The Maldives cabinet members have decided to hold Asia’s first Beach and Water sports tournament in the Maldives. The tournament is planned to be held in 2010.

The members of the cabinet noted that hosting this event would be an opportunity for the Maldives to promote its tourism as well as to promote sports tourism in the Maldives.

A committee was also appointed to organize the tournament. The committee would include State Ministers at the Ministry of Human Resources, Youth and Sports; Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Ministry of Defence and National Security; Ministry of Home Affairs; Ministry of Finance and Treasury; and, Ministry of Economic Development.

When you stay at Soneva Resorts Maldives you know that you are in harmony with the environment and the local community. Not only are you in tune with our Six Senses SLOW LIFE philosophy: Sustainable – Local – Organic – Wholesome Learning – Inspiring – Fun – Experiences, now you also have the opportunity to join us in our special projects.

Soneva Resorts Maldives have designated the period from 01 June – 22 December 2009 as its Six Senses Social Season, during which guests are offered the opportunity to give a little of themselves to the Maldivian community in return for an extended stay at Soneva Resorts Maldives.

The programmes offer activities such as teaching at local schools, hospital volunteer work, assisting with the waste-to-wealth projects, working on local farms or any other project ideas which the resort would be delighted to support based on the guests individual profession and expertise. The guests’ participation will not only help the local community but will also provide them with a greater understanding of the traditions and challenges of the local culture, resulting in a mutually beneficial and enriching experience for all.

The Offer:

STAY FOR 14 NIGHTS AS A PAYING GUEST AND get 14 MORE COMPLIMENTARY NIGHTS!
In return you participate for a total of 4 days in one of our community projects.
Validity period: 01 June – 22 December 2009

Terms & Conditions:

• Valid for stays booked directly with the Resort or via third party.
• For the total of a consecutive 4 weeks stay, the guests have to do 4 days community work, either on individual days or consecutively.
• Bookings need to be made with a minimum lead time of 3 months to allow a tailor-made program.14 nights complimentary includes accommodation ONLY.

The Maldives archipelago has been nominated for the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign. This campaign is a process in which seven natural wonders of the world are chosen by people through a global poll which will be declared in the year 2011.

The campaign is being organized by the Swiss based New7Wonders Foundation after their success in organizing the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. 261 qualified national and multinational nominees are now competing to make it to the top 77.

Voting continues from January 7th until July 7th 2009 to determine the top 77 in each of the seven competing categories. The New7Wonders Panel of Experts will select the 21 finalists from the top 77 nominees.

We would like to call all Maldivians, fans and well wishers of Maldives to join our effort to make Maldives as one of the Natural Wonders of the World.

Vote for Maldives

The Maldives Tourism Promotion Board and representatives from Maldives tourism industry participated in the China International Travel Mart 2008 held from 20 to 23rd November 2008 at China New International Expo Centre in Shanghai.

A total of 13 tourism related companies from Maldives participated in the fair. The four day long fair attracted over 90,000 visitors. The visitors included 40,000 public and 50,000 travel trade and media. Maldives takes part in this fair every alternative year when it is held in Shanghai.

China has emerged as one of the most important and potential emerging markets for Maldives from Asia region. China attracted 35,797 visitors to Maldives till the end of October 2008. This is an increase of 15.5 percent compare to the same period last year. Last year Maldives received a total of 35,976 Chinese visitors.

Source: visitmaldives.com

Male’, 27 October 2008; Maldives Tourism Promotion Board together with the Maldives tourism industry held road shows in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Singapore on the 17th, 20th and 21st of October respectively.

The main objectives of these road shows are to diversify further into South East Asian market. This new approach of promoting the Maldives as a destination for South East Asian visitors will further enhance the existing business collaboration and pave way for new business ties. South East Asia is a promising market in consideration of easy access to Maldives and a growing affluent population. It is the first time that MTPB has organized a road show targeting South East Asian market.

The road shows were mainly targeted to the travel trade and media. Maldivian event in Kuala Lumpur was attended by over 50 participants, while Bangkok event welcomed over 130 participants and Singapore event was attended by over 70 participants. The attendees included travel agents, tour operators, airlines companies and the media. Presentation about the Maldives as tourist destination was given to the participants by Maldives Tourism Promotion Board. In addition, industry participants gave presentations about their products. During each of these events a raffle was held and winner won a holiday for two in Maldives with complements of Adaaran.

Last year Maldives welcomed a total of 675,889 visitors. Asian market represented 144,363 visitors which is 23.3% of the market share.

Source: MTPB