Bus Advertising Campaign of the Maldives in South Africa

Male’, 26 December 2007; The Maldives has launched a bus advertising campaign of Maldives in South Africa. Two double Decker buses will feature Maldives from 1st December 2007 to 31st May 2008. These buses will cover main bus routes in Johannesburg.

The objective of this outdoor campaign is to further promote Maldives in South Africa. China Eastern Airline operates four flights per week between Male’ and Johannesburg route using Airbus A340-300 aircraft.

Maldives also held road shows in three big cities in South Africa including Johannesburg during August 2007. South Africa is an important emerging market for Maldives. Maldives welcomed 2487 visitors from South Africa from January to October of 2007.

END.
For more information, please contact:
Mohamed Maleeh Jamal: 7781171
Maldives Tourism Promotion Board
Malé, Maldives
Telephone: +960 332 3228
Facsimile: +960 332 3229
Email: mtpb@visitmaldives.com
Website: http://www.visitmaldives.com

Honeymoon turns into nightmare

A DEVIZES couple say their wedding was nearly wrecked when their dream honeymoon turned into a nightmare.

Emma Kerr, 32, and Simon Emmott, 30, from Rider Close, Devizes, were looking forward to jetting off to the Maldives after their wedding at Beechfield House, Melksham, this Saturday, December 29.

But they learned that the Herathera Island Resort in the Indian Ocean paradise, due to open at the beginning of November, was still going to be a building site.

They booked the two-week all-inclusive break, costing £3,668, in July. The number of facilities available at the resort particularly appealed to them, including as it did a spa and water sports.

But, as the time got closer, they learned that the spa is not operational, wind surfing is no longer available and the glorious azure lakes on the island are a dirty brown in colour and being infilled.

The jetty is being dredged, some beaches are not functional because they need cleaning, the a la carte restaurant will not be open, and building work is still going on.

Yet Miss Kerr was told that normal terms and conditions apply.

First Choice, the travel agents the couple were going through, said they could switch the couple to nearby Meeru Island. The only snag was they would need to pay an extra £2,000.

Miss Kerr told the Gazette: "We are both so upset about the whole thing. Organising a wedding is stressful enough without all this.

"First Choice has known about this for weeks but have done nothing about it. It is not right they can get away with doing this kind of thing."

On Christmas Eve, the couple learned that First Choice was prepared to give them a full refund but that still left them with nowhere to go on their honeymoon.

Miss Kerr said: "Fortunately, I managed to fix something up over the Internet. We will be leaving on December 30 for Cuba. It's not the Maldives but it is something.

"I cannot believe a reputable company like First Choice could do this to people. There must be others in the same situation as ourselves.

"The resort was supposed to be finished at the end of October and the grand opening at the beginning of November. First Choice must have known the situation, but they did nothing."

An email the couple received from First Choice, before they decided to cancel, said: "I do seriously apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.

"First Choice was expecting the Herathera to have opened on time and it is unfortunately out of our hands that this resort was not completed in time."

Miss Kerr and Mr Emmott have now reported the matter to Wiltshire Trading Standards.

Source: www.gazetteandherald.co.uk

Environment Ministry gives go ahead to build 16-storey hotel at Athireege, under conditions

The Environment Ministry has specified several conditions under which the project to build a 16-storey hotel at the site of H. Athireege could proceed and given permission for the project to go ahead if the conditions were met.

The Ministry said in a statement issued on Tuesday that the Holiday Inn project undertaken by Male’ Hotels Private Limited would be allowed to proceed after an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Report was submitted and as long as other conditions proposed by the Ministry were met.

One of the conditions is to submit daily Environment Research Central Ground Vibration monitoring results to the Ministry, along with monthly reports of other environmental factors. The conditions also include installing crack monitors on the buildings surrounding the project area, pile driving at least 2m away from the outer walls of the nearest buildings, and offering compensations in case structural damage was inadvertently caused to the buildings nearby during the project.

“The conditions also state that in case of damage, or if the vibration levels exceed the safety limits specified in the EIA, the project will be halted immediately and compensation for the damages should be made,” the statement said.

The Environment Ministry had requested the Male’ Municipality that an EIA should be made for the hotel during last October. The project had been temporarily halted under Male’ Municipality’s direction after residents of nearby buildings reported they were experiencing tremors and cracks in the walls when the pile driving work to drive the piles 100ft into the ground had begun at Athireege.

The Environment Ministry also said that the EIA submitted by Male’ Hotels Private Limited was available for public review and comment on the Environment Research Centre’s website for a duration of 10 days.
Source: www.haveeru.com.mv

Madonna spending holidays in Maldives

World famous singer Madonna arrived in Maldives on Sunday to spend her holidays. Madonna is staying at the Six Senses resort Soneva Fushi in Baa Atoll and, according to reliable sources, was accompanied by eight other people.During November 2006 there were rumours and reports that Madonna and her Director/Producer husband Guy Ritchie were planning a two weeks stay in Maldives on a private island in a last attempt to save their marriage. According to UK tabloids the couple had spend 8 days in Soneva Gili with her family in December last year.The 49-year-old singer has won numerous Grammy Awards during her career and according to the Guinness Book of World Records and Forbes Magazine she is the highest-earning female singer in the world. She is estimated to be worth US$ 325 million.

Banyan Tree builds preschool on the island of Feydhoo, Maldives

Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru has built and launched a new preschool for children aged three to five on the island of Feydhoo in the Shaviyani atoll of The Maldives. The construction and development of the project is in line with Banyan Tree's aim to comply with the United Nation's eight Millennium Development Goals.

The school comprises three classrooms with a total capacity of 60 students and provides a spacious, clean and inspiring environment for children to learn. Other facilities include an enclosed play area, administrative office, and a multi-purpose room that can be used for women's committee meetings and educational classes for parents.

This inaugural project was funded by the Green Imperative Fund (GIF) which constitutes voluntary contributions by guests, that are in turn matched dollar for dollar by the resort. Coordinated by skilled associates from Banyan Tree Maldives, Vabbinfaru, the building was constructed by the local islanders which in turn generated additional income for the community. The project overcame various challenges, including the lack of a jetty, while hard work and dedication ensured the building was completed within three and a half months, ahead of the anticipated five-month schedule.

By establishing a proper, conducive classroom setting, together with an enclosed playground, the children would be motivated to attend classes at school. The facilities also allow teachers to conduct classes in smaller groups, hence providing better care and attention to those who need the extra support. Following its completion, the school has received encouraging response from the local community, as well as several new student enrolments.

The project has been managed and coordinated by the resort's Director of Conservation, Mr Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem. He comments, "We are gratified with this achievement and have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback and support from parents. Details of the success of the project have spread throughout The Maldives and we have already been asked to replicate this model in other nearby atolls. Our aim now is to continue raising funds and support for the construction of new schools and also to provide furnishings and teaching equipment to enhance the environment inside the schools."

For more information on Banyan Tree's Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, please visit www.banyantree.com/greenimperative/index.htm

About United Nations Eight Millennium Development Goals

The eight goals set by the United Nations are as follows:

- Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger

- Achieving universal primary education

- Promoting gender equality and empower women

- Reducing child mortality

- Improving maternal health

- Combating HIV/AIDS and other diseases

- Ensuring environmental sustainability

- Developing a global partnership for development

About Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts

Banyan Tree offers an intimate retreat experience featuring its own signature blend of romance and Asian sensuality. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, spas and galleries is based on providing a place for rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul - a Sanctuary for the Senses.

Banyan Tree resorts are found in Phuket, Thailand (1994), Maldives Vabbinfaru (1995), Bintan, Indonesia (1995), Bangkok, Thailand (2002), Seychelles (2002), Ringha, China (2005), Lijiang, China (2006), Bahrain (2007) and Maldives Madivaru (2007). Flagship Banyan Tree Phuket was the first to introduce a tropical garden spa concept.

About Angsana Resorts & Spas

Launched in 2000, Angsana is the sister brand of Banyan Tree, inspired by the exotic Angsana Tree noted for its crown of golden flowers. Angsana resorts are designed as contemporary, chic and vibrant retreats to live life spontaneously and sense the moment.

Angsana resorts are found in Bintan, Indonesia (2000), Great Barrier Reef, Australia (2000), Bangalore, India (2001), Maldives Ihuru (2001), Maldives Velavaru (2006) and Morocco (2007).

In 2003, Colours of Angsana joined the Angsana portfolio. This boutique hotel collection appeals to the soft adventurer and cultural tourism sector. The current hotels are Gyalthang Dzong (Shangri-La, China), Deer Park Hotel (Giritale, Sri Lanka) and Maison Souvannaphoum (Luang Prabang, Laos).

To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in 23 resorts and hotels, 64 spas and 66 retail galleries and two golf courses.

Maldives awarded as the “World's Most Romantic Destination” at the World Travel Awards 2007

At a glitzy gala ceremony in the Caribbean the World Travel Awards (WTA) turned the spotlight on some of the people and companies behind the year's best travel products. 330 representatives from the travel trade, VIPs as well as local and international media from 30 countries from across the globe converged last night for the 14th Annual World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony where this year's world winners were finally crowned. The venue: Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa on the island of Providenciales.

During the evening, 60 WTA trophies were handed out, while Emirates Palace picked up "World's Leading Conference Hotel" and Jumeirah was awarded "World's Leading Luxury Hotel Brand", the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board was honoured with an award for "World's Most Romantic Destination". Etihad Airways, Amadeus and Europcar also received awards for being the best in their global category. Another important accolade, instituted this year, was the "World's Leading Green Travel Personality" which was conferred on AquaCity founder, Jan Telensky.

WTA also honoured several winners of the 2007 Caribbean Awards that had been announced during World Travel Market in London early November. Point Grace was named "Caribbean's Leading Boutique Hotel", Parrot Cay was crowned "Caribbean's Leading Spa Resort" and Chukka Caribbean Adventures bagged "Caribbean's Leading Nature Adventure Excursion Operator", to name but a few.

It was the second year running that the Turks & Caicos Islands played host to the Annual World Travel Awards Ceremony. "The Turks & Caicos Islands are a shining beacon for the global tourism industry," said WTA Founder & President Graham Cooke. "They have grown into one of the most sought after luxury travel destinations worldwide. So it seems apt that we are gathered here tonight, to honour the laudable achievements of so many – in an industry that is one of the great success stories of the modern age.

"The Annual World Travel Awards Ceremony was packaged to entertain: Hosted by radio and television host Todd Newton, famous for his work on E! Entertainment Television, the prestigious event was graced by celebrities such as Canadian actress Jennifer Finnigan ("The Bold and the Beautiful"), her husband and actor Jonathan Silverman ("In Case of Emergency") and TV host and model Adrienne Janic. Other TV stars in attendance were Eva LaRue ("CSI: Miami) and singer and actress Melora Hardin ("The Office"). Comedian Rodney Laney had the gathered crowd in laughter, while musical duo Ashford & Simpson wowed with dynamic and catchy tunes. The heady mix of entertainment also included saxophonist Jervon Laporte, the Turks & Caicos Cultural Group and the Royal Police Force Band, displaying the Turks & Caicos culture.

Among key guests were Gordon "Butch" Stewart, founder and chairman of Sandals Resorts International and his sons Adam and Bobby Stewart who head up the company in the Caribbean. The Honourable Wayne Garland, Executive Chairman, Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board and the Honourable Floyd Basil Hall, Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Abdulla Mausoom, Director General of the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board was also in attendance.

The awards ceremony was preceded by a welcome party hosted at the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa as well as the World Travel Golf Championship at the Provo Golf & Country Club. These events were arranged to provide industry movers and shakers the opportunity to mingle among fellow travel professionals. The welcome beach party was sponsored by the Turks & Caicos Islands and to showcase what the stunning destination has to offer.

The World Travel Awards are now preparing the 2008 Grand Tour that will mark the accolade's 15th Anniversary. Manon Han, WTA's Vice President, commented: "After four successful regional events and a formidable finale this year, we will expand our world-renowned honours scheme even more next year to give more coverage to our award winners."

Pictures and the complete winners' list from last night's event are now available on the official WTA website http://www.worldtravelawards.com/

Notes to EditorsT

he World Travel Awards were conceived in 1993 to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in the world's travel and tourism industry. Now in their fourteenth year, travel professionals and discerning travelers have come to regard the World Travel Awards as the very best endorsement that a travel product could hope to receive. With thousands of votes cast by travel professionals from 167,000 travel agencies, tour & transport companies and tourism organizations in over 160 countries across the globe, winning a World Travel Award has become one of the highest accolades a travel product or organization can achieve.

World Travel Awards are especially coveted as, uniquely, the votes are cast globally by fellow professionals. With trophies awarded in over 1,000 different categories, the World Travel Awards are undoubtedly the world's most comprehensive awards celebration. Attended by top executives of winning companies, the events are highly regarded and well-established as a forum that brings together all areas of travel and tourism in recognition of their achievements.

http://www.worldtravelawards.com/

Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa re-brands to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island on 18 December 2007

Discover barefoot luxury at the award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, set on two private islands among miles of idyllic white-sand beach and unspoilt reef. Arrive in style in a seaplane over the lagoon, eat at the world’s first all-glass, undersea restaurant and indulge in luxurious spa therapies. This is a stunning, romantic island resort offering sophisticated barefoot luxury, surrounded by glorious natural beauty.

Sited in a picturesque corner of the Maldives, the Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa is spread across two islands, surrounded by a vibrant coral reef and lagoon.Twice voted ‘Best Hotel in the World’ and several times “Best Resort”, there are 50 luxurious water villas, 79 exotic beach villas and 21 fabulous spa water villas with private treatment rooms.

Scattered in the tropical gardens on Rangali finolhu Island, the elegant beach villas are just steps away from the beach. Stunning living areas are arranged around courtyards with a fountain, while huge outdoor garden-bathrooms offer a taste of the tropics, enormous glass doors substitute for walls and ingenious landscaping ensures total seclusion. Deluxe Beach Villas also have a private plunge pool and garden.At the tip of the island, the Spa Retreat is a brilliantly innovative resort-within-a-resort. A spa aficionado’s paradise, there is nothing more divine than an over-water Spa Villa with its own treatment room offering endless opportunities to indulge in the many luxurious therapies.Rangali Island is home to 50 water villas of ever increasing degrees of luxury. The elegant villas set on stilts over the ocean offer sweeping views of turquoise surrounds complemented by iridescent sunsets.

With ocean view baths; Philippe Starck fittings; private sun decks: espresso machines and Bulgari bathroom goodies, it is almost impossible to imagine anything more beautiful.Guests in Superior and Deluxe Water Villas will love the Jacuzzi pool on the sun deck, while Premier Water Villas have an additional Jacuzzi in the bathroom with in-built satellite TV.Two Sunset Water Villas stand in a secluded part of the lagoon with private butler, glass-floored living room, rotating bed, pool in the ocean and personal jet boat.This resort is the natural home for spa lovers with not one but two spas on its tropical islands: The Spa Retreat is a destination-spa set on stilts over the ocean off the main island, while The Over-Water Spa offers total luxury in glass-floored treatment rooms above a coral reef in the resort’s lagoon. This is the tropical idyll at its best.Food lovers will find themselves at home amongst the seven world-class restaurants, while for wine connoisseurs, over 10,000 bottles of wine await discovery in the underground Wine Cellar, in the Wine Bar or at any of the resort’s stunning dining venues.Beaches of soft white sand fringed by palms lead to the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

Dive or snorkel in the world’s most remarkable waters on unspoilt reefs, or try one of the many other leisure activities. The resort’s nurturing service and attention to detail is second to none. Spend your days indulging in the two spas, enjoying romantic dining experiences and of course, taking the refreshing opportunity to do absolutely nothing.

Downlaod brochure

Rangali Island, PO Box 2034, Rangali Island, 2034, Maldives Tel: 960-668 0629Guest Fax: 960-668 0619Sales Fax: 960-668-0619 Email: mailto:maldivesinfo@conradhotels.com

The Regent Maldives

Carlson Hotels Worldwide - Asia Pacific has confirmed plans to develop a spectacular Regent resort in the Maldives, in partnership with Maalefushi Investment Co. The Regent Maldives, which is due to open in late 2008, will be a 50-villa luxury resort on a secluded coral island, 50 minutes by seaplane from the capital city of Male.

The Regent Maldives will occupy the entire eight hectare island of Maalefushi. It will have 23 beach villas and 27 over-water villas, including two presidential villas. All villas are designed with private plunge pools and expansive timber decks. The two exclusive presidential villas include extra indulgences such as a luxurious dining pavilion with a viewing and relaxation platform, bedroom suites with walk-in wardrobe and private sun decks. Regent Hotels & Resorts currently has eight hotels worldwide. The newest hotel, The Regent Beijing, was opened officially in April 2007.

About Regent Hotels & Resorts

Regent introduced its first luxury hotel in 1970 with a focus on local culture, luxury for all the senses and highly personalized service to create truly unique and memorable experiences for every guest. Regent's renowned service has continued to garner top accolades for the hotel group throughout the years. Now, with the recent alignment of Regent Hotels & Resorts with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the hotel group is on a fast track to bring its ultra luxury experience to more locations. Regent plans to double its luxury portfolio over the next two years. Regent established its reputation on a commitment to exceptional, anticipatory guest service, attention to detail and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Regent guests are greeted by name, but it is the unspoken details that make them feel truly welcome. Regent locations inspire awe, but it is the unseen that makes the hotels truly seductive. Guests are surrounded with architecture and design that is in keeping with each distinct locale, while providing the simple, familiar and comfortable. The result is a hospitality experience that is richly personalized, genuine and caring. It is The Regent Experience.

HPL Hotels & Resorts Grows Portfolio with New Resort in the Maldives

HPL Hotels & Resorts continues its expansion into the Maldives with the construction of a new resort. Scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2008, Kandooma Beach Resort will be the fourth HPL-owned property in the Maldives; and the second that is managed by HPL Hotels & Resorts, after Rihiveli Beach Resort, which the company has been managing since 2004.

Occupying an island in the South Male Atoll, the resort will have a total of 160 garden and beach villas, duplex villas and water villas, including a Royal Water Villa. Accommodation will be fresh and contemporary in appearance, with clean lines and minimal clutter, while retaining the warmth of natural wood finishes.

Recreational facilities on the island will include several restaurants and bars, a spa and gym, a swimming pool with Jacuzzi, a books-music-movies library, a football field, a retail shop, Internet stations, a diving school and seaports centre.

“Having been in the Maldives for several years now, we have acquired a rather good understanding of the Maldivian market and have noticed an unfilled demand for the provision of an affordable, contemporary luxury experience without going overboard on expensive services that may go unnoticed,” said Ms Karen Chan, Marketing Communications Manager for HPL Hotels & Resorts.

Ms Chan also added that the resort will be conceptualised to provide its guests with an experience that seeks to make the guest holiday uniquely Maldivian, focussing on the delivery and enhancement of the natural beauty of the environment: “We see our market as wanting to come away richer, not only in relaxation and rest, but also in knowledge and experience.”
Located in the southern part of the Maldives, Kandooma Island is situated about 35km away from Male International Airport and can be reached via speedboat within half an hour. Rihiveli Beach Resort, which features 48 individual thatched-roof bungalows is about 15 minutes away from Kandooma Island.

Headquartered in Singapore, HPL Hotels & Resorts is a hospitality management company, operated and wholly owned by Singapore main-board listed, Hotel Properties Limited (HPL). The HPL Group has interests in 22 properties in 8 countries with over 4,900 rooms.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Karen Chan Manager, Marketing Communications

Direct line: (65) 6731 4902

Main line: (65) 6735 2811

Fax: (65) 6235 3216

Email: karen.chan@hplhotels.com

HPL Hotels & Resorts

50 Cuscaden Road

#05-02 HPL House

Singapore 249724

Website: http://www.hplhotels.com/

Corporate website: http://www.hotelprop.com/

Subscribe to our e-newsletter: www.hplhotels.com/subscribe.html

About HPL Hotels & Resorts

Headquartered in Singapore, HPL Hotels & Resorts currently manages the activities of eight hotels and resorts in the Asia-Pacific region. These include Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Concorde Hotel Shah Alam, Concorde Inn Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Hard Rock Hotels in Bali – Indonesia and Pattaya – Thailand, Casa del Mar in Langkawi – Malaysia, The Lakehouse in Cameron Highlands – Malaysia and Rihiveli Beach Resort in Maldives.

Marriott International to enter the Maldives with a 100 – villa renaissance resort in 2009

The first Marriott International-branded resort in The Republic of Maldives, one of the world’s premiere resort destinations, will open in 2009 under a management agreement with ADK Travels Private Ltd.

The five-star, 100-villa Renaissance Maldives Gaakoshibee Resort & Spa on Gaakoshibee island in the Shaviyani Atoll, will be located about a 55-minute flight by seaplane from Male, the capital city of The Maldives. The island is largely untouched with dense foliage throughout and boasts a pristine white sand beach fronting the resort. Like other islands in The Maldives, Gaakoshibee offers rare underwater beauty along with a profusion of psychedelic colors and an abundance and variety of underwater life that promise to fascinate divers and snorkelers alike.

“We are thrilled to soon be part of the tourism infrastructure of The Maldives,” said Ed Fuller, president & managing director of international lodging at Marriott. “Its unique ‘One Island, One Resort’ approach to tourism delivers an exclusive and private holiday experience that is almost impossible to replicate elsewhere. It is what has made The Maldives one of the primary destinations for holiday-goers and honeymooners from the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and elsewhere. We are confident this Renaissance resort will be hugely successful from day one.”

“We are delighted to be associated with Marriott International and we are confident that together we will offer a unique holiday experience in the Maldives this is both interesting and fulfilling to our guests,” said Hassan Fazal Hussain, managing director of ADK Travels. “We are sure that both our partnership with Marriott International and the resort that will be managed under this partnership will be enormously successful.”

Marriott’s Renaissance brand appeals to travellers who like things to be “interesting.” They expect the hotels they select to embody the locale and to help them live life to the fullest, and to help them “take it all in.” For them, travel is an adventure to be savored with gusto.

The Renaissance Maldives Gaaskishibee Resort & Spa will offer a mix of spacious beach and over-water villas. Beach villas will have a private garden, indoor/outdoor five-fixture bathroom, an outdoor shower, oversized bathtub and direct access to the beach. Over-water villas will have five-fixture bathrooms, a daybed on a large private sundeck and will provide direct access to the lagoon. All villas will have their own private plunge pool.

The resort will offer its guests a choice of five food and beverage outlets: an all-day restaurant and two specialty restaurants, two bars and an underground wine cellar. Both specialty restaurants, which will come with their own bars and outdoor areas for al fresco dining, will be located over water to offer its patrons more than just an experience for the palate. While the Beach Bar and Grill is located on the southern end of the island, the Sunset Bar on the western side of the resort will be conveniently attached to the Mediterranean specialty restaurant.
Recreational amenities will include an over-water Spa with eight treatment rooms, four of which will be over water, and a beauty/barber shop; a health and fitness centre; a discovery centre; a library; an Olympic-sized lap pool, a lagoon pool and a kid’s pool; , a water sports centre, a diving centre, a kids’ club and a games room/recreation pavilion.

Additional amenities will encompass a gift and sundry shop, a CD and DVD library with internet facilities and laundry and valet service.

About Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR):Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 2,900 lodging properties in the United States and 67 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., and had approximately 151,000 employees at 2006 year-end. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best places to work for by FORTUNE®. The company is also a 2006 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Partner. In fiscal year 2006, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $12.2 billion. For more information please visit http://www.marriott.com/.

One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives named Number One Resort in the World

MALDIVES–The Conde Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Travel Awards, the One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives was named number one resort in the world.

In addition, luxury resort was announced the winner in two other categories: Favourite Overseas Leisure Hotel, Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean; and Favourite Overseas Hotel Spa, Worldwide. The winners, in categories including hotels, destinations, tour operators, airlines and cruise lines, were chosen by readers of Condé Nast Traveller.

World Travel Awards names Huvafen Fushi Maldives ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Spa Resort’

Per Aquum, a company which specializes in resorts, spas and residences, has been awarded the World Travel Awards’ “Indian Ocean’s Leading Spa Resort” for their Huvafen Fushi Maldives property.

Bookings are still available in January 2008 including their Beach Bungalow with its own plunge pool, which is available from January 5 – 10 and 21 – 31 in 2008.

The Deluxe Beach Bungalow, with plunge pool, is also available from January 8 – 13 and 14 – 31 next year while the Lagoon Bungalow, including plunge pool, is available from January 8 – 12 and 13 – 31 in 2008. The Ocean Bungalow, with plunge pool, can still be booked from January 13 – 16 and 17 – 31 next year.

The Huvafen Fushi Maldives, after winning the World Travel Award, is now in the running to win the ‘World’s Leading Spa Resort’ at the Annual World Travel Awards’ Gala Ceremony held in Turks and Caicos on December 12, 2007.

The World Travel Awards is the most prestigious travel awards in the international travel industry, with more than 200 travel industry members, honored guests and members of the press from across the world attending.

Source: e-Travel Blackboard

A growth of 15.9% in arrivals recorded for the 1st Quarter of 2007 - Maldives

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.

Maldives nominated in five categories in the 14th Annual World Travel Awards

The Maldives has been nominated in five categories in the 14th Annual World Travel Awards to be held in the Turks and Caicos Islands on the 12th December 2007. The five categories that Maldives got nominated are World's Leading Destination, World's Leading Dive Destination, World's Leading Honeymoon Destination, World's Leading Romantic Destination and World's Leading Travel Television Commercial. In addition Maldives Tourism Promotion Board has been nominated in the World’s Leading Tourist and Convention Bureau category.

Furthermore, some of the Maldives tourism industry players have been nominated in important categories. In this regard Inner Maldives has been nominated in the World’s Leading Travel Agency category, Baros Maldives got nominated in World’s Leading Villa and World’s Leading Beach Resort category, Hilton Maldives has been nominated in World’s Leading Resort category and Huvafenfushi has been nominated in World’s Leading Spa Resort category.

Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the "Travel industry's equivalent to the Oscars", the World Travel Awards are the most comprehensive and most prestigious awards program in the global travel industry. The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in the world's travel and tourism industry. With thousands of votes cast by travel professionals from 167,000 travel agencies in over 160 countries across the globe, winning a World Travel Award has become one of the highest accolades a travel product can achieve.

The 2007 World Travel Awards world winners will be announced and presented at the gala ceremony which will take place in the islands of Turks & Caicos on the 12th December 2007. Candidates nomination for world winners categories are based on the results from the four regional ceremonies which took place in Abu Dhabi, New York, NewcastleGateshead and Bangalore in 2007.

MTPB won the Indian Oceans Leading Tourist and Visitor Bureau Award in Bangalore ceremony. Maldives also won the Indian Ocean’s Leading Destinations Award and Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination Award in the same ceremony. During this ceremony Maldives Tourism industry won awards in many categories.

For more information, please contact:
Mohamed Maleeh Jamal: 7781171
Maldives Tourism Promotion Board
Malé, Maldives
Telephone: +960 332 3228
Facsimile: +960 332 3229
Email: mtpb@visitmaldives.com
Website: http://www.visitmaldives.com

DHIRAAGU FLOATING AWARD 2007 in Maldives

Floating Maldives (the Exclusive Floating Industry Magazine of Maldives) has affiliated with the biggest telecom company of Maldives (Dhiraagu) in hosting the 2nd Annual Floating Awards. This time the title was changed to DHIRAAGU FLOATING AWARDS 2007 as DHIRAAGU being the main sponsor of the event.

The Liveaboard Industry of Maldives participated at this special function held on 25th November 2007 at Dharubaaruge, to hold the DHIRAAGU FLOATING AWARDS 2007 and the launching of FLOATING MALDIVES 2008 in Maldives.

The following Awards were awarded at the Ceremony.

DHIRAAGU FLOATING SURFER 2006 – Awarded to Mr. Mohamed Sobah (Chey) , A Founder Member of Maldives Surfing Association.

DHIRAAGU FLOATING SURFER 2007 – Awarded to Mr. Ibrahim Nahushal (Nahu), Commercial Surfer and the 1st International Surfing Judge of Maldives

DHIRAAGU FLOATING SURFER 2008 – Awarded to Mr. Abdullah Areef (Fuku) , Commercial Surfer and the Event Coordinator of Maldives Surfing Association.

DHIRAAGU FLOATING DIVER 2006 – Awarded to Mr. Hussain Rasheed (Sendi), 1st PADI Course Director of Maldives and Managing Director of Villa Diving

DHIRAAGU FLOATING DIVER 2007 – Awarded to Mr. Mohamed Waheed (Barakuda) , 1st Certified Diver of Maldives and the Local Partner of Meridis Dive Center at Island Hideaway and Alidhu

DHIRAAGU FLOATING DIVER 2008 – Awarded to Mr. Abdullah Hashrath (Haththu) , President of Maldives Dive Association and the Base Leader of Huvafenfushi Dive Center

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2007 (LOCAL) – Awarded to Mr. Salah Shihab , Managing Director of Voyages Maldives.

LIFETIME ACHIVEMENT AWARD 2007 (FOREIGN) – Awarded to Mr. Mohamed Ali (Philippe), Naval Architect

VISITORS CHOICE LIVEABOARD OF THE YEAR 2007 – Awarded to Liveaboard “SOLEIL” owned and operated by AMA Maldives.

In addition, DHIRAAGU featured the services of BOAT TRACKING SYSTEM “E-track” at this special function.
More info : www.dhiraagu.com.mv

For More Information contact:

Ibrahim Shahid
Deputy Secretary General
Ma. Uthuru Vehi , 4th Floor
Kenery Magu
Male’
Maldives

Phone : +960 33 00 640
Hotline : +960 777 1322, +960 778 1191
Fax : +960 333 5060, +960 33 00 630
E-mail : info@liveaboardassociation.mv
Web : www.liveaboardassociation.mv

Maldives Road Shows in three major cities in Japan

Maldives Tourism Promotion Board together with the embassy of Maldives in Japan organized road shows in three major cities in Japan. The road shows were held in Nagoya, on 27th November, in Osaka on 28th November and in Tokyo on 29th November 2007. The road shows were attended by more than 200 Japanese travel trade, media and representatives from Maldives tourism industry. The road show in Tokyo was done in association with Sri Lankan Airlines. The Executive Director of MTPB Dr. Abdulla Mausoom headed the Maldives delegation.

The road shows in Japan were held at the following hotels:

1. Nagoya – The Grand Court Hotel Nagoya
2. Osaka – The Ritz Carlton Hotel
3. Tokyo – The Hilton Tokyo Hotel

The Nagoya road show was attended by 50 participants, the Osaka road show was attended by 70 and the Tokyo road show was attended by 90 participants. The purpose of the road shows was to disseminate information on the developments of Maldives tourism industry to the Japanese travel, trade and media. It also enabled the Japanese tour operators and travel agents to gather specific information on the wonderful tourism product that Maldives has to offer. The winner of lucky draw held during Tokyo road show received a holiday for two in Maldives. It was sponsored by Platinum Capital Holdings Vilamendhoo Island Resort and air ticket was sponsored by Sri Lankan Airlines.

Japanese is the leading destination from Asia region to the Maldives. Maldives welcomed 34,057 Japanese visitors by the end of October 2007. Last year 39,528 Japanese visitors visited Maldives from Japan.

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