Wings to Take Measures in Bad Weather

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil aviation is to implement a regulation that would enhance safety and security measures of operating seaplanes in the country as tourism taking the flight to the highest level.

The Ministry says the regulations are to strengthen the safety of flying seaplanes and its landings and take offs during bad weather. They said the new regulations are expected to take effect in the high season of tourist arrival to the country.

Mahmood Raazee, the executive director of the ministry said that he is expecting to complete the draft by October and implement the regulations from November 1st this year.

The forth coming new rules that will apply to all air taxiing companies with sea planes the ministry said it has discussed with all concerned parties and this new regulations comes in the wake of a recent accident of a small seaplane that left its floats ripped making the first seaplane accident in the Maldives.

The accident occurred after the sea plane with 17 on board including 3 crew members landed and collided with a speed boat waiting to collect the arrivals not far from the planes taxiing length to floating platform. The incident believed to be occurred due to bad weather and rough seas. The collision caused severe damage to the aircraft.

The 14th July incident according to investigators happened was a pilot error that he was unable to decide the right position to land as the landing site was rough with little high waves.

MTDC cancels bid proposals

MTDC has revealed that the company has canceled the bid proposals submitted for dredging a channel to separate Handhufushi Resort managed by Yacht Tours from Hulhudhoo Island।

Arif Abdul Samad, Manager Investor Public Relations of MTDC, speaking to Miadhu Daily said that the 6 bid proposals submitted to physically separate Handhufuashi Resort and Hulhudhoo Island was cancelled due to some problems in the detailed drawing of the area to be dredged.

Arif further said as all bids submitted have been cancelled another announcement will be made to seek interested parties to carry out the task soon. As per agreement between Yacht Tours and Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) the resort has to be separated from Hulhudhoo Island within 6 months effective from the date Yacht Tours took over the management. Arif said the work has to be completed within the next 4 months as Yacht tours took over the management of Handhufushi Resort on the first of June. He also said the he is confident of completing the work within period.

Handhufushi Resort, former Herathera Resort, is the first tourist resort opened in addu atoll under the government initiated tourism expansion plan. Handhufushi resort developed by MTDC incorporates 546 beds.

The dredging of a channel between Handhufushi and Hulhudhoo was initially opposed by environment ministry; however ministry later gave in and authorized dredging the channel. Separation of the resort from Hulhuhdoo is seen to solve the excessive growth of seaweeds and eventual dirtying of the resorts beaches.

Constructions of City Hotel not progressing

One and Half Degree Maldives Pvt, the company who won the bid to construct the Fuvahmulah City Hotel has not carried out any work on the land allocated for the construction of the hotel, apart from erecting a boundary fence, Fuvahmulah Island Office has said.

According to Fuvahmulah Island Office, islanders are complaining as the land which previously used to be farm land is just being wasted. Island Office informed that islanders insist that if the construction is not going to continue then the land should be given back to farmers.

Island Chief Muneer Hassan speaking to Miadhu Daily informed that allocation of the land for the construction of the island’s city hotel is causing many difficulties for the islanders. He informed that at present no body is making use of the land plot for any purpose. “This is matter of huge concern for us, the land used to good farm land , but since the allocation for city hotel it is just there , no productive work is going on, islanders are not too happy “Island Chief Muneer said.

Muneer further said that he has raised the matter with the Tourism Ministry. He said according to tourism ministry the matter was looked in to and that discussions were being held with the contractors.

Tourism ministry awarded the contract to construct Fuvahmulah City Hotel to One and Half Degree Maldives on the October 2006. Under the contractual agreement the hotel is required to be completed within 18 months. Tourism ministry later fined One and Half Degree Maldives by US $ 2,500 for failing to live to up to its contractual agreements.

Despite the expiry of the construction period as stated in the contract, One and Half Degree Maldives has not commenced the construction and the matter is now under investigation by the ministry. However even though the construction period has lapsed, the company is still paying the lease rent to the government, tourism ministry has said.

According to tourism ministry the city hotel is expected to increase the job opportunity and incomes for the Fuvahmulah islanders.

HIH wins 19 medals at Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge 2008

Hulhule’ Island Hotel (HIH) has won 19 medals and awards at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge Competition 2008 held recently.

HIH informed that 19 medals and awards were won by the hotel’s culinary team led by Executive Chef Ravi and the participants in the cocktail competition guided by Food and Beverage Manager Safdar Ali Khan.

Kumar De Silva won gold medal with challenge trophy, bronze medal and merit award in categories fruit vegetable carving, dress the cake and bread & pastry display respectively.

Indra Kumar Limbu won silver medal and silver medal and a TV in categories dress the cake and desserts respectively. Ismail won silver medal / cookery book and silver medal in categories lamb and desserts respectively.

Ibrahim Naim won the bronze medal in lamb category while the bronze medals in fish category were won by Moosa Rameez and Saeed Mohamed.

Silver medals in chicken category went to Mohamed Shiek and Thusantha Gamage. Bronze medal in innovative bread making category was won by Dayan Kumara.

Abdul Raheem and Subas won silver and bronze respectively in beef category. Aminath Azlifa won bronze medal and 2000 MRF in chicken (student categoy) and Juthamas Bordeerat a bronze medal also chicken (student category). Sanka Nishantha and Mathew Poulose won silver and bronze respectively in cocktail category.

HIH informed that a total of 1 gold medal, 8 silver, and 9 bronze and 1 merit certificates were won.

Hulhule Island Hotel also won the prestigious award for ‘Best Culinary Establishment 2008’ at Maldives. Hulhule Island Hotel received a trophy and USD 1000/- for the same. This is the second time in succession that Hulhule Island Hotel has been adjudged as the ‘Best Culinary Establishment’, the earlier being at the last Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge Competition in 2006.

Flights between Maldives & Bangladesh to commence

Schedule fights will be operated between Maldives and Bangladesh from the 28 th of this month, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has said.

Dest Air is to operate twice a week between Dhaka and Maldives, MTCC the PSA revealed. Further the aircraft has a capacity of 117 seats and that aircraft will be operated Maldives and Bangladesh via Colombo.

Manager of MTCC Adam Zaki said that the primary objective in operating the flight between the 2 countries to provide a cheaper alternative to the large number of Bangladeshi workers living in Maldives.

Sweet Dreams at Sun Spa at Irufushi Beach & Spa Resort - Announcing The First Sleep Spa Concept In The Maldives

Sun Spa at IruFushi Beach & Spa Resort, due to open in summer 2008, will launch the first Sleep Spa concept in the Maldives. In collaboration with the resort team, the programme, entitled Sweet Dreams, has one main goal – to help adults and children relax and to catch up on that much needed sleep that many of them can only dream of doing whilst on holiday.

A holiday is something to look forward to, however, the stresses of modern day life can often take their toll and the sheer effort of getting away from work, let alone packing a suitcase and coping with any airport dilemmas can often be quite traumatic. So much so, that even whilst away in the most tranquil of surroundings, it can take some the entire holiday to begin to relax and catch up on their sleep.

For Adults, the Sweet Dreams programme includes:
- Special afternoon and evening spa treatments to encourage a siesta or good night’s sleep
- A yoga specialist who will offer private classes teaching special breathing techniques and stretching exercises designed to encourage relaxation
- Special teas designed to aid sleep
- Massages and baths with essential sleep-inducing oils
- A special extended pillow menu including buckwheat pillows, memory foam pillows, sidesleeper pillows, etc...
- A sleep concierge who is on-call so if guests can’t sleep they can ring for encouragement
- CD’s of poetry, music or a talking book which can be delivered to the room so Sweet Dreams guests can listen to their very own bedtime story
- A Sleep-All-Night-Cap, a special cocktail created by the resort-team using ingredients to aid sleep

Parents can rest assured that the younger member’s won’t lose sleep on holiday either as the Sweet Dreams resort plan extends to children, too. It includes:
- A selection of children’s books that can be borrowed from the library for a bedtime story
- Early evening dinner buffet, bedtime story groups and slumber parties, hosted in conjunction with the kid’s club
- Audio-book or music-related CD’s for children to listen to as they fall asleep
- Sleep inducing drinks such as warm milk or hot chocolate

Commenting on the new Sweet Dreams concept, Tina Dotzauer, PR & Marketing Manager for IruFushi’s Sun Spa says, “We have customised some of the Sun Spa pavilions to include low and mood lighting and special relaxing aromatherapy. It’s customary spa practice to leave a guest to relax for a few minutes after a treatment, but so many times we hear how they would prefer just to stay where they are and take a nap after their massages. Guests on the Sweet Dreams programme will be able to do just that, leaving the spa not just thoroughly relaxed but also refreshed and energised after enjoying a wholesome siesta.”

“In addition, the Sun Spa yoga specialist will show guests who book the 1-week “Sweet Dreams” program how to fill in a sleep diary, which will be discussed each day and aims to give a useful insight into each individual’s sleep patterns and will ultimately help with techniques for sleeping more soundly.”

The Sweet Dreams packages can be pre-booked via Sun Spa’s website www.sunsparesorts.com or on arrival at IruFushi Beach & Spa Resort. Prices start from US$160 per adult.

Shark population declining due to long line fishing – Union

Maldives Fishermen Union has revealed that the decline in the shark and dolphin population in Maldives waters is due to the increase in long line fisheries activities. This was revealed in a letter sent to fisheries and agriculture minister Hussain Hilmy by the Fishermen Union.

According to the Fishermen’s Union the letter was prompted by numerous complaints received from various tourism oriented organizations on the steady decline of sharks and dolphins in country’s waters. According to the letter this matter can only be resolved by bringing an end to the long line fisheries or by banning long line fishing in the country and banning exports of shark fins.

“The sad fact is that millions of sharks have been killed in the recent past. The concern here is not only the decline of shark and dolphin population in the country’s waters but also its adverse effects on the country’s economy. We are at the stage where the citizens are hardly able to get any fish for sustenance. The decline in sharks and dolphins will affect the fish catch, as the undeniable truth is that decline in sharks and dolphins will affect the sizes and the number of fish schools. We, the Fishermen Union believes that the only way the matter can be resolved is banning long line fisheries in Maldives without further research and any further delay. We the Fishermen’s Union on behalf of all the fishermen in the country calls on the government to bring an end to long line fishing with any further delay in order to resolve the issue” the letter signed by fishermen union’s chairman Ibrahim Manik stated.

Further the union expresses concern over the inability of the ministry’s researchers to reach a conclusive decision on the matter and called on the ministry to include experienced fisherman and technical experts in the research team.

The letter said the primary target of the fishermen union is to introduce a ban on long line and fishing in Maldives which the union claims is making the fishermen and their families starve. Further the letter noted that the ban of net fishing must remain in place.

Official Opening of the Deluxe Wing of Hulhule Island Hotel

The new Deluxe wing of Hulhule Island Hotel was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of Republic of Maldives on June 02, 2008. Speaking at the ceremony, the President said that following the inauguration of the Hotel in 2001, over the past seven years, the Hotel has become a key member of the travel and trade business in the Maldives. He also said that the Hotel has become well-known for its excellent services and the hospitality offered to tourists.

Further, the President noted that the rapid rise in prominence of the Hotel and the inauguration of its new deluxe wing today is the result of the good management of the Hotel and the high standards of service offered by its staff. In his speech, the President noted that the Hotel is vital both to the Male’ International Airport and to the tourism industry as it increases the conveniences offered to travellers, being the only transit style hotel on the airport. The President also said that the future of tourism in the Maldives is bright and that the growth of tourism sector offers a vast number of job opportunities for Maldivians.

In the ceremony, the President was presented with a commemorative gift. The presentation was made by the Chief Executive Officer and President of Singapore Airport Terminal Services, Mr. Clement Woon.



The Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airport Terminal Services, Mr. Clement Woon, Chairman of Maldives In-flight Catering, Mr. Ali Hussain Didi and the General Manager of Hulhule Island Hotel, Mr. Utkarsh Faujdar also spoke at the ceremony. The Directors of MIC Mr. Yacoob Piperdi, Mr. Peter Tay, Mr. Ahmed Shakeeb and Mr. Ibrahim Amir also shared the stage on this occasion.
After the inauguration ceremony, the President toured the new deluxe wing of Hulhule Island Hotel along with the distinguished guests. He was shown around the newly developed landscaping, Deluxe and Super Deluxe rooms by the General Manager of Hulhule Island Hotel, Mr. Utkarsh Faujdar followed by the refreshments at the Uduvilaa restaurant. The President was appreciative about the developments in the hotel.

The new wing comprises of 51 Deluxe and Super Deluxe rooms that have a superior style, design, theme and finishes. All the guest rooms have a better sea view as there is a balcony with each of the rooms. In this new wing, Hulhule Island Hotel also has extended 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 is now 136 rooms inclusive of various categories of rooms on offer.

It is worth noting that Hulhule Island Hotel was also adjudged as the ‘Best Culinary Establishment’ at Maldives in the Hotel Asia Exhibition & Culinary Challenge 2008. This was the second time in succession that Hulhule Island Hotel has bagged the honours.

BIDDING DOCUMENTS FOR LEASE OF INTEGRATED TRAINING RESORT

BIDDING DOCUMENTS FOR LEASE OF INTEGRATED TRAINING RESORT
(HOTEL AND TRAINING INSTITUTE)

MTDC thanks Dr. Shaugy

Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has thanked former tourism minister Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy for the valuable services he rendered to the company.

In a statement issued last Wednesday the company expressed that Dr. Shaugy played a key role in the formation of the company and that Dr. Shaugy was the main reason behind it’s current success.

The statement said that ever since the company was formed on 9 April 2006 Dr. Shaugy has made valuable contributions to the company, both as the tourism minister and on his own. “MTDC is very grateful for his valuable contributions and wishes to thank him very sincerely for his services and immense support” the statement said.

The statement noted that the company formed with the objective of providing the benefits of tourism to the public as possible after overcoming many obstacles in its initial stages is now a success which has achieved the full confidence of its shareholders.

“MTDC will always value the support and valuable advice given by Dr. Shaugy” the statement noted.

Maldives Association of Tourism Industries (MATI) last week issued a statement expressing regrets at the resignation of Dr. Shaugy. MATI in a statement issued expressed regrets and said Dr. Shaugy during his term in office revolutionized Maldives Tourism. Dr. Shaugy resigned from the government on the 2 nd of this month. President Gayoom since then has accepted his resignation and has appointed Dr. Shaugy’s deputy Dr. Abdulla Mausoom as the Minister for Tourism.

President inaugurates Manafaru resort

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday said that the tourism sector is expanding rapidly across the country. He made the statement while speaking at the official inauguration ceremony of “the Beach House at Manafaru Maldives”.

Speaking at the ceremony after the inauguration of the resort, President Gayoom said that the fruition of the Government’s efforts to promote the tourism industry is visible and expressed his happiness on the progress of the industry.

Noting that it was a great honor for him to inaugurate the resort, President thanked the Chairman and Managing Director of the Sun Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, senior officials of the resort, members of staff of the resort and tour operators of the resort.

President Gayoom then highlighted the services of Ahmed Siyam Mohamed to promote tourism industry in the country and noted his excellent efforts to maintain the high standard of tourist resorts.

In his speech, President further noted the importance the Government attach to provide job opportunities to Maldivians as new resorts are being developed. He also said that the tourism sector is one of the pillars of the country’s economy and highlighted the importance of sustainable development of the industry.

At the inauguration ceremony, President was presented with a commemorative plaque. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed presented the plaque to the President on behalf of Sun Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd.

Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahmood Shaugee, the Chairman and Managing Director of Sun Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Director of Job Market Maldives Pvt Ltd, Mohamed Saleem and the Director of “The Beach House at Manafaru Maldives”, Hussain Salim Mohamed also spoke at the ceremony.

People will not accept unfounded allegations – Dr. Shaugy

Tourism Minister Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy has said that despite attempts to spoil his good name and reputation by spreading unfounded rumors, Maldivian people will no longer accept such stories as they are farsighted people with the capacity to find out the truth. Dr. Shaugy made the statement in an exclusive interview given to Miadhu Daily yesterday night.

When asked whether he accepted that some people were trying to tarnish his good name and reputation by spreading malicious stories against him or whether he is aware that some people are spreading malicious rumors against him, he replied that considering the way things has happened and the way things are going on, it is quite possible. But he insisted that Maldivian people will never accept such baseless and unfounded stories.

“The way things has happened, it is quite possible some people did attempt to destroy my reputation and discredit me in the public eye, The way things has happened I am forced to accept it , even though I don’t want to believe it is so, but I am sure despite their attempts Maldivian people will not accept such stories any more, people are more aware now, they will find out the truth” Dr.Shaugy.
Speaking further Dr. Shaugy said he cannot comment on the motives and reasons why some people are spreading rumors against him. He said this was not the appropriate time to speak out but when the right time comes he will not remain silent.

“My resolve will not be affected despite these malicious stories and allegations, and I will not be affected by these rumors either, people will seek out the truth, the damage will not be on me, but on them, time will come when the truth will be revealed” Tourism Minister Dr. Shaugy said.

Dr. Shaygy has not confirmed nor denied the stories carried on media regarding his resignation. When Minivan News contacted Mundhu, presidential spokesperson to get confirmation of the story, he revealed that the government was probing in to serious allegations against Dr. Shaugy. However a later press statement from the President’s Office denied the comments. Dr. Shaugy in an interview given to Miadhu Daily said even if the comments did come from Mundhu, they were not true.

Adaaran celebrates WTA success

Adaaran Resorts has celebrated the wining of ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination’ award by Maldives and the ‘Maldives Leading Water Villas’ award by Adaaran Prestige Water Villas at the World Travel Awards 2008 held in Shanghai, China.

According to a press release issued by Adaaran yesterday the celebrations held at Hudhuran Fushi of Adaaran resorts was attended by Deputy Minister of Tourism Dr. Mausoom, senior tourism ministry officials, senior officials from Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB), the Deputy Chairman and the Board of Adaaran resorts as well as management and staff of ADAARAN Prestige Water Villas.

Adaaran Prestige Water Villas won the Maldives Leading Water Villas award while Maldives lead the way in the Indian Oceans Leading Destination category bagging 8 awards at the World Travel Awards Asia and Indian Ocean ceremony held on the 19 of last month in China. These most sought after awards are the best of the best and is considered as the Oscars of the world travel and tourism industry.

Speaking after receiving the award, CEO as well as the MD of the Adaaran Resorts, Maldives, said “most of the international hotel brands are present in Maldives and every one competes to provide the best of luxury. At Adaaran, we differ ourselves by providing our guests “unique concepts” offering luxury and the highest standards, in fulfilling their personal preferences. At Adaaran Prestige guests tailor make their own holidays and we deliver it” Adaaran press release states.

World Travel Awards was launched in 1993 to acknowledge and recognize excellence in the world’s tourism and travel industry. The awards are regarded as the highest that a travel or hotel product could receive. Travel professionals from 167,000 travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organizations in over 160 voted across the globe to select the winners of the awards.

Shaugy denies allegations

Tourism Minister Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy has denied the allegations made against him in Minivan News. Dr. Shaugy said if the statements that the government had been probing in to ‘serious allegations’ against him for ‘a couple of days’ as reported in Minivan news, in fact came from presidential spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) then it is an out right lie. Dr.Shaugy made the denial to Miadhu Daily when asked to comment on the rejection of a president’s office statement by Minivan News in which Mundhu officially denied making the statements.

In an exclusive interview given to Miadhu Daily Dr. Shaugy said that it was very difficult to comment on the matter.

“On one side, we have a person whose words, due to the position he holds, I trust and respect. He is the president’s spokesperson. On other side, we have a reporter, who I find very difficult to believe will write out right lies, a responsible journalist. It is very difficult for me to determine who is telling the truth. However if this is what Mundhu has said, it is all lies” Dr. Shaugy said.

President’s office on the 4 th of this month issued statement dismissing the allegations made against Dr. Shaugy in the Minivan News as untrue. The statement said that Mundhu’s comments were used out of context and proportion with the intent on triggering potentially damaging controversies and that the comments were interpreted in a manner that was damaging to the integrity and sincerity of Dr. Shaugy.

The President’s Office talked about two misrepresented comments and erroneous inferences referred to Mundhu. The first comment, in response to queries about rumors that Dr. Shaugy had tendered his resignation from the cabinet was that the president’s office would “neither confirm nor deny” these rumors. The statement noted that it was not within the mandate of Mundhu to address such queries as they did not involve the president directly. The second comment was in response to malicious allegations against the minister, which was denied. The statement noted that such allegations must be supported with enough evidence if they were to stand up to scrutiny and that ministers were accountable to the people.

In response to president’s office statement, Minivan News assured that Mundhu, in an interview given to Judith Evans Editor of Minivan News, said that the government had been looking in to some serious allegations against Dr. Shaugy for quite some time. Minivan News further wrote that the matter of serious allegations were brought by Mundhu on his own and was not brought by Judith Evans.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily last night Dr. Shaugy said that comments of Mundhu as reported in Minivan news, was not sensible and that such comments regarding a government minister, trusted by the president is not befitting a presidential spokesperson.

“It is not some something a wise person in such a responsible position will say, so I would like to believe that Mundhu never said that, I am sure , president would not have given any indication to spread such lies” said Dr. Shaugy.

Dr. Sahugy last night did not comment on the rumors regarding his resignations. He declined to comment on the subject.

Presidential Spokesman Backtracks On Comments Made To Minivan News

The presidential spokesman on Saturday officially denied comments made to Minivan News after he was reported as saying government was looking into “serious allegations” against tourism minister Dr Mahmoud Shaugee.

Spokesman Mohamed Hussein Shareef (Mundhu) was quoted as saying to Minivan News editor Judith Evans that the president’s office had been looking into allegations against Shaugee “for a couple of days”.

The remarks came in response to a question about Shaugee’s resignation, according to Evans. Sources close to the minister indicate he tendered his resignation from the cabinet on Wednesday.

The statement from the president’s office reads that “the Presidential Spokesperson wishes to clarify comments and erroneous references taken from the press interview,” which it later says were “taken out of context” in an “attempt to assassinate the character of senior officials”.

One comment, the statement says, was “in response to malicious allegations against Minister Shougee. These comments were denied.”

However, Evans says the issue of allegations was first raised by Mundhu, who said: “There were some issues regarding Shaugee – some allegations sprang up […] They are serious allegations. They have been some issues for a couple of days we’ve been looking at.”

Evans says the statement also contains direct fabrications, such as the assertion Mundhu had told her “spurious allegations levelled at ministers and other senior officials must be supported with ample evidence”.

“I reject the statement from the President’s Office,” Evans said. “We aim to provide accurate, balanced coverage, and this article was no exception. As the official spokesperson of the president, Mundhu should take responsibility for his remarks made in this capacity.”

Shaugee on Saturday told Minivan News: “It would not be appropriate for me to say that one or another is telling the truth. If it is something Mundhu has said, he will know the truth.

“I don’t want to think further about it as it would destroy the assumptions I hold. If he [Mundhu] has said it he should be responsible for uttering those words,” he added.

Shaugee said he did not wish to comment on reports of his resignation. He has been Tourism Minister since 2005.

In addition to Minivan News, local paper Miadhu reports sources saying Shaugee has resigned, adding: “According to the source the President has discussed the matter with him and has yet to accept Dr. Shaugy’s resignation”.

In June 2007, local media accused Shaugee of irregularities in the leasing of the Kaafu atoll Vaadhoo resort to Sri Lankan firm Aitken Spence, but no evidence was produced against him and no action taken.

In the past two years, the government has deported two contributors to Minivan News, Adam Cooper and Phillip Wellman.

Minivan News

Tourism minister Dr Mahmoud Shaugee submitted his resignation to President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Wednesday, sources close to the minister have confirmed.

Shaugee on Thursday refused to deny the reports, though he said he would not comment on the issue. He reportedly attended a late-night meeting with the President on Wednesday evening.

The minister told associates his resignation was prompted by government’s decision to lease 31 new islands for resort development, a decision Shaugee had admitted was prompted by a state budget shortfall.

But presidential spokesman Mohamed Hussein Shareef (Mundhu) appeared to launch a counter-attack, saying “serious allegations” against Shaugee had been under investigation for “a couple of days”.

He refused to reveal details, but said the public would be informed “if the President takes any action”.

In June 2007, local media accused Shaugee of irregularities in the leasing of the Kaafu atoll Vaadhoo resort to Sri Lankan firm Aitken Spence, but no evidence was produced against him and no action taken.

“As a rule we do not admit or deny resignation offers,” Mundhu said. “We had a similar problem with [former foreign minister Dr Ahmed] Shaheed, a similar problem with [former employment minister Abdullah] Yameen.”

Gayoom has previously refused to accept resignations from ministers. Notably, when the President’s brother Yameen and his associate Ahmed Nazim left government in April 2007, it emerged their resignations had been submitted two months before.

Formerly education minister, Shaugee became tourism minister in a 2005 cabinet reshuffle.

He has since promoted the idea of resorts on inhabited islands (a practice previously barred in the Maldives) to increase local employment and closer integration of resorts into local economies. In May year government announced 11 “reef resorts” would be built on reclaimed land close to population centres.

But in June the tourism ministry said a total of 31 islands would be leased for resort development this year.

Critics have since described the move as a short-term revenue-raising measure, pointing out the 33 resorts currently under construction are all behind schedule.

Describing it as a “joint government decision”, Shaugee told Minivan News last month: “Government needs the money for the budget, we do not want to run into a budget deficit...[but] it will it bring other benefits of course [such as] the opportunity to place more resorts closer to people.”

On Thursday Shaugee would not comment on whether he might join the fledgling Republican Party, which has already attracted five defectors from the government’s Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP) in parliament.

Dr. Shaugy Resigns

Miadhu Daily has learnt from reliable sources that Minister of Tourism Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy has submitted his resignation.

According to the source the President has discussed the matter with him and has yet to accept Dr. Shaugy’s resignation.

The matter has not been confirmed by any official source as yet but when Miadhu Daily contacted Dr. Shaugy to obtain a word on the matter he did not deny the story.

According to information received Tourism Minister Dr. Shaugy submitted his resignation over disagreements on finance ministry’s proposal to lease out further 30 islands in order to secure more funds to the national budget.

Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy initially held the portfolio of education minister, since then he has held several key ministerial positions. At present he holds the position of Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation.

According to some sources Minister Shaugy’s resignation is to facilitate a political initiative along with other high profile politicians.

28% Rise in Travel to Maldives - Kuoni

Kuoni Travels has reported a 28% rise in travel to Maldives in the first six months of 2008 when compared to same period in 2007 according to a Release by Kuoni yesterday.

According to Kuoni, Maldives is their No. 1 destination and the popularity of Maldives is increasing and is unaffected by UK’s ever changing financial landscape.

"The Maldives is one of the destinations which have not been affected by the current economic climate,” says Kuoni’s eBusiness Director, Matt Rooke. “In fact, with it’s ‘no-news’ tranquility and natural beauty, it is the ideal destination to escape from press coverage of the economy".

Kuoni has posted a number of online videos of Maldives on their website which has encouraged number travelers to visit Maldives. The footages include beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling blue seas with a host of tropical fish and stunning coral lurking beneath the waves.

“The videos not only highlight the stunning scenery of the Maldives, but also provide potential travelers with a fantastic tool to review the wide choice of hotels available on the different islands,” said Rooke.

Kuoni Travel is one of the leading travel organizations in the world. Since 1966, Kuoni has led the UK long haul tour operation market and has consistently been UK’s most successful specialist tour operator. In recent years the company diversified into niche market operating eg Voyages Jules Verne, Travel Collection and Sport Abroad. All of these are successful specialist business units with full autonomy for product and marketing benefiting from the financial strength and the central infrastructure of the Kuoni Group.

Rangali Island launches ‘The Green Team’

Forget the ‘A team', the new ‘Green Team' at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has been equipped with the power to save more than the good guys!

The award-winning Indian Ocean resort has implemented a new ‘we care' course to ensure all team members are equipped with the environmental awareness to safeguard the future of the Maldives.

A training course teaches staff the facts, figures and possible impact of Global Warming on their surroundings as well updating them on the reasoning behind the existing environmental measures implemented by the resort. On completion of the course, staff members become part of the Green Team, working together to suggest and initiate further positive changes in the resort.

Carsten Schieck, General Manager commented, "The initiative forms part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island's ongoing commitment to protecting the fragile setting of the resort for future generations. With a largely Maldivian staff, it is our duty to work together to best safeguard one of the last paradises on earth."

Since its inception, the Green Team has introduced measures including the sale of used ink cartridges to a Refill company on behalf of a nominated charity and the ‘Earth Hour', a monthly exercise that invites all guests and staff to turn off all lights and appliances within the entire resort. The team will also soon unveil a green website, which outlines the resort's commitment to eco-initiatives.

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island takes significant steps to both reduce its environmental impact and help preserve the natural surroundings. The resort separates and recycles all waste where possible; uses biodegradable cleaning products across all departments; generates all hot water from solar power and runs a wastewater and desalination plant to produce water for the irrigation of the island.

To cut down on food miles, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island grows the majority of its organic fruits and vegetables on nearby Mandhoo Island, also home to a local Maldivian community whose school is sponsored by the resort. The resort's Dive team also participate in regular beach and under-water clean up missions and are currently sponsoring an important Whale Shark Study, which aims to learn more about the vulnerable species in order to protect and enhance understanding of their conservation.

About the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Set in a picturesque corner of the Maldives, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island combines three distinct resort experiences on two islands, linked by a bridge and surrounded by a vibrant coral reef and lagoon. Accommodation includes 50 of the most luxurious Water Villas in the country, 79 exotic Beach Villas and 21 fabulous Spa Water Villas - the ultimate in pure indulgence.

About Conrad_® Hotels & Resorts

Conrad Hotels & Resorts is the contemporary luxury brand of the Hilton Family of Hotels, with 17 award-winning properties in cosmopolitan destinations across the US, Ireland, Belgium, Egypt, Turkey, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Australia and Uruguay. Conrad offers luxury services for the discerning traveller, creating a world that celebrates individuality in every sense. Another seven Conrad projects are under development in Europe, South America, the Bahamas, the UAE, Thailand and China. All Conrad properties participate in the acclaimed Hilton HHonors® reward programme.

For further information on Conrad Hotels & Resorts please visit ConradHotels.com.