Visit Maldives Highlights The Activities And Achievements Of 2020
Visit Maldives recently held a press conference with the local media, highlighting the activities carried out and the achievements accomplished by the Maldives in 2020, along with the plans for 2021. The campaigns and initiatives, shifted to social and digital media platforms, focused on keeping the destination visible on online media, providing the tourism industry and tourists with regular updates on travel restrictions and safety measures in the Maldives, and promoting the destination as a safe haven for tourists via several activities in different source markets. 314 activities were carried out under the crisis plan in 2020, with 343 major activities planned for 2021, including both offline and online campaigns.

The Maldives Welcomes The 500,000th Tourist For The Year 2020
Thursday 17 December marked the grand arrival of the 500,000th tourist for the year 2020. During a momentous ceremony held at Velana International Airport, the tourist was identified by the Ministry of Tourism, together with Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Maldives Immigration and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). The 500,000th tourist, Kirstin Madeleine Nittke, arrived from Germany via Emirates. On arrival, she was identified at the Immigration counter and greeted by the welcoming team. She was then presented with a sash and flower garland around her neck. The special gift, Tanu, was handed over by the Managing Director of MMPRC, Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed, alongside gifts from the Deputy Controller of Maldives Immigration, Mr. Ibrahim Ashraf, and the Managing Director & Chief Operating Executive of MACL, Mr. Gordon Andrew Stewart.

The Maldives Looks Forward to Welcoming Travellers in 2021
The Maldives is looking forward to welcoming travellers to the Indian Ocean in 2021. The health and safety of tourists and residents in the Maldives has always been of paramount importance and the resumption of the tourism industry in 2020 was given the go-ahead following extensive consultations with health professionals and stakeholders. A COVID-19 safe tourism guideline has been issued by the Ministry of Tourism along with a certification program to ensure the safety and hygiene standards of all tourism facilities. And, thanks to its geographical location and one-resort-one-island concept, the Maldives really is a safe haven for travel at this time, not to mention included on the UK's safe travel corridor list.

PARTNER NEWS

Emirates Increases Flight Frequency To The Maldives
Emirates, which runs the world's biggest airline by international traffic, resumed services to the Maldives on 16 July 2020 after a three-month hiatus due to the border closure to curb the spread of COVID-19. Due to an increase in passenger demand, Emirates has now increased its flight frequency from three to four daily flights to the Maldives. For more information, visit www.emirates.com.

Huvafen Fushi Launches Underwater 'SpaQuarium'
Huvafen Fushi has unveiled a new 'SpaQuarium' experience, providing a unique cinematic window into the resort's reef by night. Every evening, the resort's world-first underwater spa is transformed as guests descend and see the reef dramatically reveals its landscape of nocturnal predators, bioluminescent plankton and of beautiful corals fluorescing under the gaze of UV torches. For more information, visit: www.huvafenfushi.com.

Set Sail in Seclusion: Catamaran Adventures LUX* North Male Atoll Resort & Villas
LUX* North Male Atoll's Lagoon 40 Catamaran (11.74m) offers guests a chance to explore the expansive waters of the Maldives beyond the atoll in total privacy. Boasting chic, contemporary interiors, three cabins fitted with king size beds, ensuite bathrooms and a kitchenette, the catamaran and its dedicated team will ensure all needs are catered to during days spent at sea. Guests can travel to untouched islands, discover snorkelling spots, and relax in the catamaran nets as they enjoy idyllic isolation on this maritime adventure. Prices for a full-day excursion start from $6,000 for four guests. For more information, visit: www.luxresorts.com.

Hawksbill Turtles Take Advantage of Empty Beaches at Baros Maldives, Laying Their Eggs on The Sand For The First Time in Over 5 Years
Baros is developing its efforts to improve the condition and diversity of the surrounding reefs, with its new marine conservation initiatives. This is why 23 Hawksbill turtles, a critically endangered species, chose the Baros House Reef as their home in 2020. Due to the lack of guests in recent months, Baros' female turtle population have been encouraged to return to the sandy shore to safely lay their eggs – resulting in three new turtle nests in total. The team have safeguarded these nests which could result in up to 300 baby Baros turtles and it is the first sign of nesting on the island in over five years. For more information, visit: www.baros.com.

New Appointment at Sun Siyam Group
Sun Siyam has appointed Ms. Aisha Faiz as Chief Operating Officer for its group of companies. Aisha was a key member in creating the beginning of Sun Siyam as a travel agency in 1990, working side by side with the Managing Director to establish itself as a reputed travel company and she is now proud to be back to her roots at Sun Siyam. Aisha will play a key role in supporting business growth and development strategies. She believes in local talents and the need for improved work-life balance in society. With a focus on time management, she aims to recreate a healthy workforce driven by efficiency and productivity. For more information, visit: www.sunsiyam.com.

JOALI's Reef Restoration Project
JOALI has created its own pioneering Reef Restoration Project, with Martyna Socha, an international Marine Biologist, heading up its on-site coral nursery. Whilst the resort closed from May until August, Martyna stayed on the island to take care of the resort's coral tree nursery, as well as to conduct weekly coral bleaching surveys on the reef. This year, a relatively severe bleaching event was observed in the Maldives, however, as water temperatures increased Martyna and her team of JOALI volunteers lowered the coral trees in the water column and were able to provide the coral fragments with shelter from intense sunlight, preventing them from bleaching. For more information, visit: www.joali.com.

Secret Paradise Maldives Commended at World Responsible Tourism Awards 2020
Secret Paradise Maldives has received a commendation in the 'Meaningful Connections' category, at the World Responsible Tourism Awards 2020. This category recognises tourism business and organisations that have continued to build or maintain communication through Responsible Tourism value-led marketing and social media engagement, addressing the challenge of COVID-19. For more information, visit: www.secretparadise.mv.

A Healthy New Year at Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa has unveiled new plant-based dishes and mocktail menus at all six of its restaurants and bars, available as part of the Deluxe All-Inclusive offering, such as the Jardin Quemado Salad available at Amazònico and a special vegan fried rice at Le Asiatique. For more information, visit: www.emerald-maldives.com.

Kagi Maldives Spa Island Officially Opens in The North Malé Atoll
The five-star Kagi Maldives Spa Island has officially opened in the North Malé Atoll. The boutique 50-villa property provides couples, friends, and solo travellers with a 360° wellness experience, just a 15-minute seaplane or 60-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. For more information, visit: www.kagimaldives.com.

New Posture-Perfecting Wellness Paths at COMO Cocoa Island, Maldives
COMO Cocoa Island re-opened in September with the freshly renovated COMO Shambhala Retreat. A third of the private island is now occupied by the COMO Shambhala Retreat, a new Pilates Studio and open-sided yoga pavilion. From January 2021, guests can indulge in a selection of new Wellness Paths designed to calm the mind, relieve stress, and rejuvenate the body. For more information, visit www.comohotels.com.

15 Years Of Fine Dining At Baros, Maldives
The landmark Lighthouse Restaurant at Baros Maldives is celebrating its 15th anniversary of fine dining with a special degustation menu. The iconic, pinnacle-roofed restaurant on the shore of the legendary Maldivian luxury island resort of Baros is visible from miles away. Its opening in December 2005 elevated dining in the Maldives to an unrivalled level. For more information, visit www.baros.com.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Reopens with New-Look Beach and Overwater Villas
Anantara Kihavah Villas Maldives has launched two renovated over-water pool residences. The luxurious two-bedroom over-water pool residences are among the resort's top room category and feature Kajan thatched palm roofs and Balau hardwood flooring spanning the length of its outdoor deck, accompanied by netted hammocks suspended over water.  Generously spaced at 872 sq. m (9,386 sq. ft), the over-water retreats feature a fully equipped glass-ceiling encased gym, spa treatment room, and infinity swimming pool. This follows the refurbishment of the two-, three- and four-bedrooms beach pool residences, which were completed before the resort's closure in March and have just become available. For more information, visit: www.anantara.com.

Grand Launch of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI
Located in South Malé Atoll, just a 20-minute luxury catamaran ride from Velana International Airport, the brand new OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI opened its doors on 3 December 2020. The second resort by THE OZEN COLLECTION located in the Maldives boasts 90 secluded villas and Reserves, located over-water and beachfront, which have been renovated with walk-in wardrobes, glass-enclosed air-conditioned bathrooms, and exotic open-air bathtubs. For more information, visit: www.ozenreserve-bolifushi.com.

Dhigali Introduces New Premium All Inclusive Meal Plan
Dhigali's all-new premium all-inclusive dining package includes a wide selection of premium wines, spirits, and soft drinks, along with drinks and snacks from the in-villa premium Minibar, breakfast served at Capers restaurant, lunch taken at Capers, Pizzeria, Cafe or Jade. And for dinner, guests can dine in one of the resort's three speciality restaurants - Faru, Battuta & Jade or Capers. An array of activities are also available to those on the premium all-inclusive package, from snorkelling to non-motorised boat trips and group yoga sessions. Guests can also enjoy one dolphin cruise excursion and one glass bottom boat trip during their stay. For more information, visit: www.dhigali.com.

Baglioni Resort Maldives Wins At 2020 World Luxury Hotel Awards
Baglioni Resort Maldives was honoured with two awards at the 2020 World Luxury Hotel Awards, taking the Regional Win in the 'Luxury Ocean View Resort' category, whilst its Baglioni SPA won the Regional Win in the 'Best Beauty Product' category. For more information, visit: www.baglionihotels.com.

OFFERS

Save up to 32% at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu when booking with Southall Travel
Southall Travel is offering holidaymakers a 7-night, all-inclusive stay at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu for £1,389pp. The price includes accommodation in one of Adaaran Select Meedhupparu' Beach Villas, free transfers and includes savings of up to 25% on SPA Treatments. Kids Stay & Eat FREE* (2 Children up to 14.99 years when sharing room with their parent's meal plan). The offer is available for travel between 1st May 2021 – 15th July 2021, with flights via Qatar Airways. For more information, visit www.southalltravel.co.uk. 

Elegant Resorts' 2021 Offer At Joali Maldives
Stay seven nights in a Water Villa with Pool on a half-board basis at Joali from £7,295 per person. The price includes a 40% discount and a complimentary half-board saving up to £8,845 per couple. Price based on 8th March 2021 departure. Must be booked 60 days in advance and is valid from 9th January until 21st December 2021. For further information, contact Elegant Resorts Reservations on 01244 897271 or visit www.elegantresorts.co.uk.

Maafushivaru Maldives 5* exclusive to Kuoni UK
Save up to 40% on a nine-night stay at Maafushivaru Maldives when booking with Kuoni. From £3,399 pp., the offer includes accommodation in Maafushivaru Maldives' Water Villas, half-board and flights based on SriLankan Airlines direct service from London Heathrow, departing 30th January 2021. For more information, visit: www.kuoni.co.uk.

Holiday at Hard Rock Maldives, with Travelpack
Travelpack is offering holidaymakers a seven-night stay at the Hard Rock Maldives on 12th May 2021 in a Silver Sky Studio. The promotion includes a free upgrade to full-board and complimentary shared speed boat transfers. Costing from £1,799pp. when travelling from London Heathrow with Etihad, including a £125pp. deposit. For more information, visit: www.travelpack.com. 

The Hurawalhi Cyber Week Offering
Hurawalhi Island Resort Maldives is offering a 25% discount of all villas and its all-inclusive package from 5th December – 31st October 2021. This excluded the Festive period from 23rd December 2020 to 9th January 2021.  Bookings must be made between 4th December 2020 – 28th February 2021. For more information, visit: www.hurawalhi.com.

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

Notes to Editors:
For further information, please contact:
Sarah Salord or Eliza Barrett-Holman | GEC PR | maldives@gecpr.co.uk

For high-resolution images of the Maldives, click here.

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