Maldives promoted at China International Travel Mart 2008

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.

MALDIVES ranked as the best Beach and Rest & Relaxation destination

The Maldives has been ranked as the Best Country Brand for Beach and Best Country Brand for Rest and Relaxation for the year 2008. Maldives also ranked 2nd in the Best Country Brand for Natural Beauty and 3rd in the Best Country Brand for Resort and Lodging Options.
The Country Brand Index was officially released during London’s World Travel Market in November 2008.

Country Brand Index is a comprehensive study of approximately 2,700 international business and leisure travellers from nine countries. It is conducted by FutureBrand, a global brand consultancy company and Weber Shandwick which is a public relations firm.

The main marketing slogan for the destination Maldives is “Maldives…the Sunny Side of Life”. The wellness and relaxation aspect is promoted under the theme of “Maldives…the Spiritual Side of Life”. Maldives was ranked number one in these two areas. Maldives emerged as the number one in both Beach and Rest and Relaxation categories after successfully competing with countries like Tahiti, Bahamas and Australia.
Maldives also won the ‘World’s Most Romantic Destination’ award at the WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS last year.

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives (Opening First Quarter 2009)

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, the first luxury resort in the Maldives to be located south of the equator, will offer guests a stylish experience in a spacious, boutique-style environment. Located on Addu Atoll, the resort is surrounded by more than six kilometres of picturesque coastline and nearly two kilometres of beautiful, white-sand beach. This unique, three-kilometre-long island also features 12 hectares of lush vegetation, 17,000 coconut palms, three natural lagoons and nature trails.

From private ocean retreats to tropical tree-house villas – unique to the Maldives – with panoramic views, finely appointed accommodation will be available in five distinct styles, and equipped with two iPods and a docking station, and other luxurious amenities.

The most discerning palates will be particularly well catered to. Khazaanaage will lead the restaurant selection with three distinctive living rooms focusing on the finest cuisine from the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Those who seek a culinary experience with even more of a difference will surely enjoy a cruise on our luxury yacht with a sensational lunch on the equator.

CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La will offer innovative therapies in a secluded sanctuary and a unique yoga pavilion overlooking the Indian Ocean. Energetic guests will be able to take a speedboat to Gan Island and, by bicycle, explore five neighbouring islands connected by a 17-kilometre road. There is excellent snorkelling at the resort's house reef and snorkelling gardens close to the shoreline for less-experienced swimmers.

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa is a 70-minute flight from Malé and just an eight-minute boat ride from Gan International Airport on Addu Atoll.

J Resorts Handhufushi(Herethera)Seenu Atoll

J Resort Handhufushi is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and long stretches of white sandy beaches. This is the unspoiled natural beauty which helps us to forget the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and enjoy the relaxation we seek on a holiday

Your journey
Once you have arrived in the Maldives, you will need to take a transfer to J Resort Handhufushi do not worry, transfer arrangements are part of your holiday package and we will take care of them for you.

On arrival at the Malé International Airport
You will need to board a domestic flight to the Gan International Airport
this will take approximately 70 minutes.Then you will be taken directly to J Resort Handhufushi via speed boat, this will take approximately 20 minutes
Facilities available to you
Bar
Shopping
Sports & Recreation
Spa
Excursions
Water Sports Center
Dive Center
Dining
Entertainment
Your accommodations
Beach Villas
The 153 Beach Villas are individual wooden bungalows located on the beach, offering a beautiful view of the lagoon or ocean and with a private, walled-in backyard covered with white sand, chaise lounges, a shade umbrella and tropical plants

Jacuzzi Beach Villas
The 120 Jacuzzi Beach Villas are individual wooden bungalows located on the beach, offering a beautiful view of the lagoon or ocean and with a more spacious bedroom, a four poster bed, and a jacuzzi for two "under the stars" on top of the wooden decked, private, walled-in backyard with chaise lounges, a shade umbrella and tropical plants

All your accommodations are with the following
Flat screen televisions– DVD and CD players– J tranquillity bedding– Speaker phones with internationalcalling– Mini bar and wine cellar– Individually controlled air conditioning – Tropical décor– King size bed– Wood floor– Ceiling fan– Sitting area– Tea/coffee machine– Personal safe– Partially open-air bathroom with shower– Bath accessories and hair dryer– A porch with lounge furniture and nightly turndown service

Maldives showcased at World Travel Mart 2008

20 November 2008Male’, 19 November 2008; The Maldives Tourism Promotion Board and representatives from Maldives tourism industry participated in the World Travel Mart 2008 from 10 to 13th November 2008 at ExCel London. This is the biggest travel trade event held in the United Kingdom.A total of 70 tourism related companies from Maldives participated in the fair of which 33 companies represented resorts and hotels in the Maldives. Also travel agencies selling resorts, hotels and live-aboards participated in this fair. The three day long fair attracted over 50,000 visitors. Visitors include press, media and travel trade. This year’s fair attracted 5500 exhibitors representing over 200 countries and regions.This year, Maldives stand at WTM was re-designed to portray the dynamism of the tourism product developments in the destination Maldives.UK is the major generating market for Maldives with 17.8% of the market share. Maldives welcomed 89,952 visitors from UK by the end of September 2008.

MTPB holds Road Shows in three countries in South East Asia

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.

Winner’ of ‘World Luxury Hotel Award 2008’ conferred on Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives

It was a historical moment when the winners of ‘World Luxury Hotel Awards 2008’ were announced at Cape Town on October 18, 2008. Top Luxury Hotels and Resorts from 30 countries participated in the prestigious event. Apart from the Republic of Maldives, it included Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Germany, India, Latvia, Mauritius, South Africa, Singapore, Bulgaria, USA, China, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, North America, France, Italy, Paraiso de la Bonita, Argentina, Zambia, New Zealand, Mexico, Fiji islands, Cook Islands, Malta, Spain, Indonesia and Mozambique.The gala ceremony was opened by the Provincial Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism in the Western Cape, MEC Garth Strachan with a key note address to the distinguished gathering from all across the globe. “The sheer number of participants in my humble view shows that there is indeed a demand internationally for an award system for Luxury Hotels, Lodges and Resorts”, said Brandon Lournes, CEO and Founder of World Luxury Hotel Awards.The ‘World Luxury Hotel Awards’ are accepted as the pinnacle of achievement for Luxury Hotels worldwide. This Award was established as a celebration of ultimate achievement in hoteliering. It is about congratulating hotels that have taken the extra step and have as such differentiated themselves from “good hotels” to “exceptional hotels”. The World Luxury Hotel Awards accounts for all categories in the Luxury Hotel industry. Award winners set the benchmark for luxury hotels in achieving recognition for their world class facilities and service excellence.Hulhule Island Hotel was one of the three finalists under the ‘Luxury Airport Hotel’ category of ‘World Luxury Hotel Awards 2008’ - the other two finalists being, the newly opened Crowne Plaza Hotel, Singapore and Emperor’s Palace, South Africa – each with more than 300 rooms. During the award ceremony, Hulhule Island Hotel was officially declared the ‘Winner’ under the ‘Luxury Airport Hotel’ category.Hulhule Island Hotel was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of Republic of Maldives in 2001. Since then, the Hotel has been a key member of the travel and trade business in the Maldives. The Hotel has become well-known for its excellent services and the hospitality offered to tourists.Hulhule Island Hotel has 136 rooms in all inclusive of various categories of rooms on offer including Superior, Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Super Deluxe with Jacuzzi and the Suites. The facilities for the guests at the hotel include the Spa, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Beach area,Landscaping, Tennis court, Golf putting green and extensive Food & Beverage options. The diverse dining selections include a rooftop restaurant ‘Uduvilaa’ with a panoramic view of both Male and the Indian Ocean catering to the multi-cuisine creations for the International clientele.It is worth mentioning that Hulhule Island Hotel was adjudged as the ‘Best Culinary Establishment’ at Maldives in the Hotel Asia Exhibition & Culinary Challenge successively twice i.e. in 2006 and 2008. Hulhule Island Hotel is an ISO 9001-2000 certified hotel and has also been certified for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) which is unarguably the ultimate food safety certification worldwide, with a reputation of covering A-Z of the food processing cycle, right from purchase and selection of suppliers, to the storage, preparation and service of the food products.On receiving this coveted award, Mr. Utkarsh Faujdar, General Manager - Hulhule Island Hotel stated ecstatically, “This is indeed recognition of the par excellence Hulhule Island Hotel has attained by achieving the highest standards in the hospitality industry”. He further added “The relentless efforts of the team have been instrumental in bringing this International award of repute to the Republic of Maldives.”

Equator Village-GAN ISLAND

Equator Village
For the frequent visitors who come to Maldives, the Addu Atoll, where the Equator Village is located, is totally different from everything they have experienced before as it brings you closer to nature as you have never before.To reach Addu Atoll and Gan ( the island where the airport and resort is located ) you will have a scenic flight from Male to Gan and which is something you will never forget. During the 90 minutes exotic journey you will witness the real Maldives from above, all kinds of beautiful atolls, islands and of course the blue ocean beneath you passing by.Before landing on Gan you will see that it is a large island, at least compared to the “normal” Maldivan islands. With its length of 5 km and width of 3 km it is a real island. Equator Village is located in the Gan Island , Addu atoll 1 Km from the Gan Airport. And what is more the Addu Atoll is even south of the equator. That’s probably the resort is called Equator Village.The bungalows with a total of 78 rooms are located in nice garden area with a profusion of flowers, bushes and trees. All rooms are spacious and equipped with air-condition, refrigerator, shower (hot & cold water) sitting area and an veranda.As Island is connected to other villages by causeways tourists can freely move to see the local culture and way of life of the Maldivian people. Equator Village- Gan offers bicycle for those who wish to ride and explore the islands on their own. There is lush tropical vegetation on Gan Island and other neighboring islands. There is a long white sandy beach just 100 meters from the hotel for the guest to enjoy the coral and other marine life is ideal for snorkeling.
Location:
Addu ( Seenu ) Atoll
Distance from Airport:
450 Kilometers
Number of Rooms:
78 rooms
Transport:
90 minutes by domestic aircraft to Gan Airport, from Gan Airport to resort 05 minutes by Vehicle.
Room Amenities:
Air-Conditioning- fresh hot/cold water- mini-bar- verandas
Resort Facilities & Recreational Facilities:
PADI certificate Diving- Swimming Pool- coffee shop- discotheque- Table Tennis- Volley Ball- Squash- tennis court- badminton- Darts- Cycling- water sports center- Deep Sea Fishing- Night Fishing- Sunset Fishing

Seenu (Addu Atoll)

Seenu (Addu Atoll)

This is the 'second city' of the Maldives, and the resort here is the best base from which to visit traditional Maldivian island communities. The Addu people are fiercely independent, speak differently from folk in the capital and at one time even tried to secede from the republic. The biggest influence on Addu's modern history has been the British bases, first established on the island of Gan during WWII, as part of the Indian Ocean defences. In 1956, the British developed a Royal Air Force base as a strategic Cold War outpost. The base had around 600 permanent personnel, with up to 3000 during periods of peak activity. They built a causeway connecting Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo islands, and employed most of the local men. In 1976 the British pulled out, but many of their employees, who spoke good English and had experience working for westerners, were well qualified for jobs in the soon-to-be-booming tourist industry. Tourist development in Addu itself has been slow to start, but a resort has been established in the old RAF buildings on Gan and there are now reliable connections to the capital in a new Air Maldives jet. The Ocean Reef Resort is not a typical Maldives tropical paradise resort island, but the old military base is a unique feature. Gan is linked by causeways to the adjacent islands, and it's easy and pleasant to get around them by bicycle, giving unmatched opportunities to visit the local villages and see village life.

AAA RESORTS-FILITHEYO

Filitheyo is the only island resort in the un-spoilt Faafu Atoll. A natural tropical Island, which is lush in vegetation and surrounded by a stunning house reef. The resort offers guest what can be only be described as a barefoot luxury retreat.

AAA RESORTS-MEDHUFUSHI

Medhufushi, is a naturally quiet, serene, authentic Maldivian island. After a short seaplane journey, step onto the white sandy beaches, which are surrounded by a crystal clear lagoon. Our staff are here to tend to your every need and we are confident that after your stay you will take away memories of a truly tropical paradise.

Zitahli Resorts and Spa Kuda-Funafaru

Zitahli Resorts and Spa Kuda-Funafaru is a 5 star deluxe property located on the idyllic Noonu Atoll, on the northern part of Maldives. All guests are greeted and escorted to the exclusive Zitahli Lounge to await a scenic 40 minute flight over breathtaking azure water. This intimate un-spoilt island is the perfect escape for anyone seeking privacy and pure indulgence. Moonlight walks, private dinners on the beach or romantic picnics on surrounding deserted islands, Kuda-Funafaru welcomes you and promises you will be back.

MALDIVES

MALDIVES
Sun, sand and sea, a thousand ‘Robinson Crusoe’ islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination. However there is more to the Maldives than just that.