Enjoy a Maldives holiday - while they are still there

Iain Mayhew
mirror.co.uk

They may be sinking, but the stunning Maldives will always float your love boat.

It’s lucky I’ve brought my snorkel, mask and flippers with me.

I mean, they’re great for watching the mating habits of wrasse and rays and reef sharks and rainbow fish and so on.

But soon they could be an essential accoutrement to daily life out here, in much the same way as people carried around gas masks in boxes during the Blitz.

The Maldives is sinking into the peacock-blue Indian Ocean. Or rather, because of global warming, the sea level is rising around the Maldives.

And if the doom merchants are to be believed, every one of these 1,190 islands will be up to its neck in briny within a few generations.

Sitting under a coconut palm and watching a heron organise its breakfast buffet from a coral-ringed lagoon, I find this very hard to believe.

Yet someone seems to be taking it seriously. Only a few months ago the country’s new President started browsing the global property market to buy a post-diluvian home for his 270,000 people (a tiny slice of Australia has been mentioned. Quite how these gentle, seafaring, non-drinking folk would fare in the land of cane toads and Castlemaine beer doesn’t bear thinking about.).

No, I can’t see it, somehow. Here on Meeru Island, just one resort about a mile long by a quarter of a mile wide, with its palm-lined sandy walkways and sugar-white beaches, all seems right with the world. This really is as close to paradise as any cliche can get – unless of course you happen to be a travelling shoe salesman, because no-one wears any. At all. Even for dinner.

Meeru is a 50-minute speedboat ride from the airport at Male, the Maldives capital.

You could pay a bit more and arrive here by seaplane (15mins), but the boat parks up just a few yards from the airport arrivals hall and after an 11-hour overnight flight you might prefer the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. It is one of the larger Maldives islands (on some you could throw a coconut from one end to the other) and in some ways – particularly if you’re here for two weeks – it’s better for that.

There’s a dinky little nine-hole golf course, a golf driving range, floodlit tennis courts, badminton, a gym, two spas and bicycles for hire to whiz yourself from the Uthuru Bar on the northern tip of the island to the Asian Wok restaurant and bar in the south...........Read more

Resort rental fees not President’s property - Yamin

Miadhu

The rental charges of islands leased by the government for the purposes of developing the tourism in the country and other rental charges levied by the to government is not the property of the President but are funds accrued as government income, Noonu atoll MP and Leader of People’s Alliance Abdulla Yamin has said.

He made the statement to Miadhu Daily when asked whether it will affect the state budget if the government waives one year of the rental fees of the resort islands leased to various businessmen and whether the President has the authority to do so.

Abdulla Yamin, brother of the former President Gayoom, replied that the state budget which included the government income and expenditure and that the budget states that the government will receive Rf. 1.5 billion as rental fees from various tourists resort islands leased out. He also criticized President Nasheed for waiving some Rf600 million at a time when the state budget is expected to face severe shortfalls.

“The state budget was passed by the Majlis taking in to account the government expenditure and revenue; it states that the government will receive Rf. 1.5 billion as rental fees from various tourists resorts, now recently President Nasheed waived amounts close to Rf.600 million at a time when the government is looking for ways to generate money to run its affairs and fulfill its pledges to the people; this is not the way it should be “Yamin said.

He further said such action raises serious doubts on the government’s sincerity. He said if the government is sincere, it would not waive off money that is coming to the people. In addition, Yamin the importance of Majlis endorsing the budget is also now questionable and that once passed any deviations will require permission from the Majlis.

“Its very clearly said in the constitution that once the budget is passed any deviations will require the specific authority of the Majlis, but the President has just waived off income from tourism industry, this is government revenue going to the state budget, not the president’s property to do whatever he wants,” Yamin expressed.

He further expressed that the new government, which has been in power for less than three months, is acting very irresponsibly. He said the President on his recent tour of the Kolhumadulu atoll has made promises worth more than Rf. 2 billion or so budgeted for the atolls. He criticized President’s promises of providing housing, water and sewerage for small islands with sparse population like Burunee. Yamin further said that all this was aimed at exerting influence on the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

Explorism is the new tourism

halesowennews.co.uk

RESEARCH by tour operator Kuoni has confirmed that today’s travellers are looking for much more personal fulfilment from their holiday than just a two-week package in the sun.

They are looking for an enriching experience to complement and enhance their lifestyle every time they go away.

The company’s 2009 Longhaul Report combined research gathered directly from its customers and also from the expert views of its product managers to look at not only where people travel, but why.

In terms of where people travel, results show that: The Maldives was the top-selling longhaul destination in 2008. Its paradise islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, it’s the embodiment of barefoot luxury. It looks set to maintain its top slot for 2009 as well.

Runner-up was Thailand, its diversity encouraging a wide range of travellers to visit. New properties, such as the boutique Andaman White Beach located on one of the finest, most secluded beaches in Phuket, has been added for this year.

In third place was Egypt, which is ideal for tailor-made holidays with its culture, history, year-round sunshine and fascinating cruising.

Other destinations in the top 10 include America, Sri Lanka, Dubai, China and Hong Kong, Kenya, Singapore and India.

Looking ahead, New Zealand and St Lucia are new entrants into the top 20 for 2009 and Kuoni has also identified Kenyan safaris, high end five-star and three-star all inclusives in Mauritius and luxury beach and spa hotels in Thailand are the ones to watch.

To discover more about why people travel, the company conducted research among 1,400 customers in December, asking them what they wanted from a holiday, what they did to prepare for their trip, what activities and experiences they chose while they were there and what influences the holiday had on their lifestyle when they returned.

Questions were grouped under three key motivators – stimulating the mind, nurturing the body and soothing the soul.

Key findings of the Mind, Body and Soul research concluded that: Customers are looking for more than simply visiting a destination to tick it off the list. When asked what was the primary reason for taking a holiday, the majority of people confirmed that they now want more active participation, with 26 per cent choosing stimulating the mind as their first choice and 33 per cent picking nurturing the body.

Under the stimulating the mind banner, the highest rated activities were visiting local cultural events, wildlife excursions, seeing the sites with an expert and museum and gallery visits.

For nurturing the body, it was spa and beauty treatments, walking and hiking, regular and extreme sports and using the gym, with Thailand, the Maldives and the Caribbean taking the top slots.

For those looking to soothe their souls, sampling the local cuisine, chilling out on the beach, reading and enjoying local music were the key drivers, while the Maldives, the Caribbean and Thailand again earned the highest votes with their focus on simple sophistication or ‘simplistication’ proving irresistible.

For more information and reservations, call Kuoni on 01306 747008 or visit www.kuoni.co.uk

New State-Of-The-Art Sunset Water Villa Pools at Conrad Maldives

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has upgraded its two exclusive Sunset Water Villas with new state-of-the-art private swimming pools. At eight metres long, four metres wide and 1.2 metres deep, the pools offer guests the ultimate private swimming experience just steps from the Villa, raised above the beautiful Indian Ocean lagoon.

Featuring LED Chromatherapy lighting designed to balance a person’s energy by directing light and colour to acupressure points in the body, the pools also offer an extension of the resort’s spa therapies available at the Over-Water Spa and destination Spa Retreat. The outdoor living area is completed with new lounge furniture from the award winning DEDON line. The two Sunset Water Villas are the crème de la crème of the resort’s accommodation options, set in their own private area of the lagoon and accessible by boat or private walkway.

The 250 square metre two-bedroom villas feature luxurious facilities with glass floored living rooms, two large marble bathrooms, two flat-screen satellite TV systems (including one which descends from the bedroom ceiling), a circular bed which rotates 180 degrees to view the breathtaking sunsets and an outdoor Jacuzzi, whilst a private butler service takes care of the guests’ needs. Accommodation in a Sunset Water Villa costs USD5,500 to USD8,000 per villa per night, valid for up to four people sharing and including breakfast.

For reservations, visit www.conradmaldives.com.

Bill on Maldives Tourism Act sent to Committee

Miadhu

People’s Majlis on Wednesday has accepted the bill proposed by the government to amend the Maldives Tourism Act and has passed to send the bill to an 8 member Majlis adhoc committee.

When the bill was put to vote, 15 members out of 31 in attendance voted in favor of accepting the bill. 15 members also voted against the bill. As a result of the deadlock the chair, Speaker of the Majlis Mohamed Shihab as per article 87 of the constitution took part in the vote. Shihab voted in favor of accepting the bill and consequently the bill was accepted to the Majlis. In addition, although the Majlis Standing Orders bans members from taking part in votes in which members may have a personal interest, several members owning resorts took part in the vote.

In the opportunity opened to propose committees to send the bill for further scrutiny 2 committees were proposed and supported. Even though Noonu MP and Leader of People’s Alliance (PA) proposed to send the bill to the Majlis standing committee on Economic Affairs, Majlis voted in favor of sending the bill to Majlis adhoc committee proposed by Laamu MP Moosa Manik and supported by President’s member Mohamed Riyaz. Majlis voted in favor of Moosa Manik’s committee by 16 members voting in favor out of 25 cast.

The committee approved by the Majlis comprises of Gnaviani member Mohamed Ibrahim Didi, President’s member Ahmed Haleem, Dhaalu Member ADK Ahmed Nashid, Ga member Abdulla Jabir, Faafu member Ahmed Hamza, Thaa member Hassan Afeef and Addu member Ahmed Aslam. The committee is basically of members representing the ruling collation and members of the Majlis who owns resorts.

At Majlis sitting Tourism Minister Dr. Sawaad has expressed that the objective of the bill is to secure additional funds to the state budget.

The Maldives retains top spot in Kuoni long haul report

travelweekly.co.uk

The Maldives has remained the most popular destination in the Kuoni Longhaul Report, despite not allowing non-Muslims to be married there.

Kuoni head of product Wendy Kenneally said the destination maintained its position in the annual report, which lists the operator’s top-selling destinations, as couples can renew their vows there. It is also the operator’s most popular destination with honeymooning couples.

Thailand has also fought off competition to hold its second place despite the political unrest which saw rioters close down Bangkok airport over the Christmas period.

Kenneally added: “Thailand started off very strongly and was good to mid-year. However, what had started as a promising year ended in protests.”

Kenneally added the situation in Thailand appears to have calmed down and customers are once again being drawn to it largely thanks to the value on offer once they have arrived.

America has taken third place from Egypt thanks to an increase in weekend breaks with New York and Las Vegas proving particularly strong while Egypt came fourth largely due to the fact it is a mid-haul destination.

Kenneally added Sri Lanka moved in to the top five of the operator’s Longhaul Report despite ongoing fighting between the country’s government and the Tamil Tigers.

She said this had been driven by the fact that Sri Lanka remains the most popular wedding destination and the second most popular honeymoon destination.

Resort lease extension will not generate funds for budget - Yamin

Miadhu

MP for Noonu atoll and Leader of the People’s Alliance Abdulla Yamin has said he does not believe that extending the lease period of tourist resorts will generate required funds for the state budget.

Speaking at the People’s Majlis yesterday on the proposed bill to amend the Maldives Tourism Act Yamin said considering the anticipated revenue for the budget and considering the percentage of developed resorts, the increase in revenue will be approximately US $ 40,000 per year and that even the bed tax from the existing resorts will yield a bigger amount than this. He also sated that the bill is silent on the payment period for the money levied by the government due to extension of lease period and that it is left to the discretion of the resort owner. He further pointed out that lease period of the 68 resorts which are still under development will automatically be extended be extended for a 50 year period and that even with undeveloped resorts are counted , it will be a total of 150 resorts, and that the government will only generate an increase of US $ 25,000 from the 150 resorts. He raised the question whether such a long extension and privileges is worth the only US $ 25,000. He expressed that he is not in support of accepting the bill to the Majlis and called on the government to withdraw the bill.

Thaa MP Hassan Afeef speaking on the bill said that the main objective of the bill is to generate additional funds to the state budget and to ease the financial difficulties faced with the government. He said some members were trying to close all avenues of government revenues and that he would like to know the status of state treasury since the fall of 30 year old regime of former President Gayoom.

At the sitting members spoke in support of the bill while others opposed the bill. Members also noted that objective of the bill will not be realized as the bill stands and that it needed many amendments.

Thaa member Mohamed Shareef expressed that extending the lease of resorts was proposed by the government as a means of generating additional money to run the government and that this dire circumstance is a direct complete disregard to constitution by previous government. He expressed support for the bill saying the funds to run the government must be sought. Majlis on Wednesday is expected to put the bill to vote.

Maldives Govt. allows international airlines to go domestic

Miadhu

The cabinet has advised President Mohamed Nasheed to open opportunity for all registered airlines in the Maldives to operate international flights, as well as all international airlines that fly to the Maldives to operate domestically. The cabinet made this decision at a cabinet meeting held at the President’s Office on Tuesday, after deliberation on a paper on the amendment of the existing Maldivian Civil Aviation Regulation prepared by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Communication.

Under the previous Aviation Policy of the government, private airlines were permitted to operate international flights only for carrying cargo. The cabinet decided to change the previous policy as such a change in policy will benefit the public and contribute to improving the country’s economy.

Asian tourism set for rocky ride in 2009

reuters.com

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Across Asia -- hotels, airlines and tourism operators are bracing for another tough year as the financial crisis keeps long haul visitors at home, and regional travelers tighten purse-strings with shorter, budget trips.

"There'll definitely be a drop in business, fewer tourists is a reality," said Laurence Lai, the owner of two photo galleries at Hong Kong tourist hotspots, including the Star Ferry pier, selling iconic images of the former British colony.

"I expect a 30 percent fall at least. I'm having to shift my strategies to confront this financial tsunami, but you just have to stand firm and face the winds," added Lai, who relies on tourists for half his sales.

Asia's blend of diverse cultures, geography, bargains and exoticism, with travel gems ranging from snowy Himalayan kingdoms to neon-lit capitals, crumbling Khmer ruins and powdery beaches -- have made it one of the world's fastest growing tourism regions in recent years, along with the Middle East.

But since the downturn intensified last year, travel markets spanning Hong Kong, Thailand and India have suffered sharp contractions, at times worsened by political turmoil, with many projecting negative growth in 2009.

Hong Kong, now one of Asia's top tourist hubs with 29.5 million visitors last year, is predicting visitor arrivals to dip 1.6 percent in 2009, though a steeper drop of 9.2 percent is forecast for non-Chinese visitors.

Singapore's tourist arrivals, meanwhile, fell 2 percent last year with more gloom expected, while Thailand and Malaysia both expect 9 percent drops in visitors this year.

TIGHTER BUDGETS BITE

The U.N.'s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has described the Asia-Pacific region's performance in 2008 as having "deteriorated most rapidly," compared with the Americas, the Middle East, Europe and Africa, with tourism demand expected to be impacted further in the short to medium term.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned global airlines face their worst business crisis in 50 years with carriers facing possible collapse, revenues tumbling and hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk.

IATA'S director-general said in December some 300,000-400,000 jobs were at risk among some 32 million or so people now employed around the world in air transport, travel and tourism sectors...... Read more

19 parties interested in Male' International Airport

Miadhu

Ministry of Finance and Treasury has revealed that 19 parties have expressed interest following the announcement of tender for the development of Male' International Airport under a joint-venture. A press release by the Finance Ministry states that companies from Europe, Asia and Africa expressed interest when the invitation to tender for announced for the second time.

The invitation to tender was announced for a second time, after a request from Anti-Corruption Commission to cancel the first invitation as it was carried out in a way which might lead to corruption. The Commission said that that airport had not been valued at the time when the Finance Ministry invited for bidders to the joint-venture development of Male' International Airport. The Anto-Corruption Commission also highlighted that although it was an international tender, the invitation to bid was only published in 3 local newspapers and not publicized in foreign countries.

Kingfisher Airlines to expand global offerings including Maldives

indiainfoline.com

Destinations like Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka, Dubai and Maldives

Kingfisher Airlines announced that it would offer flights to seven more international destinations over the next three months. Kingfisher Airlines Vice-President (Global Sales), Siva Ramachandran was quoted as saying, that there is a proposal for including destinations like Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka, Dubai and Maldives.

Apart from this, the company's service network would also extend to other international destinations in the Gulf such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, Ramachandran said. For this, the company is planning to hire foreign crew and is also awaiting Government's permission for the same.

Hrithik, Barbara's intense undersea love in Maldives

bollywoodmantra.com

Rakesh Roshan's Kites is creating ripples all round. More than the story line, the film is making news for the heavy loaded love sequences between Hrithik Roshan and her bidesi co-star Barbara Mori. The cast and the crew are making a round of the globe in relation to the shoot. After shooting in New Mexico, Los Angeles and Las Vegas and of course Mumbai, they are off to Maldives to shoot an intense underwater love scene.

It is learnt that director Anurag Basu wants to include a romantic underwater song and felt Maldives beach to be the right choice for such a song which will show intense passion and love between Hrithik and Barbara. Apart from this song Basu also intends to shoot a few underwater romantic scenes. They would not spend much time there as they have some important scene to be shot in Mumbai studio. They will put up in Maldives just for 4 days.

Kites which is slated for summer 2009 release also stars Kangana Ranuat in an important role.

Related News
Hrithik, Barbara Mori fly to Maldives
Hrithik Roshan flies to Maldives for Kites shoot

Coral reefs can help earthquake prediction: Study

deccanherald.com

Analysis of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean show that they have annual growth rings, and if previous cycles are a guide, a large Sumatran earthquake could be a possibility in the next two decades, writes Radhakrishna Rao

Coral reefs that constitute an important component of the marine ecosystem could be a reliable indicator to predict earthquakes, says a recent study. A detailed analysis of the coral reefs in the Indian Ocean has revealed that they feature annual growth rings, similar to tree rings, which record cyclical events including seismic activities and tectonic shifts.

According to Kerry Sieh, Professor at Tectonics Observatory of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) who studies coral reefs around the waters of Sumatra region in Indonesia, “if previous cycles are a reliable guide, we can expect one or more very large Sumatran earthquakes within the next two decades.” Sieh and his team of researchers believe impending earthquakes could be similar to the tsunami that left 2,30,000 people either dead or missing across Asia. “When earthquakes push the sea floor upwards, lowering local sea level, the corals can’t grow upwards and grow outward instead,” say researchers.

Earlier, research studies had gone to show that coral reefs not only protect the coastline from sea erosion and tidal storms, but also help build beaches in low lying islands. Coral reefs also serve as a prolific fish breeding ground accounting for 12 per cent of the global fish yield. Further, they form an ideal habitat for turtles, shrimps, lobsters, sea urchins, algae and a host of other marine life forms.

Slowdown in coral reefs

In a disturbing development, marine scientists have reported that the growth of coral reefs in Australia’s Great Barrier reef has suffered “severe slowdown” since 1990. Marine researches who studied the growth of 328 coral reefs that make up the 1250-mile long Great Barrier Reef, off north-east Australia point out that this development could threaten a variety of marine eco systems.

Researchers say the carbon dioxide in the depths of the ocean get transferred into an acidic state, that in turn makes it more difficult for corals to grab minerals they need to build their skeletons from the sea water. A large spread of coral reefs was destroyed in 1998 when a vast sheath of warm water covered the tropical seas, pushing the average temperature by two degrees centigrade.

“While the impact of the tsunami on corals in India was modest, corals here get bleached due to sedimentation, increase in water temperature and coastal development,” says Rodrigues Sudarshan of the Coastal and Marine Development Programme at the Bangalore-based Ashoka Trust for Environment and Ecology. According to M Wafar, a senior scientist at the Goa-based National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), the Lakshadweep reefs bore the burnt of coral mining, souvenir collection and ground water pollution.

Because of their high degree of productivity, coral reefs are often referred to as “rainforests of the sea.” Studies have shown that coral reefs produce more organic matter per unit than any other eco system. In Asia, coral-based fisheries provide 25 per cent of fish varieties.

The unregulated growth of tourism in SE Asian countries, indiscriminate fishing activities, ornamental fish thriving in the tropical seas and steady build-up of global temperature are taking a heavy toll on these reefs.

In countries like Maldives, coral reefs serve as a major tourist attraction because of their stunning colours and varieties. The massive influx of tourists to Maldives is known to have played a key role in damaging its coral reef wealth. In Philippines, coral reefs are mainly disturbed by the unsustainable collection of ornamental fish varieties which has a big export market.

Meanwhile, in a development of significance, NIO scientists have succeeded in recovering coral reefs in Kavarati island in Lakshadweep through the process of coral transplantation. This will soon be extended to Agati and Kadmat islands.

Maldives new resort developments: the lost revenue

maldiveseconomist.blogspot.com

Maldives government has decided to grant an extension to all the new resort developers, so that they get an additional 12 months before they start paying rent to the government. The lease agreement between the investor and the government requires the investor to start operations and start paying the lease rent within 24 months of the signing the agreement.

The decision by the government to grant an extension would result in a decline in the expected government revenue within the next 12 months, on top of the escalating government expenditures.
The delay in opening the new resorts for operation also means the lost revenue to the government through bed tax.

So, the delay and extension costs a lot to the government, and these factors make us wonder, why the delay in opening those resorts?


The leasing of islands for tourism development is carried out by the Ministry of Tourism and follows a model in which uninhabited islands are auctioned off in a bidding process with government publishing the criteria in advance.

The Ministry of Tourism embarked on an ambitious expansion of the tourism industry with 37 new islands opened for bidding in the period 2004-2006. The first round of developments was announced in 2004, with 11 islands being opened for bidding.

In 2006, with the new set of islands, government tried to be more transparent and objective and opened islands for bidding under the ‘open-rent’ and ‘closed-rent’ categories.

If we were to construct a model for determining the probability of opening a resort for operations within 24 months of awarding the island, it would depend on the following factors: availability of investment finance; management expertise; location of the island; proposed lease rent; assuming all the other factors remain the same.


The availability of investment finance or the ability of obtaining debt finance from banks is linked to almost all the factors mentioned above. For example, the higher the proposed lease rent, the lower will be the profitability, and thus feasibility of the investment. The location of the island has significant implications on the transportation costs and the construction costs of the island, and thus affects the prospect of obtaining finance as well.

The lease rent plays a major and a significant role in making the investment worthwhile, and thus the sustainability of the venture. Hence, bidding procedures need to be de-linked to the rent component in order to make new resort developments a success. The policies adopted in 2004-2006, especially in the case of the ‘open-rent’ category of islands, has done nothing but inflated the lease rents above the true market value. As a result, new investors are struggling to obtain the necessary finance.

If these islands were awarded with industry average lease rents, the probability of getting those islands opened would have increased, and with it the government revenue through bed tax.
Sustainable tourism development is much more important than trying to squeeze short-term gains through high lease rent payments. Sustainable it can be made only through allowing true market values to be reflected in the lease rents.

Hulhudhoo Islanders Protest Against Yacht Tours

Minivan

A large group of Hulhudhoo islanders have said they will protest against Yacht Tours everyday from 4 to 6.30pm until there is a change of management at Handhufushi (Herethere) Resort.

Islanders have been protesting on one side of a channel which separates Hulhudhoo from the resort since Friday, using megaphones and loud speakers to convey their anger.

Ahmed Asleem, a member of the Hulhudhoo island development committee and one of the organisers of the demonstration, said several hundred islanders were protesting “for the rights of workers, the rights of business people in Addu and the rights of tourists”.

But Abdullah Jabir, the chairman of Yacht Tours, which currently manages Handhufushi Resort, has said those protesting are ex-employees of the resort who were dismissed for drug abuse.

The resort has recently been in the media spotlight after Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) said it would terminate Yacht Tours’ contract for the resort in three days for non-payment of rent.

Actor Iqbal honeymooned in Maldives to avoid embarrassment

realbollywood.com

Television artist Iqbal Khan surprisingly chose not to honeymoon at any of those exotic spots that his new bride Sneha selected on the net because he was not sure he will get a visa.

“After the experience I went through some months ago who knows how the immigration authorities would’ve reacted to my name,” Iqbal told IANS.

The actor, who was seen in series like “Kyun Hota Hai Pyarr” and “Karam Apna Apna”, referred to his humiliating experience with the American consulate which rejected his visa plea some months ago arguing that his name suggested terrorist links.

“I’d rather not think about these things. There’re enough holiday spots in our own country for my wife and me. We had a week of bliss in the Maldives. And our honeymoon is still on since I’m not working.

The couple is technically back from their honeymoon but they continue to be in the honey-mode.

“We make it a point to watch at least one film every day in the theatre. And if not in the theatre then we watch a DVD. Both Sneha and I have become diehard movie buffs.”

He says he is enjoying his break from acting.

“Marriage so far has been an extended honeymoon. There were no adjustments with each other or our families since we’ve known each other for years now.”

Iqbal and Sneha’s first post-marriage Valentine’s Day was a unique experience.

“We were caught in a traffic jam for hours. So, we spent our Valentine’s Day trapped in the traffic. No sweat, as long as we were together.”

The actor is working out rigorously and trying to keep himself in shape for his next leap.

“Lately, I had put on a lot of weight. Now when I return viewers will see the taut character Angad that they saw in ‘Kyun Hota Hai Pyarr’ when I first appeared on television.”

Iqbal, who left Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms in December, has yet to make up his mind about his next work move.

“I’ve had very tempting offers from Zee, Sony and STAR. But I’ve said no to all of them. I don’t want to go back to doing the same thing. Whatever I do has to be a step forward.”

www.visitmaldives.com: Site Down for Maintenance

See: www.visitmaldives.com

Path to Balance - Wellness Retreat at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

etravelblackboardasia.com

The Maldives only destination spa is helping its guests to kickstart 2009 with its second transformational ‘Path to Balance Wellness Retreat’,
hosted by fitness guru Matt Kinnear until 8th February 2009.

As a therapeutic Massage Practitioner, Martial Arts expert and personal trainer, Matt combines his skill set to offer a life changing experience.

Guests can enjoy either a taster session of therapeutic massage, personal training, group Qi Gong, Boxing Classes, or opt for a complete transformational experience. Combine three to seven days of one-on-one training with Matt together with the myriad of treatments, fitness classes, naturopathy and gourmet spa cuisine available at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Spa Retreat.

The three day ’Perfect Balance’ course combines healing massage in conjunction with physical fitness and lifestyle advice.
- 2 x 90 min Therapeutic Massage with Matt
- 1 x personal training with Matt
- Consultation with Naturopath including personally blended herbal medicine
- 1 x 60min or 75min spa treatment of choice at the Spa Retreat
- 1 x Private Heat Therapy at the Spa Retreat
- Unlimited fitness and yoga classes
$700 (Valued at $950)

The Seven-day ‘Ultimate Transformation’ combines personal training and massage therapy with Matt along with Yoga, Holistic Therapy and Naturopathy to treat the mind, body and spirit simultaneously.

- 4 x 90 min Therapeutic Massage with Matt
- 2 x Personal training with Matt
- 1 x Qi Gong with Mat
- 1 x Boxing Class with Matt
- A consultation with the Naturopath including personally blended herbal medicine
- 2 x 60min or 75min spa treatment of choice at the Spa Retreat
- 2 x Private Heat Therapy at the Spa Retreat
- Unlimited fitness and yoga classes
$1500 (Valued at $1820)

Trailfinders (0845 050 5871 trailfinders.com) is offering seven-nights at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in February from ￡2999 per person. Price includes flights with Qatar Airways from London Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester and accommodation in a Beach Villa including daily breakfast and seaplane transfers.

Guests who upgrade to a Spa Water Villa will receive one free night – saving over ￡1,200. Seven-nights in a Spa Water Villa with in-villa gym and treatment room costs from ￡4199 per person as above and including USD220 spa credit per villa per day, choice of three freshly squeezed juices per day and a daily fresh fruit basket.

For further information on the Path to Balance Retreat email spa.maldives@conradhotels.com. Prices are are subject to 10% service charge.

Love is all around at luxury Maldives resort, Iru Fushi Beach & Spa

easier.com

With Valentine’s Day around the corner Sun Hotels & Resorts invites sweethearts to lose themselves in Maldivian romance at the luxurious Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Resort.

To get passion off to a flying start, lovebirds will enjoy the 45-minute scenic seaplane transfer from Malé to Iru Fushi in the Noonu Atoll, which affords picture perfect views of the turquoise waters below.

On the ground, Iru Fushi can guarantee total privacy with accommodation ranging from Jacuzzi beach villas, each with an enclosed courtyard and a private cabana on the beach, to opulent water suites which boast a vast deck area and a private infinity pool with unparalleled views of the surrounding lagoon. With the added option of destination dining available in the rooms, couples never need leave their luxury love nest!

However, for the ultimate indulgence, Iru Fushi is offering a special lover’s night package exclusively for Valentine’s Day dubbed ‘Amour Surprise Night’. For US $200 per person, it includes a soothing 30 minute couple’s aromatic massage during the day followed by a magical four-course seafood dinner with wine on the beach with the stars as an enchanting backdrop. To finish off the evening, a surprise milk bath surrounded by candles awaits in the privacy of the room. All-in-all, it’s the perfect recipe for romance.

If this isn’t enough, couples can also enjoy a two-hour long Romance package at Iru Fushi’s Sun Spa. Priced from US $220 per couple and available any time, it includes a purifying steam to cleanse the body, followed by a couple’s massage where skilled therapists work harmoniously using exotic aromas of specially blended oils. The treatment culminates with a gentle, yet deeply cleansing refresher facial and is topped-off with a romantic flower bath and a glass of chilled wine.

What’s more, Iru Fushi has a whole host of memorable excursions on offer such as a sunset dolphin cruise and a snorkeling safari so that it’s impossible not to fall in love with each other as well as the Maldives this Valentines.

Seven nights at Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Resort starts from US $2,490 per person. Available over Valentines, the price includes return seaplane transfers from Malé airport, accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis staying in a Jacuzzi Beach Villa and a complimentary turndown service with petit fours on 14 February as well as a romantic in-villa breakfast the following morning.

Visit irufushi.com for further information.

Hrithik, Barbara Mori fly to Maldives

starboxoffice.com

Hrithik Roshan and his Hollywood actress Babara Mori flew to Maldives last night to shoot the last schedule of their upcoming film Kites.

“Yes… We all are heading to Maldives as we have to shoot a romantic underwater song there. We thought that a Maldives beach will be a superb location for such a song which will show intense passion and love between Hrithik and Barbara and apart from this song we are also going to shoot a few underwater romantic scenes. The shoot is just for 4 days,” says director Anurag Basu.

“We were supposed to shoot this sequence in February but we pulled the schedule forward due to some technical reasons. After this shoot there will be only few scenes which will be done in Mumbai studios,” says Basu.

Kites is one of the most awaited films of 2009. Initially the film was shot in Mexico and Las Vegas. Thereafter the crew flew to Mumbai where Mori joined them. Hrithik is also expected to record a track for the film.

The film is slated to release late in the summer of 2009.

MTDC terminates Herethere contract with Yacht Tours

Haveeru

The Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) on Wednesday terminated the contract made to lease Addu atoll Herethere (Handhufushi) to Yacht Tours and gave the company seven days to handover the resort.

At a news conference held at Dharubaaruge on Wednesday, MTDC officials said that the decision had been made by the new Board of Directors.

“Today we have notified them by letter of the termination of the contract,” the MTDC’s lawyer Shaheen Hameed said.

Shaheen also said that if the company does not handover the resort before the deadline then the matter will be taken to Court. He said that even though Yacht Tours had filed a claim for compensation, it was the company that had breached the agreement and that there was no money that the MTDC had to pay.

A statement issued by the MTDC said that the newly comprised Board of Directors of MTDC had at Tuesday’s meeting given top priority to the issue of Yacht Tours not paying the rent due and what to do after the notice period issued last month had expired. The notice issued to Yacht Tours states that the contract agreement would be terminated if the rent was not paid by Tuesday. The MTDC’s statement said that six of the seven members had voted to go ahead as per the notice.

Speaking at the news conference, the MTDC’s Managing Director Mohamed Mihad said that the MTDC had kept their part of the agreement and fulfilled all the contractual obligations.

“The only thing that remained for the MTDC to do before 30th November 2008 was the creation of the channel,” Mihad said. “It was done on schedule.”

He also said that the Board had decided to terminate the contract because they did not feel it was a good idea to decrease rent as Yacht Tours had proposed and that it was in the best interests of the shareholders too.

Six Days To Surrender Handhufushi: MTDC

Minivan

The public-owned Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has given Yacht Tours six days to hand over Handhufushi Resort or face legal action.

The warning follows a 30-day notice period issued to Yacht Tours after the company failed to pay this quarter’s rent for the resort.

Abdullah Jabir, the chairman of Yacht Tours, has said his company withheld the rent because the MTDC had failed to fulfil its contractual obligations, chiefly, the construction of a waterway in the resort.

Yacht Tours filed a case two days ago to sue the MTDC for US$67 million – the projected loss of revenue if their 20-year contract for Handhufushi Resort is terminated by MTDC.

Bone of contention

Jabir has accused MTDC of not “honouring its part of the deal”, which included the creation of channel between the islands of Herethere and Hulhudhoo.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, he said the construction of the waterway had not been completed.

Both the unfinished channel and the presence of machinery, he continued, had adversely affected the occupancy level of the resort which had led to a huge financial loss.

In addition, Yacht Tours had spent US$22 million on making the necessary improvements to the resort, including the creation of a new beach, landscaping and seaweed removal.

But according to Ahmed Shareef, one of the MTDC’s directors, the agreement stated the waterway would be completed by 30 November 2008 and this had been achieved.

“We have completed building the channel by this date. Now the banks are being done.”

He added the presence of vehicles and equipment was also due to other work being carried out on the island by the same contractor.

The negotiating table

Failure to reach an amicable agreement, said Jabir, had forced him to turn to the courts to resolve the matter. But, he said, he was still open to negotiation.

Previously, Jabir had asked the MTDC for a rent decrease to compensate for the incomplete waterway and to offset the effects of the global economic crisis.

He had also offered to buy the resort from the MTDC in order to make the money spent on improvements a worthwhile investment.

Jabir added the decision made by the board of directors on Monday was contrary to government policy.

President Mohamed Nasheed recently decided to allow resorts still under development to defer rent payments for a year because of the international financial meltdown.

Mohamed Zuhair, press secretary at the president’s office, has said the president will do “everything to alleviate” the dispute between Yacht Tours and the MTDC.

He added Nasheed was “addressing the larger issue of 67 resorts being developed” in order to help those facing financial difficulties.

“It’s nothing personal”

But Mohamed Mihad, managing director of MTDC, has said the corporation is not willing to negotiate as sufficient notice to pay the rent had already been given to Yacht Tours.

He added Yacht Tours would forfeit the US$10 million bank guarantee provided to secure their bid for the resort.

According to Mihad, the guarantee was obtained during the bidding process to safeguard the interests of the MTDC.

Another of the board members, Ibrahim Saleem, said the company had held a board meeting on Tuesday and had agreed not to extend the notice period.

“It’s nothing personal,” he said. “Herethere Resort (Handhufushi Resort) is the only one of our ventures that is currently generating money, so we can’t afford to lose it.

“We negotiated and gave them 30 days to pay the outstanding rent. But today we have given them six days notice to hand the island back. It is in the interest of shareholders.”

The MTDC was established as a public enterprise with 55 per cent of its shares sold to the public to encourage the redistribution of tourist profits.

At present, it is developing 8 resorts as joint ventures and one, Uligamu, is a solo project.

The future for Addu

The opening of Handhufushi Resort, previously called Herethera, in 2007 was seen as a boon to Addu Atoll which was widely viewed as economically neglected by the government.

It promised to boost the local economy with hundreds of jobs guaranteed for locals.

In recent months, employees at the resort have gone on strike in order to protest against non-payment of wages by Yacht Tours. Ibrahim Rasheed, general manager at the resort, has denied these claims.

At the press conference, Jabir said the MTDC had orchestrated the protests and rejected rumours that disgruntled Adduans were planning to occupy the island on Friday, saying, he had “the best interest of Adduans at heart”.

Mihad has ensured staff will not be affected by the dispute. MTDC board member Ahmed Shareef added, “Nothing will be affected, none of the staff jobs or the bookings. Everything will go smoothly. Think of this only as a change of management.”

The lawyer for MTDC has said the company would now bring in auditors to evaluate the buildings and the equipment. “If Yacht Tours does not hand over,” he said, “we will take action according to the law.”

Maldives moves to protect whale sharks

divemagazine.co.uk

The Maldives has taken the first steps towards establishing a protected area for whale sharks. The government-backed initiative is being supported by biologists, diving professionals and representatives of the local community.

For years, the Maldives has been renowned for its whale shark encounters, which, while not as seasonal as those of the Seychelles, occur throughout the atolls during most of the year. Several locations - notably the exposed outer reef of South Ari Atoll - have emerged as whale-shark hotspots and attract boatloads of snorkellers on a daily basis.

Spearheading the move to organise and regulate these encounters is a group of local biologists who have formed the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP). Since 2006, this group has been investigating the populations and behaviour of whale sharks in the Maldives through photo-identification, prey surveys and by taking part in an international genetic analysis and tagging project.

So far, a database of 100 individual sharks has been compiled and is being used to track the movements of these sharks around the atolls. The group is also investigating stories of other whale shark hotspots across the archipelago: it is thought that the sharks journey around the Maldives in order to find seasonal eddies that concentrate their favourite food - zooplankton - into relatively small areas. The long-term plan is to establish protected areas in which snorkelling and boat activity will be controlled, and the sharks will have a refuge from open-ocean fisheries.

A meeting was held at the end of 2008 to consider ways of protecting the sharks and ensuring that all boats conform to a code of conduct.

Hrithik Roshan flies to Maldives for Kites shoot

businessofcinema.com

Hrithik Roshan will be flying to Maldives tonight along with his Kites co-star Barbara Mori for the shoot of the film.

Kites director Anurag Basu says, "We have to shoot a slow romantic song and we thought that Maldives would be apt for such a song. We will leave tonight for a four day shoot."

The unit of Kites finished shooting a song on 11 January at Mumbai's Filmistan Studios. Prior to this, Kites had a lengthy shoot at Mexico and Las Vegas. To give it an international feel, Rakesh Roshan, the film's producer had said that various locations would be used.

The film's music has been composed by Rajesh Roshan and this song is supposed to highlight the romance between Roshan and Mori in the film.

Yacht Tours dismisses reports that new MTDC director is their employee

Miadhu

Yacht Tours has dismissed reports that Abdul Ghafoor who was recently appointed to the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation Board of Directors is the Deputy Director of the Company. The press release by the company says that Ghafoor is not an employee of the company as he had resigned last December.

The press release says that the cover story run by Aafathis News that the Deputy Director of Yacht Tours had been included in the MTDC Board of Directors, is untrue. The press release also stated that the article published on Haveeru News on 11th January stating words said by Special Advisor to the President Dr. Hassan Saeedh had been written whilst the Journalist who wrote the article and Dr. Hassan Saeedh were unaware of the facts" said the press release by the company.

Yacht Tours is owned by business tycoon Abdulla Jabir who is deputy leader of Jumhoory Party, which makes up part of the ruling coalition. The Handhufushi Resort (formerly known as Herethere') is being leased to Yacht Tours by MTDC.

Sri Lanka to promote coastal tourism in Gujarat

gujaratglobal.com

With its expertise in coastal tourism, Sri Lanka has signed a MOU with Gujarat to promote tourism in the state having 1600 km long coastline. Gujarat is the first state with which Sri Lanka has signed MOU even as Sri Lanka has separate MOU with the Government of India. Announcing this, Sri Lanka Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda said that Sri Lanka and Gujarat will set up working groups to thrash out modalities and areas for the development of tourism. In reply to a question, he said that no specific projects have been identified.

Sri Lanka dominates in the travel industry in Maldives and recently it had a joint venture with travel industry of Maldives to promote tourism in China. Some such model can be worked out with Gujarat also. For the past five years, Sri Lanka is concentrating on Indian tourists and as a result 20 per cent of its tourist traffic is from India. Last year Sri Lanka launched two products- Ramayan trail and MICE tourism with an eye on India tourists. There are 52 cities associated with Ramayan in Sri Lanka. In the one year over 3000 tourists have come primarily for the Ramayan trail, Seenivasagam Kalaiselvam, Director General Tourism Development Authority said. Its another product MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) has attracted more than 15,000 tourists in one year, according to Prema Cooray, Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.

Moragoda said that in the near future he would take up promotion of Buddhist circuit. All the three circuits are to attract tourists from neighbouring areas, he said. Sri Lanka has formed Strategic Action Group to work out strategies to promote tourism in such a way that even during dull time the tourism industry of Sri Lanka was not affected. Sri Lanka plans to target three main categories of individuals from India – the youth and young families, up-market travelers and those seeking spiritual upliftment.

He said that Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is currently working closely with various domestic operators as well as several Indian travel agents and tour operators, to come up with specific products including attractively priced holiday packages for the young and young at heart that would include beaches, nightlife, shopping and value for money, yet world class hotels. The beaches have plenty of opportunities for water sports and get a glimpse of several species of whales such as blue whales, hump-backed whales, sperm whales, as well as killer whales and dolphins.

Heightened fears for lowering lands

BBC, UK

The Maldives' idyllic, pristine beaches and tropical reefs attract more than half a million tourists to the small Indian Ocean nation every year.

But an unavoidable catastrophe awaits the Muslim nation and its natural beauty: the threat of global climate change and rising sea levels.

An increase in sea levels of 58cm (22.8in), as projected by the UN International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), could see most of the country's 1,192 islands submerged by next century and leaving many of its 369,000 citizens without a homeland.

But locals say the effects of global warming have begun to show already, with the phenomenon likely to damage significantly the nation's key industries - fisheries and tourism - not far into the future.

Tidal surges

The atolls of the Maldives are protected by networks of coral reefs which act as a defence against natural phenomena including flooding, tidal surges and erosion.

But scientists say that many such reefs are facing extinction from fluctuating water levels and rising temperatures as the Earth warms up because of climate change.

According to Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem, head of conservation at the Banyan Tree Resort, a rise of sea temperatures of only 2C will wipe out many coral reefs if it is sustained for a period of two weeks.

"With climate change there will be more tidal surges, more swells, and more storms," he says. "Weather patterns are changing rapidly. From fishermen we know these are not normal. Before we knew what to expect; today those things are very unpredictable."

Tidal surges will not only increase the risk of houses and communities being flooded, but will also result in a higher level of salt water on local vegetation - which will impact on food production too, says Mr Azeez.

Erosion is already affecting many of the Maldives' 200 inhabited islands, with domestic activities such as pollution, reclamation and illegal coral and sand mining contributing to the damage.

Islanders are beginning to feel the impact. On one island in Raa atoll this month, residents held protests demanding government action after four houses collapsed into the sea due to the erosion of sand banks......read more

Maldives government allows one additional year to develop resorts

Miadhu

The Government has allowed an extra year to develop resorts that are yet to be completed. This follows a decision reached at a Cabinet meeting held yesterday at the President's Office, after discussions and proposals by a special committee set to look into the matter.

The Government also reached a conclusion to delay charging rent for the resorts for a period of one year, in addition to helping to get loans from international financial institutions to develop the resorts.

Cabinet ministers planned on the restrictions faced by the fisheries, agriculture and construction industry in the meeting. President Nasheed also briefed the Cabinet on his recent State Visit to neighboring Sri Lanka,

Sonu Shivdasani (Six Senses)

A descendant of Indian parents, Sonu was born and studied largely in England, with some periods of his education being in Nigeria and Switzerland. He is an alumni of Eton College and a Graduate of Oxford University where he received an MA in English Literature.

During his time at Oxford, Sonu met his Swedish-born wife, Eva. They fell in love with the Maldives and leased an island there in 1990. After considerable effort and some good luck their first resort, Soneva Fushi, opened in 1995. As the pioneer luxury and environment friendly resort in the country, Soneva Fushi redefined tourism in the Maldives and soon became known as the premier beach destination.

In 2000, Soneva Fushi was awarded "Best of the Best" by the readers of Conde Nast Traveller UK, an indication of the numerous travel and environmental awards with which the company would receive in the future.

Soneva Fushi also opened the first spa in the Maldives and one of the first in Asia; thus Six Senses Spas was born.

The signing of agreements to manage resorts and spas of third parties lead to what is now the Six Senses group; a company whose "Core Purpose" is: "To create innovative and enriching experiences in a sustainable environment".

With this goal in mind the Six Senses portfolio currently boasts 26 resorts that are either open or under development, and 41 spas that are in Six Senses’ own properties or hosted by third-party managed properties. Six Senses also operates retail outlets at most of its resorts under the brand - Six Senses Gallery.

Whilst the evolution of Six Senses keeps Sonu quite busy, he enjoys reading, art, architecture, wine, travelling, wellness and "Six Senses Living".

Source: PATA CEO challenge

How Sonu started from Maldives and expanded into the world

clubescapemaldives.blogspot.com

Hoteliers around the globe may be suffering cold sweats as the economic meltdown hits occupancy rates hard, but Six Senses Resorts & Spas CEO Sonu Shivdasani tells Arabian Business he is confident his luxury chain will emerge stronger in 2009. Following are edited extracts from the story on www.arabianbusiness.com/

Even staring down the barrel of the most severe global economic downturn in living memory, Sonu Shivdasani is so relaxed that you could be forgiven for thinking he has just spent a week at one of his own resorts.

"I would be much more concerned if I were selling luxury handbags," smiles the founder and CEO of Six Senses Resorts & Spas, leaning back in his seat. "They just sit in your cupboard and you can do without them for a few years.
The same cannot be said of holidays - if anything, Shivdasani believes the need to travel has never been greater. It's a bold statement considering the financial meltdown is expected to hit hotels and airlines hard in 2009. But the Oxford-educated Englishman - who oversees 14 island and hideaway retreats at various locations including the Middle East (and the Maldives) - insists the outlook is brighter than some are forecasting.

Before the financial crisis, he argues, long-haul and short-haul holidays were the top two priorities for people looking to spend their disposable incomes, followed by luxury goods. Since the downturn, Shivdasani insists that while holidays are still on the agenda, luxury goods have dropped off the radar.

"People feel [holidays are] a return on life," Shivdasani says. "If they have the money in the bank they say, ‘this is the time we need to bond together as a family because it's so gloomy and cold in England or France,'for example.

"You put on the TV and see the economic crisis and job market going up and down with redundancies being announced and it's cold outside, so people feel they need to get away from it all," he adds.

Adding further weight to his argument, Shivdasani recalls a recent conversation he had with Matthew Upchurch, chairman of US travel agent association Virtuoso. The American organisation launched the ‘Return on Life' campaign last year, encouraging people to spend more time travelling with their families and friends.

"In the current crisis, Matthew is saying, ‘if you cancel a holiday this year you have lost that time and it's gone from your life,'" Shivdasani explains. "If you don't upgrade from the old BMW 7 Series to the next one you can always do it in two years time; this won't really affect your lifestyle, but the time for having a holiday is gone forever." .......Read more

Will Maldives be among the 7 Wonders of Nature?

dhivehiobserver.com

The New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign launched on 07.07.07 in Libson, Portugal, has entered its 2nd phase now. 261 qualified national and multinational nominees are now competing to make it to the top 77 and Maldives is amongst the nominees. Other entries from Asia include Mount Everest, Ganga river, Baikal Lake and the Dead Sea.

New7Wonders Foundation, to choose the New7Wonders of Nature, got off to a promising start:

Some 430 nominations from 224 different countries were submitted by some half a million people within the first few months of the campaign. 'We know that the New7Wonders of Nature campaign will significantly raise awareness of the incredible variety and beauty of nature around us,' says the New7Wonders Foundation. 'As our slogan says, 'If we want to save anything, we first need to truly appreciate it!' This is something that is very important - more awareness and more tourism income mean these natural treasures can be better preserved for future generations,' it says.

A 'wonder of nature' must be 'a clearly defined natural site or natural monument that was not created or significantly altered by humans for aesthetic reasons. Physical or natural phenomena like the northern lights, the Gulf stream or shooting stars are not eligible', the foundation said. It can be a natural site, a natural monument or landscape.

Since Jan 1., 2009 the national qualification phase is over, and you can vote for your chosen seven from the list of 261 qualified nominees. You can only vote one time with one e-mail address during each phase: so if you cast your votes during the first phase, you can vote again.

Voting for nominees will continue through July 7, 2009. Then the New7Wonders of Nature Panel of Experts, under the leadership of Prof. Federico Mayor, former Director-General of UNESCO, will review the top 77 nominees and choose the 21 finalists, to be announced on 21 July 2009. The 21 finalists will then be put to popular vote.

Voting will continue throughout 2010 and into 2011. During this time, the New7Wonders World Tour will visit each of the Finalists to allow them to present themselves to the voters across the globe.
The final declaration of the New7Wonders of Nature will be in 2011.

Please click here to vote for the Maldives. In addition, you also need to choose six others from the list of nominees.

To support Maldives nomination, get in touch with the Official Supporting Committee for the Maldives.

Mohamed Maleeh Jamal
Maldives Tourism Promotion Board
Male', Maldives
Mobile: +960 7781171
Telephone: +960 332 3228
Facsimile: +960 332 3229
Email: mtpb@visitmaldives.com
Website: http://www.visitmaldives.com

Club-med Introduces Cheaper Holiday Packages

Tourist resort chain Club-Med has dropped the prices of their products in Maldives, Malaysia and Phuket, to avoid possible adverse affects the global financial crisis may have on tourism. The Club-Med marketing office in Bangkok, says that a lot of people are purchasing their holiday products, as they are offering special discounts for the first 100 customers to their new holiday packages.

Although only Maldives, Malaysia and Phuket participated in the package, it now appears that Club-Med resorts in cities such as Bali have also expressed interest in joining the package. Speaking from Club-Med Kanifinolhu Resort in Maldives, Abdul Samadh told Miadhu News that the resort is performing well this year, and that they expect it to remain so until May.

Experience tourism investors say that, the Club-Med resort lowering their package prices despite being one of the earliest international chains to be established it Maldives, indicates the possible obstacles that the tourism sector might face this year.

Another blow to Handhufushi, as staff goes on strike

Miadhu

The staffs at Handhufushi Resort have gone on strike this Wednesday, due to delays in receiving their salaries. The General manager for Handhufushi Resort (formerly Here’there’) in Addu Atoll, Ibrahim Rasheed told Miadhu News that staff who went on strike have now being issued their salaries, and that those still not turning up for work are those who are demanding for a bonus allowance.

“The job contracts state that the salaries should be given before the 10th of the month. Therefore, there is no reason to go on strike due to that. Nevertheless, we have given salaries to all the staff today. After that some staffs are demanding us to give a bonus allowance. Anyway, most staffs are now back on duty” Rasheed told Miadhu News yesterday.

Rasheed said that staff had been informed that the demanded bonus allowance shall be given within 14 days. He said that the bonus allowance is being given to staff because of the low occupancy of the resort, and now that occupancy is improving the staff will start receiving service charge starting this month. Handhufushi Resort is being managed by Yacht Tours on an agreement with MTDC.

Handhufushi staff begin strike to protest against delay in getting paid

Haveeru

The staff of Handhufushi Resort, managed by Yacht Tours, went on strike on Wednesday to protest against delays in receiving their wages.

The resort workers began their strike around 7:30am yesterday, saying that that had not received their salaries and bonus allowance money. They said that they would continue their strike until they received the payments.

Gathered in front of the Human Resource Department office, the staff members called for the resignation of the senior officials of the resort management and for their salaries to be given to them as soon as possible. There are reports that some of the foreign employees working at the resort are also taking part in the strike.

“We were forced to go on strike not only due to the delay in getting paid, but because we have no idea when or if we’ll even get paid,” an employee from the resort told Haveeru on condition of anonymity. “It’s not just last month’s salary we have not received; we haven’t received the bonus allowance money for the last three months either. There are even some foreign employees who haven’t received their salaries and bonus money for the last two months.”

The employees said yesterday that officials from the Human Resource Department of the resort had met with them to discuss the matter and assure them that the payments will be made within the day. They had also requested the staff to return to work.

According to reports there are currently 200 or so tourists staying at the resort.

“We can’t believe it even if they say that the salaries will be deposited before the banks close today,” another employee on strike said. “They have been saying that over and over but it never happens. This time we have decided not to end the strike before we get paid. Either that or they give us in writing a date and time when the payments will be made. In truth it’s really difficult for us that this has happened. Only a few days remain for the schools to open. How can we buy the school supplies for the children if we aren’t paid?”

The Tourism Employee Association of Maldives (TEAM) has said that they had received numerous complaints from the employees of the resort regarding the resort administration ever since Yacht Tours took over the management of the resort.

The management of the resort has however denied that there are any delays in paying their employees and insisted that they had always made all the payments, including the Rf1000 bonus, on time even during when the MTDC had managed the resort. The General Manager of the resort, Ibrahim Rasheed, said that they try very hard to ensure that their employees were paid as soon as possible.

Tourism Employment Association Maldives Takes Labour Case To Ministry

Minivan

Ahmed Easa, the president of Tourism Employment Association Maldives (TEAM), has lodged a complaint with the ministry of labour after employees at Handhufushi resort protested about non-payment of wages, reports Haveeru.

The workers said their salaries had not yet been paid by Yacht Tours, which runs the resort.

In addition to Maldivian staff, foreign employees said their salaries had not been paid for the past four months.

General Manager of the resort Ibrahim Rasheed said it was too early for staff to complain about their salaries which are contractually due to be paid on the 10th of each month.

He said the resort was in the process of paying the salaries, adding Yacht Tours even paid an extra allowance of Rf1,000 when occupancy levels were high.

He denied there were any problems related to non-payment of wages and said complaints about foreign staff not being paid for several months were an “outright lie”.

Naladhu Maldives

kiwicollection.com

Naladhu is designed to be as familiar as a favorite vacation home by the sea. In its soul is the spirit of the local Maldivian culture, drawing on the rich traditions of the islands. Every Naladhu moment is an experience to treasure – an immersion in comfortable elegance that never goes out of style.

Each of Naladhu's secluded houses incorporates timeless design, idyllic views and a feeling of home. Your private house is appointed with elegant hardwood furnishings that hearken back to a romantic, bygone era, with touches of contemporary style. With natural fluidity, the living area gives way to a spacious, cool-toned open-air bathroom. Soak in a romantic outdoor bath or feel the fresh air and soothing water in an open-air shower. Unwind at the end of the day in your house's own private steam room. Outside, hardwood decks and a private infinity-edge pool offer the perfect vantage point for stargazing or toasting a picture-perfect Naladhu sunset. Inside, your Naladhu house is your private sanctuary, equipped with all modern luxuries and familiar comforts.

At Naladhu, dining tantalizes more than just your taste buds. With the three dining options, and wide-range of cuisines, you can tailor every meal to your moment's desires. For those who wish to mingle with their fellow Naladhu residents while basking in the gentle Maldivian island breeze, The Living Room offers an al fresco dining experience overlooking the splendid lagoon. Satisfy tastes ranging from the classic to the eccentric, any time of day or night. Dine in privacy on your terrace, under the stars or the sun. Enjoy a villa barbecue, complete with your own chef and House Master. Beach picnics, intimate dinners and other unique personalized dining experiences can be arranged through your House Master, who will coordinate with the chefs to bring you a uniquely personalized culinary adventure. Escape to a nearby desert island for a private beach dinner or feast onboard a traditional Maldivian sailboat, as you sail into the sunset.

As the perfect Naladhu day winds down nothing beats unwinding in the privacy of your house with your choice of in-room spa therapies designed to pamper the body and restore the soul. The trained therapists are skilled in providing therapies that draw from the timeless wisdom of the ages and the best of contemporary holistic practices. Inspired by the rich natural traditions of the islands and surrounding ocean, a range of luxurious spa therapies are available to unwind the mind and spirit.

Recognition
Naladhu Maldives is part of Anantara Resorts, Minor Hotels Resorts Spas and Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Naladhu Maldives has been selected as one of "138 Hot List" by Conde Nast Travel Magazine, US Edition's May issue 2007. The list included 138 selected world class hotels and resorts.

Naladhu Maldives has been included in the "2007 Luxe List" by DestinAsia Magazine, October/Nobember 2007.

Naladhu Maldives is one of the "Maldives - Top10 Wedding Destinations" by Destination of the World News.

Location

Naladhu is on Velighandu Huraa in the South Malé Atoll. Veligandu Huraa is the perfect destination for travelers seeking the ultimate in tranquility, who want to enjoy the luxuries amidst tropical vegetation and long sandy beaches in undisturbed privacy.

Upon touchdown at Male International Airport (and clearing customs and immigration formalities), you will be met by your own personal House Master, who will serve as your exclusive concierge, butler and personal assistant for the duration of your stay on our beautiful island.

After a warm welcome, your House Master will guide you to our private Naladhu launch. The 13-kilometre ride to Naladhu takes approximately half an hour as you glide over the emerald waters of the Indian Ocean, weaving between some of the Maldives’ famed islands.

Contact
Naladhu Maldives
Veligandhu Huraa
South Malé Atoll,
Maldives

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Vatavaru Rehaa contracts not receiving payments

Miadhu

Work groups contracted by Yacht Tours to work at the resort being developed at G.Dh.Atoll Vatavaru Rehaa have said that they are not being paid by the Yacht Tours. A person from a G.Dh.Gadhoo group working at Vatavaru Rehaa who did not want to reveal his identity, said that groups working at the island are not being paid and that they have not been paid for 2 months.

He said that 400,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa is due even now, and that they should get 700,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa for the works completed. “The management says that they are not able to make the payment because of the world economic recession. Everyday they say they will make the payment tomorrow. But that tomorrow never comes” said another person from an Addu group work at Vatavaru Rehaa.

Yacht Tours Chairman Abdullah Jabir, who is currently serving as GA.Atoll member for the People’s Majlis and is the Deputy Leader of Jumhoory Party, says they don’t have any debts to people who they have to make payments and that if people are not getting their payments they should go to the courts and not towards the press. He also insisted that there are not such problems at Vatavaru Rehaa.

Shangri-La Trainees Return From Malaysia

Minivan News

Five Maldivians have returned after completing their six-month, Shangri-La sponsored internships at Tanjung Aru resort in Malaysia, according to Haveeru.

Shangri-La is expected to open their first resort, Villingili Resort and Spa, in Addu atoll, Maldives, in April this year.

As part of their training programme, the resort held a three-month hospitality certificate course in Addu in January 2008.

Out of 28 students who completed the course, Shangri-La sent the top five students to complete an internship at their resort in Malaysia.

Previously in 2006, Shangri-La had sent four Maldivian employees for an 18-month internship to one of their hotels in Dubai.

The company plans on holding another hospitality certificate course on 11 January in Addu as part of their bid to develop skilled staff for their resort.