new wing and is scheduled to commence operations in January 2008.
The team of Hulhule Island Hotel has already been working towards these developments and will boast of the following facilities in next couple of months:
o 51 guest rooms – Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Super Deluxe with Jacuzzi
o New accommodation for team
o New recreation room for team
o Rooftop restaurant Uduvilaa
o Sunset deck
o Beach with service counter
o Tennis court
o Soft refurbishment of all existing rooms
o Refurbishment of Faru Coffee House
o Golf putting green
o New landscaping
As is evident from the upcoming developments, Hulhule Island Hotel has not only focused on creating the new facilities for the guests but the upgrade of the existing guest facilities and the facilities offered to the team members has also been an integral part on the agenda.
The segment of clientele for Hulhule Island Hotel has expanded over the years as the business clientele and guests on leisure have also started patronizing the hotel. Moreover, with the enhanced offer, the positioning of Hulhule Island Hotel has improved tremendously as earlier it was considered as an ‘Airport Hotel’ or a ‘Transit hotel’ only reflecting on the limited facilities on offer for the guests.
The on-going journey towards continual improvement in the product and services has been in line with the market need since Hulhule Island Hotel caters to the clientele of a lot of top-end resorts. The improved Hulhule Island Hotel will continue to make their stay in Maldives more memorable.
The corporate re-branding of Hulhule Island Hotel will provide a competitive edge and a better positioning in the market. The right positioning will further facilitate Hulhule Island Hotel to be able to reach the target markets and explore the newer market segments.
The new corporate branding signifies the new look of Hulhule Island Hotel i.e. more dynamic, vibrant, fresher, modern and contemporary, symbolising the hotel's aspirations and the renewed vigour of the entire Team.
It will be the endeavor of the Management and entire Team to take the hospitality of Hulhule Island Hotel to even greater heights with the completion of exciting project. It demonstrates the efforts of Hulhule Island Hotel to support and grow the aviation and tourism industry in Maldives.
Source: visitmaldives.com
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Tourist Arrivals to the Maldives increased by 14.9% during January to May 2007
The tourist arrivals to the Maldives have increased by 14.9% with a total of 304,058 tourists during the period January to May 2007. For the same period in 2006 Maldives received 264,613 tourists.
Italy continues to lead the market with total 62,645 tourists capturing 20.6% share of the total arrivals to the Maldives during January to May 2007. The United Kingdom is the second generating market to the Maldives, capturing a market share of 17.5%. From January to May 2007 a total of 53,163 tourists visited the Maldives from the United Kingdom, which is an increase of 21.0% compared to the same period of 2006.
The other leading markets to the Maldives during the period of January to May 2007 include Germany with 10.8% market share, France with 8.6% market share, Japan with a market share of 4.8%, Russia with a 4.6% market share and China with 4.5% followed closely by Switzerland with a market share of 4.3%.
At end of May 2007, a total of 90 resorts and 10 hotels with a total bed capacity of 18,763 were registered with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. Out of these, 82 resorts and 10 hotels were in operation. The average number of beds in operation in resorts and hotels for the period January to May 2007 was 17,484.
With the total bed-nights of 2,380,936, during January to May 2007, the resorts and hotels in the Maldives had an average occupancy rate of 90.4%. The average duration of stay during this period was recorded to be 8.4 days.
At end of May 2007, there were a total of 124 safari vessels registered with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation with a bed capacity of 1,679. The estimated average occupancy rate at live aboards during the first five months of 2007 is 70%.
Source: MTPB
Monday, June 18, 2007
MTPB organized Road Shows in three major cities in Australia
Maldives held road shows in Perth on 31st May, in Melbourne on 4th June and in Sydney on 6th June. It was the first road show to be held in Australia by MTPB. The main objective of the road show was to diversifying into Australian market and also to try new ways of promoting Maldives as a destination for Australian visitors.
There were a total of 130 attendees in Perth, 110 in Sydney and 79 in Melbourne. The attendees included tour wholesalers, travel agents and media. 10 Suppliers from Maldives participated while 10 wholesalers exhibited from Austrlia who currently sell Maldives.
Australians made up 1.3 per cent of the visitors to the Maldives upto April of this year. A total of 6,892 visitors from Australia visited Maldives last year which is a growth of 35.5% compared to 2005.
Source: MTPB
There were a total of 130 attendees in Perth, 110 in Sydney and 79 in Melbourne. The attendees included tour wholesalers, travel agents and media. 10 Suppliers from Maldives participated while 10 wholesalers exhibited from Austrlia who currently sell Maldives.
Australians made up 1.3 per cent of the visitors to the Maldives upto April of this year. A total of 6,892 visitors from Australia visited Maldives last year which is a growth of 35.5% compared to 2005.
Source: MTPB
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Sunny side of life “The Maldives” Hits Australia
The Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) once again hit L’Aqua in Sydney on Monday, bringing a team of suppliers and wholesalers with them in an effort to draw more tourists to the Maldives.
While much of the tourism in the Maldives comes from Europe, many of the suppliers and wholesalers hoped to attract a large Australian market. Already, the number of people who attended the on Monday was an increase from last year’s exhibition. Many suppliers and wholesalers also commented that the reaction from the Australian market at the Perth exhibition was also incredibly positive.
MTPB official, Abudalla Naim, commented on the MTPB’s hopes of increasing tourism in the area. He revealed that already, another 50 islands have been dedicated towards attracting more tourism and are planning to be ready in 2 to 3 years.
Naim also commented on the appeal of the Maldives to the Australian society, saying that it is not only attracting honeymooners now but also tourists seeking adventure as well as families hoping to spend time together on their holidays. The roadshow included representatives from ClubMed, Wildlife Safari and Creative Holidays. AAA Hotels are launching two new upmarket island resorts, Midhufushi and Filitheyo, which offer pure relaxation and escape from daily stress. Their resorts also include private access, for guests who desire a more intimate and secluded accommodation. Other representatives included Sun Travel & Tours which launched their products that have been specially catered for their male residents. This includes a Gentlemen’s lounge, martial arts lessons, water sport activities and a giant trampoline. Six Senses Resorts & Spas also provides for the more environmentally conscious travelers, with plans to be carbon free by 2008 and zero emission free by 2010. The resort also uses solar power and desalination to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Their resorts also feature a private swimming area for each guest and a sundeck. While the 2004 tsunami devastated parts of the Maldives which forced many resorts to rebuild and tourism numbers dropped, Naim says it is now a thing of the past and that the future for Maldives’ tourism industry is now brighter than ever. And judging by the large turnout on Monday, it seems that he was right.
Friday, May 18, 2007
MTPB concludes its Gulf Region Road Show at the Bahrain International Travel Expo, 2007Participation at the Bahrain International Travel Expo (BITE),
Participation at the Bahrain International Travel Expo (BITE), held at the Kingdom’s International Convention Centre, was the last of three events to be organised by the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB). Following the successful conclusion of their participation at the Arabian Travel Market 2007 in Dubai, MTPB took eight resorts and destination management companies on a road show to Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. The companies involved were: Naiade Resorts, Villa Hotels, Island Holidays, Cross Asia Travel, AAA Hotels and Resorts, Sun Travels & Tours and Crown Tours.
Mohamed Adam, Deputy Director, Maldives Tourism Promotion Board commented. “From May onwards, consumers across the Gulf region are beginning to plan and book their summer holidays. So far, the visitor numbers to the Maldives from this region are small, however there is great potential. We are confident that our events in Qatar and Kuwait, as well as our participation at BITE, 2007 will have significantly improved destination awareness among resident expatriates and Gulf nationals.”
The Maldives Tourism Road Show started in Qatar on the 6th May, with a reception and dinner at the Movenpick Tower & Suites in Doha. More than 150 travel agents and tour operators were invited to a presentation on selling the Maldives to travellers from the Gulf Region. Emphasis was placed on the warm welcome that GCC nationals and resident expatriates will receive when visiting the islands. The Republic of the Maldives is an Islamic nation, providing Arab travellers with easy access to Mosques, even on the resorts islands
Mohamed Adam continued by saying “The flying time to the Maldives is around four hours from the Gulf region. With daily flights from a combination of airlines, the consumer has plenty of choice on how to get there.” Our aim at the road shows was to ensure that as many travel agents and tour operators as possible have the tools they need to be able to effectively promote our island resorts.” Mohamed Adam added “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.”
Similar format was adopted for the event in Kuwait on the 7th May, where more than 100 travel agents and tour operators were invited to the Holiday Inn Downtown in Kuwait City. MTPB’s participation at the BITE 2007 was from the 8th to the 10th May and provided Maldives Tourism with an opportunity to show case the destination to visiting travel trade, meetings and incentives buyers as well as consumers from Bahrain and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Official attendance figures have yet to be confirmed however they were expected to be up on last year’s number of 16,800 visitors.
The Maldives Tourism Promotion Board has recently appointed Afkar Marketing Company W.L.L. as its PR & Marketing Agency for the Gulf Region. Mohamed Adam concluded by saying “Our focus now is to ensure that the travel trade in the GCC understands the Maldives product and how to sell it effectively to both expatriates and GCC nationals resident in the Gulf region”. He added “Our presence in the region will ensure that we actively promote the ongoing infrastructure developments in the Maldives and as new resorts are opened, we grow visitor numbers by working closely with our travel trade partners”. We are confident that our efforts over the past week will have taken us a step further to achieving this goal”
-ends-
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
Mohamed Adam, Deputy Director, Maldives Tourism Promotion Board commented. “From May onwards, consumers across the Gulf region are beginning to plan and book their summer holidays. So far, the visitor numbers to the Maldives from this region are small, however there is great potential. We are confident that our events in Qatar and Kuwait, as well as our participation at BITE, 2007 will have significantly improved destination awareness among resident expatriates and Gulf nationals.”
The Maldives Tourism Road Show started in Qatar on the 6th May, with a reception and dinner at the Movenpick Tower & Suites in Doha. More than 150 travel agents and tour operators were invited to a presentation on selling the Maldives to travellers from the Gulf Region. Emphasis was placed on the warm welcome that GCC nationals and resident expatriates will receive when visiting the islands. The Republic of the Maldives is an Islamic nation, providing Arab travellers with easy access to Mosques, even on the resorts islands
Mohamed Adam continued by saying “The flying time to the Maldives is around four hours from the Gulf region. With daily flights from a combination of airlines, the consumer has plenty of choice on how to get there.” Our aim at the road shows was to ensure that as many travel agents and tour operators as possible have the tools they need to be able to effectively promote our island resorts.” Mohamed Adam added “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.”
Similar format was adopted for the event in Kuwait on the 7th May, where more than 100 travel agents and tour operators were invited to the Holiday Inn Downtown in Kuwait City. MTPB’s participation at the BITE 2007 was from the 8th to the 10th May and provided Maldives Tourism with an opportunity to show case the destination to visiting travel trade, meetings and incentives buyers as well as consumers from Bahrain and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Official attendance figures have yet to be confirmed however they were expected to be up on last year’s number of 16,800 visitors.
The Maldives Tourism Promotion Board has recently appointed Afkar Marketing Company W.L.L. as its PR & Marketing Agency for the Gulf Region. Mohamed Adam concluded by saying “Our focus now is to ensure that the travel trade in the GCC understands the Maldives product and how to sell it effectively to both expatriates and GCC nationals resident in the Gulf region”. He added “Our presence in the region will ensure that we actively promote the ongoing infrastructure developments in the Maldives and as new resorts are opened, we grow visitor numbers by working closely with our travel trade partners”. We are confident that our efforts over the past week will have taken us a step further to achieving this goal”
-ends-
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
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.”
-ends-
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
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.”
-ends-
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
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Maldives eyes mid-range tourists
Maldives is hoping to move away from its image as an upmarket tourist destination and lure more value travellers, a top government official has said. “Right now, Maldives is seen primarily as a tourist destination,” said Mohamad Adam, assistant director of the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB). “We plan to build resorts where tourists can stay at rates starting from $100 a night.”
The country, comprising 1,190 small, mostly uninhabited coral islands, embarked on a tourism development spree in 2006, putting up 35 islands for development. Fifteen have been handed over to the private sector, while the rest are to be developed by the MTPB. “Each island will have one resort,” said Adam.
All 35 resorts are expected to be completed in the next three years, said Adam. Once completed, it will raise hotel ‘bed capacity’ to 23,000 from the current 17,500, he added. The country is hoping that the new developments will help to attract one million tourists by 2010.
Maldives boasted 600,000 tourist arrivals in 2006. Arrivals from the GCC are expected to jump this year as more direct flights from the region to Maldives are planned this year. Etihad Airways plans to start operating flights to Maldives in November, said Adam, and more flights from Dubai are also expected.
Source: 7Days
The country, comprising 1,190 small, mostly uninhabited coral islands, embarked on a tourism development spree in 2006, putting up 35 islands for development. Fifteen have been handed over to the private sector, while the rest are to be developed by the MTPB. “Each island will have one resort,” said Adam.
All 35 resorts are expected to be completed in the next three years, said Adam. Once completed, it will raise hotel ‘bed capacity’ to 23,000 from the current 17,500, he added. The country is hoping that the new developments will help to attract one million tourists by 2010.
Maldives boasted 600,000 tourist arrivals in 2006. Arrivals from the GCC are expected to jump this year as more direct flights from the region to Maldives are planned this year. Etihad Airways plans to start operating flights to Maldives in November, said Adam, and more flights from Dubai are also expected.
Source: 7Days
Saturday, May 12, 2007
A growth of 15.9% in arrivals recorded for the 1st Quarter of 2007
For the 1st Quarter of 2007, the tourist arrivals to the Maldives, has increased by 15.9% with a total of 194,285 tourists. During the first quarter of 2006, the total number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives was 167,669.
Italy leads the market with a total 43,702 tourists capturing 22.5% share of the total arrivals to the Maldives. The Italian market increased by 5.2% during the first quarter of 2007 compared to the same period 2006. The United Kingdom is ranked the second generating market to the Maldives in 1st Quarter of 2007, capturing a market share of 17.3%. From January to March 2007 a total of 33,652 tourists visited the Maldives from the United Kingdom.
The other leading markets to the Maldives during the first quarter of 2007 include France with 10.0% market share, Germany with 9.8% market share, Japan with a market share of 4.9%, Russia with a 4.8% market share and China with 4.2% followed closely by Switzerland with a market share of 4.0%.
During the first quarter of 2007, a total of 89 resorts and 10 hotels with a total bed capacity of 18,611 were registered with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. Out of these, 82 resorts and 10 hotels were in operation. The average number of beds in operation in resorts and hotels during the first quarter of 2007 was 17,398.
The total bed-nights of resorts and hotels during the first three months of 2007, was 1,508,305 with an average occupancy rate of 96.4%. The average duration of stay during this period was recorded to be 8.2 days.
Source: MTPB
Italy leads the market with a total 43,702 tourists capturing 22.5% share of the total arrivals to the Maldives. The Italian market increased by 5.2% during the first quarter of 2007 compared to the same period 2006. The United Kingdom is ranked the second generating market to the Maldives in 1st Quarter of 2007, capturing a market share of 17.3%. From January to March 2007 a total of 33,652 tourists visited the Maldives from the United Kingdom.
The other leading markets to the Maldives during the first quarter of 2007 include France with 10.0% market share, Germany with 9.8% market share, Japan with a market share of 4.9%, Russia with a 4.8% market share and China with 4.2% followed closely by Switzerland with a market share of 4.0%.
During the first quarter of 2007, a total of 89 resorts and 10 hotels with a total bed capacity of 18,611 were registered with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. Out of these, 82 resorts and 10 hotels were in operation. The average number of beds in operation in resorts and hotels during the first quarter of 2007 was 17,398.
The total bed-nights of resorts and hotels during the first three months of 2007, was 1,508,305 with an average occupancy rate of 96.4%. The average duration of stay during this period was recorded to be 8.2 days.
Source: MTPB
Maldives wins prestigious award for Best Holiday Destination Worldwide
Maldives has yet again won another prestigious award, the Daily Telegraph's Ultratravel Award for Best Holiday Destination Worldwide.
The ULTRAs (Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards), celebrating the best in luxury travel across the globe, were announced at a ceremony held at InterContinental London Park Lane Hotel on 9th of May 2007. On behalf of the tourism industry of the Maldives the award was received by High Commissioner of Maldives to UK and Northern Ireland, His Excellency Mr Hassan Sobir.
Ultratravel magazine, published with the Daily Telegraph, was first launched in autumn 2004 and has a circulation of 500,000 readers.
The ULTRA awards were selected based on votes casted by the readers of the UltraTravel magazine over a period of more than 12 months. The ULTRAs consisted, in addition to best holiday destination, the best in airline, airport, tour operator, cruise company, spa, ski resort and hotel.
To win this award Maldives competed with popular destinations such as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Thailand.
END.
For further information, please contact:
Vanessa Evans / Natalie Amos
McCluskey International - PR Representative for MTPB in UK
Tel: 0208 237 7979
Email: vanessa@mccluskey.co.uk / natalie@mccluskey.co.uk
Source:
Friday, May 11, 2007
Maldives opens trade centre
Seeking investors: Maldivian High Commissioner to Malaysia Midath Hilmy and Dr Mahmood.
By K.W. MAK
THE Maldives needs international businesses to participate in its fast growing hospitality industry and there is no better time to take part than now as the country is calling for tenders.
Primarily a pricey European tourist destination, the Maldives does not attract many locals to partake in the numerous tourism products there, and the Maldives government wants to change that by further developing its tourism industry with the help of foreign players.
“Demand is greater than supply at the moment and that is driving prices up,” said Maldives Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Dr Mahmood Shougy, citing the 100% occupancy rate for hotels in the month of February this year as an example.
He said the Maldives government was looking for international investors to participate in tenders for tourism projects that would open up the whole country to tourism.
“Presently, tourism is localised in a few areas,” said Dr Mahmood.
The government needs to develop five domestic airports with resorts to link up the chain of 1,190 coral islands that form the nation.
“As it is expensive to maintain an airport, a resort will be planned for the airport and form part of the package to make it economically viable for the investor,” said Dr Mahmood.
Other tenders that would be of interest to investors include three new transit hotels, a five-star 300-bed hotel in Male’, three new resorts and joint-venture opportunities with the Maldives Tourism Development Corpo-ration (MTDC).
Investment in existing resorts and hotels is also possible through the purchase of lease rights of islands, sub-leasing of resorts under construction and obtaining management rights of resorts to be developed.
All three investment methods can also be applied to resorts already in operation.
“We source a lot of materials from Malaysia for construction, but there are no major investors from Malaysia in our tourism industry,” said Dr Mahmood.
“There is also potential to develop Malaysia as a regional hub because many tourists use Malaysia and Singapore as a transit point to Maldives.”
The Maldives High Commission has opened a business service centre to provide information and facilitate business-to-business contact.
For more information, call Trade and Commerce First Secretary Ibrahim Naim at 03-2163 7244.
Source: The Star
Maldives Presents Sri Lankan Airlines Pro
Once again, one of the most highly anticipated surf events, the - ASP 5 Star prime rated Maldives Presents Sri Lankan Airlines Pro, will be hosted by the exotic and magnificent Maldives - running from 3rd to 9th of June. The event is sponsored by Sri Lankan Airlines, Maldives Tourism Promotion Board and John Keels Resort and Atoll Travel.
With the world's renowned high profile surfers from around the world participating, this year's surf event will be held at the 'Pasta Point' on Dhonveli Beach & Spa Resort, with fully serviced (vision, audio and live scores) live web cast along with huge coverage through various media including international television production crew who will produce a feature show for the world along with daily news feeds to the world and web high light packages.
The Maldives Islands are open to the entire Indian Ocean swell window and while great surf is consistent through out the year, the June winds frequently deliver excellent surf. Maldives with its warm, appealing crystal clear water is a true tropical surf island paradise which is rapidly gaining popularity as a surfing destination. As the ASP Australia Tour manager Glenn Best says "Maldives is without a question one of the world's most superb surfing locations".
This year's Maldives Presents Sri Lankan Airlines Pro ensures a super quality Surf event, where the Maldives will once again witness one of the most captivating surfing events of the year.
While the Surf Event is ready to cast off and the countdown to June is on, the whole entourage of surfers and surf enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to another outstanding surfing event.
For more information, please visit the link for the Maldives Present Sri Lankan Airlines Pro
http://live.coastalwatch.com
END.
For more information, please contact:
Maldives Tourism Promotion Board
Mal'e, Maldives
Telephone: +960 32 3228
Facsimile: +960 32 3229
Email: mtpb@visitmaldives.com
Source: MTPB
With the world's renowned high profile surfers from around the world participating, this year's surf event will be held at the 'Pasta Point' on Dhonveli Beach & Spa Resort, with fully serviced (vision, audio and live scores) live web cast along with huge coverage through various media including international television production crew who will produce a feature show for the world along with daily news feeds to the world and web high light packages.
The Maldives Islands are open to the entire Indian Ocean swell window and while great surf is consistent through out the year, the June winds frequently deliver excellent surf. Maldives with its warm, appealing crystal clear water is a true tropical surf island paradise which is rapidly gaining popularity as a surfing destination. As the ASP Australia Tour manager Glenn Best says "Maldives is without a question one of the world's most superb surfing locations".
This year's Maldives Presents Sri Lankan Airlines Pro ensures a super quality Surf event, where the Maldives will once again witness one of the most captivating surfing events of the year.
While the Surf Event is ready to cast off and the countdown to June is on, the whole entourage of surfers and surf enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to another outstanding surfing event.
For more information, please visit the link for the Maldives Present Sri Lankan Airlines Pro
http://live.coastalwatch.com
END.
For more information, please contact:
Maldives Tourism Promotion Board
Mal'e, Maldives
Telephone: +960 32 3228
Facsimile: +960 32 3229
Email: mtpb@visitmaldives.com
Source: MTPB
Monday, May 7, 2007
Magical Maldives Back forSecond Australian Roadshow
After the success of its inaugural Australian roadshow last year, the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board is coming back for a new series of trade events with its Australian marketing representative, The Unique Tourism Collection.
UTC Managing Director Jonica Paramor said last year’s roadshow had sparked a surge of trade and consumer interest that the MTPB hoped to build upon. Its upcoming Sydney event was already booked out, but places remain at events in Perth and Melbourne.
“The number of Australians visiting the Maldives was up 35 per cent in 2006 and we’re on track for another big increase in 2007, with this year’s first quarter up more than 90 per cent over the same period last year,” Ms Paramor said. “The MTPB is delighted with the response to its new presence in Australia and is keen to support the travel trade further with events like our upcoming roadshow.”
The Maldives Roadshow will bring a team of top suppliers and wholesalers to spread the word on the destination, its airlines, resorts, activities and unforgettable experiences.
Travel agents who attend will boost their product knowledge, gain confidence in selling the destination and have a chance to win some sensational Maldives holiday prizes.
“All around the world, the Maldives are hot right now, especially with jetsetters from New York and Paris,” Ms Paramor said. “Yet for Australians the Maldives are only a relatively short hop into the Indian Ocean.”
The Maldives Roadshows will be held from 5.30pm to 8pm in:
* Perth, May 31, Frasers Restaurant, Kings Park
* Sydney, June 4, L’Aqua, Cockle Bay Wharf – BOOKED OUT
* Melbourne, June 6, Carousel, Albert Park.
Places are limited. Please RSVP by May 11 to the Unique Tourism Collection on 02 9211 6590 or register online at www.uniquetourism.com/maldives
Roadshow partners will include Sun Travel and Tours, Lets Go Maldives, Taj Maldives, Per Aquum (Huvanfen Fushi resort), AAA Hotels and Resorts, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Naiade Resorts White Sands.
Source: E-Travel Blackboard
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