Preview: Visit Maldives Spring 2020 Newsletter

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MED LRG

21 Apr 2020

Visit Maldives Spring 2020 Newsletter

AN OPEN LETTER FROM
MALDIVES MARKETING & PR CORPORATION (MMPRC)
TO THE UK TRAVEL INDUSTRY

The world is facing an unprecedented situation due to the fast spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world is closing down borders and imposing travel restrictions in an effort to overcome the situation, the global travel industry is gradually coming to a standstill. The situation has forced the closure of many tourism properties in Maldives, with more being added to the list each day. Our economy has been hit hard.

Despite all these challenges being brought in a fortnight, the tourism industry of Maldives has taken plausible measures to mitigate and adapt to the evolving situation. The tourism industry being the first to experience the impact of the situation has remained the worst hit industry by the adversity. However, through the damages of cancelled bookings and the uncertainty of future, the industry has been at the forefront in adapting to the completely new challenge for our economy.

The tourism industry staff have shown exemplary dedication in ensuring the wellbeing of the tourists vacationing in Maldives. The government has ensured safe stay and departure for every tourist since the situation unfolded. Emergency medical response teams were founded, and tourist support centers and hotlines were established within days. With President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's initiative, many tourist establishments were turned into quarantine facilities creating a capacity of 2,288 beds to date. Thanks to all these efforts from all the sectors, despite the limits in our capacity to handle a pandemic, we are proving to have the situation under control for now.

The geography of Maldives has ensured the containment of the imported cases. The resorts' minimal staff, the isolated nature of rooms and their privacy has proved effective in helping curb the community spread of the disease. And we are hand in hand trying to bring down the number of imported cases to zero.

We would like to assure all our partners and friends of the Maldives tourism industry that we at MMPRC are tirelessly working to understand and adapt to the evolving situation around the world. As we are at the forefront of marketing the tourism industry of Maldives, we are constantly on the lookout for the happenings of the travel industry. We are changing our campaigns and message to that of empathy and love in these difficult times. We are with you.

We assure you that MMPRC and the tourism industry will continue to offer support and advice to all partners in these pressing times. We are on the lookout for the “safest tomorrow” to travel. We hope it will not be long before the world gets to enjoy Maldives – the sunny side of life, again.

LATEST NEWS

Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC)
Hosts A Discussion Forum With Tourism Industry Marketeers

Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC) conducted a discussion forum on 9th April 2020 with Tourism Industry Marketeers to discuss the COVID-19 situation in Maldives. The Forum discussed the repercussion of the pandemic on the Maldives tourism industry and enabled ideas to be shared regarding overcoming the challenges faced and the sending out of mutual destination messages. 28 industry experts from 17 tourism companies and associations took part in this session to share their opinions and knowledge to mitigate the damages from COVID-19 pandemic and jointly work together in marketing the destination. Social distancing strategies were practiced during the session and MMPRC is currently focusing on promoting the Maldives on digital platforms and will revise marketing efforts accordingly to ensure efficient recovery from the crisis.

NEW OPENINGS IN THE MALDIVES

Kagi Maldives Spa Island Set To Open in July 2020 in the North Male Atoll

The five-star Kagi Maldives Spa Island will open in the Maldives' North Malé Atoll in July 2020. The boutique 50-villa property will provide couples, friends and solo travelers with a 360-degree wellness experience and is a 15-minute seaplane or 60-minute speedboat ride away from Velana International Airport. Kagi's 1500-square-meter spa and wellness hub, complete with an open-air yoga pavilion, will sit at the centre of the island and guests will be able to choose from Beach Pool Villas, Lagoon Pool Villas or Ocean Pool Villas, all of which will house a private pool, a sun deck and an expansive indoor-outdoor bathroom. The resort will also boast a gym, two restaurants, three bars, a dive centre and a house reef.

For more information, visit www.kagimaldives.com

New Restaurant Opening At Atmosphere Kanifushi: Pier Six

A brand-new overwater restaurant, Pier Six, has been built on the overwater peninsula at Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives. Offering guests a range of cuisines including seafood and Japanese Teppanyaki grill options, the restaurant has been designed in the shape of a Manta Ray and features indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate up to 60 guests. Guests staying in the new overwater villas at the resort can dine in the restaurant for lunch and dinner at their leisure, while other resort guests can pre-book a table with the resort staff.

For more information, visit www.atmosphere-kanifushi.com

PARTNER NEWS

Aitken Spence's Heritance Aarah Hotel Takes the Gold at
International IKA Culinary Olympics 2020

Continuing their winning streak in the culinary sphere, Aitken Spence Hotels' newest opening in the Maldives, Heritance Aarah, brought home multiple wins from the prestigious International IKA Culinary Olympics 2020 which included four Gold, seven Silver and two Bronze medals, marking their third gastronomic win since the opening of the resort last year. Heritance Aarah's culinary success is owed to its innovative approach and simple food structure.

For more information, visit www.aitkenspencehotels.com

Fushifaru Revives a Maldivian Tradition

Fushifaru Maldives, located a 35-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, hosted Lhaviyani Atoll's first Coconut Palm Climbing Competition since 1985, marking a revival of this Maldivian tradition. Contestants from all around the atoll including Innahura, Cocoon, Kanuhura, Hurawalhi, Kudadoo and Fushifaru were asked to climb a coconut tree, come down safely and then husk a coconut whilst under time pressure. Fushifaru's own Maldivian Coconut Climber, Thoha, took away the winner's trophy having completed his round in only 42 seconds! The competition was officially endorsed by the Maldives Ministry of Tourism and the prizes were sponsored by Dhiraagu.

For more information, visit www.fushifaru.com

Three Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts Properties Receive 'Green Globe' Certification

Known for their commitment to sustainability, OBLU Helengeli, OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo and OBLU Select at Sangeli by Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, have received the 'Green Globe' certification which is considered one of the first globally-operating programs for the conservation of people and nature, with a local focus. All of Atmosphere's resorts use glass bottles for drinking water and have banned plastic straws whilst OZEN by Atmosphere uses floating solar panels to produce its own electricity.

For more information, visit www.atmospherehotelsandresorts.com

Joali Maldives Unveils Exclusive New Luxury Private Branded Seaplane

Joali has unveiled a new, luxury private branded seaplane, seating up to eight people, for guests to make the 45-minute journey to and from Malé in ultimate comfort and style. Reducing longer wait times and allowing more flexibility for operating schedules, the Joali private seaplane is operated by Trans Maldivian Airways, flying directly to and from the Raa Atoll in the northern region of the Maldives.

For more information, visit www.joali.com

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa Announces New Complimentary Offerings

At the final stage of its $20 million resort-wide refurbishment, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, has recently announced complimentary 15-minute shared speed boat transfers to and from Velana International Airport. The offer is available to all guests who book to stay at the international resort, and in addition, guests are offered a complimentary snorkelling trip during their stay.

For more information, visit www.sheratonmaldives.com

'Eat, Sleep, Paint, Retreat' at Fairmont Maldives

Fairmont Maldives has launched an Underwater Art Retreat inspired by its island heritage and rooted in 'Ecotherapy' to encourage guests to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. The Retreat combines underwater art tours of the Coralarium – a submerged tidal gallery and coral regeneration project - wave meditation, spa rituals and mindful drawing classes guided by a resident artist as well as a consultation with one of Fairmont Maldives' expert therapists, following which guests will receive a tailored wellbeing programme.

For more information, visit www.fairmont.com

WEDDING AND HONEYMOON NEWS

Say 'I Do' in the Overwater Wedding Chapel at Jumeirah Vittaveli

Located in the South Malé Atoll and just a short speedboat transfer away from Malé International Airport, the overwater wedding chapel at Jumeirah Vittaveli combines 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean with panoramic glass doors. There's even a glass walkway through the centre of the chapel so the bride and groom can see the waves as they take their journey down the aisle. Personalised, unique touches can be made to the chapel and décor can be adjusted to the tastes of each couple. Jumeirah Vittaveli's wedding chapel can be booked for ceremonies in advanced or once guests are on location.

For more information, visit www.jumeirah.com

Honeymoon In Paradise At Emerald Maldives Resort & SPA

Recently opened in December 2019, Emerald Maldives Resort & SPA is the latest addition to the Emerald Collection located on the Raa Atoll, which is a 40-minute seaplane flight away from Malé. Following its opening, Emerald Maldives has launched a romantic honeymoon package which not only includes the resort's all-inclusive offerings, but a romantic beach dinner on the shores of the resort's lagoon as well as complimentary couple's massage at the Emerald SPA.

For more information, visit www.emerald-maldives.com

Barefoot Honeymoon At Gili Lankanfushi

Re-opened on 1st December 2019 following a resort-wide renovation, the barefoot island paradise of Gili Lankanfushi is perfect for honeymooners looking for a secluded getaway. A honeymooner's haven, the Crusoe residences are only reachable by boat and boast hidden rooftop decks and hammock beds above the water, while the Private Reserve offers a private spa, gym and overwater entertainment lounge complete with slides leading into the ocean. The resort also offers champagne sunset dhoni cruises or star-lit private dinners on One Palm Island for honeymooners keen to enjoy romantic evenings together.

For more information, visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com

Newlyweds Can Relax in Paradise at The Shine Spa
at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is situated on the private island of Furanafushi, a 15-minute speedboat ride away from Velana International Airport. Located on its own island, the new Shine Spa has followed an extensive renovation which has introduced a new yoga pavilion plus an upgraded VIP suite with its own steam room, outside area and relaxation zone. Providing couples with an opportunity to try new experiences and make the most of their time away together, newlyweds can relax and enjoy spa treatments alongside beautiful Maldivian architecture.

For more information, visit www.marriott.co.uk

Romantic Packages From SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection By Hilton

Whether proposing or planning a wedding, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton is offering a collection of romantic packages to help couples curate the perfect day. This includes the 'On One Knee' package to help holidaymakers craft the perfect proposal rounded off with an in-room champagne breakfast and the 'SAii I Do' wedding package which includes a pre-wedding facial and post-wedding massage.

For more information, visit www.saiiresorts.com

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
Is A Romantic Culinary Playground For Couples

Couples staying in a Villa with Private Pool at Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa can start the day in the most romantic way with a floating breakfast featuring a variety of pastries, poached eggs, exotic fruits and waffles. Shangri-La's romantic culinary experience continues with a private 'Dine by Design' experience at the Serenity Bay Beach where a chef will curate a special menu for the pair and couples can also enjoy a romantic lunch aboard Shangri-La's luxurious 21-metre-long Horizon yacht.

For more information, visit www.shangri-la.com

Vakkaru Maldives' Island Ceremonial Wedding and Vow Renewal

Vakkaru Maldives offers couples the chance to participate in a ceremonial wedding or renew their vows at one of the many romantic locations across the island. Wedding celebration packages are available for guests to choose from and are complemented with extra touches such as personalised wedding assistance, Maldivian celebrations, live Maldivian Bodu Beru drum entertainment as well as coconut tree planting with a special engraved nameplate.

For more information, visit www.vakkarumaldives.com

Write Your Own Love Story At Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo offers couples the choice of three exclusive wedding packages which are romantically designed to include unique, luxurious touches such as hair styling and makeup for the bride, pre-wedding treatments for him and her and a Silver Collection Photo package, as well as videography. The resort provides bride-and-grooms-to-be with floral ceremony decorations, Bodu Beru drums for escorting guests and an 'Under the Stars' personalised candlelit dinner on the beach. The 'Diver's Wedding' package also features an underwater ceremony and photoshoot, whilst the 'Golden Wedding Celebration' boats a sunset Dhoni cruise and a two-night stay at another Raffles property.

For more information, visit www.rafflesmaldives.com

Babymoon at Milaidhoo Island Maldives

Expecting couples can enjoy a romantic adults-only break whilst on a babymoon at Milaidhoo Island in the Baa Atoll, a 35-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport. Complete with pregnancy spa treatments at the island's Serenity Spa and pre-natal yoga classes, a babymoon at Milaidhoo also includes a private outdoor cinema screening under the stars complete with homemade popcorn. Couples can also plant a coral frame and receive regular updates on its development to coincide with their baby's growth. Expectant parents who wish to send a surprise message home can even opt for a customised gender-reveal cake delivered to the villa.

For more information, visit www.milaidhoo.com

Reality TV Personality, Billie Faiers Celebrated
One-Year Wedding Anniversary At Sun Aqua Iru Veli

At the end of February, former reality TV celebrity, Billie Faiers celebrated her one-year wedding anniversary to husband Greg Shepherd at the newly opened all-inclusive Sun Aqua Iru Veli. Staying in the two-bedroomed King Ocean Suite with private pool the couple indulged with Iru Veli's unique floating breakfast during their stay and embarked on a cast-away island snorkelling experience, making Sun Aqua Iru Veli the perfect island escape for couples and honeymooners alike.

For more information, visit www.sunsiyam.com

For further information on the Maldives, visit www.visitmaldives.com.

ENDS

Notes To Editors:
Media Enquiries:
GEC PR | maldives@gecpr.co.uk