The Maldives is nominated as an Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination in the Word Travel Awards 2009 announced on Friday, July 31, 2009. Maldives is also a favorite nominee form a number of other categories. 16 Maldivian Resorts/Hotels are nominated from 9 different Indian Ocean Categories, including 7 in the Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort category. In total, The Maldives has 35 nominations in Indian Ocean’s category.

Categories in which Maldives is nominated are:

Only a few weeks remain before voting for these categories close on August 14, 2009. The whole tourism industry awaits the 16th Annual World Gala Ceremony, scheduled to be held at the Grosvenor House, London on November 08, 2009. Voting for this monumental event will commence on August 17, 2009.

Angsana Velavaru, located in the pristine South Nilandhe Atoll, is set to unveil new standards in resort living. In July 2009, it will launch the first standalone collection of water villas in the Maldives that is not on an island.

This exclusive cluster of 34 InOcean Villas, together with a dedicated Italian restaurant and bar, is located one kilometre away from the island of Velavaru. A first in the Maldives, the “floating resort” is perched in the middle of the Indian Ocean, creating a unique castaway experience where guests never need to venture far from their retreat to enjoy the Maldives. Introductory rates start from USD 750++ per night per villa, inclusive of daily breakfast for two.

Angsana Velavaru is accessible via either a scenic 40-minute seaplane journey or a leisurely eight-hour cruise onboard a Turkish Gulet originating at Male island. Upon disembarking, a quick speedboat ride will bring guests to the dedicated jetty serving the InOcean Villas, where they will be warmly welcomed by the resort hosts. Meanwhile, colourful reef fish dart underneath the boardwalk connecting the jetty and reception area to the InOcean Villas.

Ranging in size from 175 square metres to 290 square metres, each of the spacious 20 InOcean Villas, 11 Premier InOcean Villas and three Sanctuary InOcean Villas offers guests an intimate oasis for blissful enjoyment and unparalleled solitude.

Upon entry, guests will be greeted by a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean through the sliding glass doors along the living, sleeping and bath areas. Reminiscent of stylish city lofts and accented with contemporary coral designs, each two-storey villa comes with a spacious outdoor deck, an infinity pool of at least 21 square metres, and a hammock suspended over water. The Premier InOcean Villas and two-bedroom Sanctuary InOcean Villas also feature an extended deck into the ocean, complete with a cosy pavilion for leisure lounging or yoga practice.

On the upper deck, guests can bask in the warm sunshine on the sun beds or take shelter and read a book in a plush sofa lounger. For further relaxation, indulge in some pampering Asian-inspired massages deftly delivered by the resort’s skilled Angsana Spa therapists. In the evening, wine and dine under the stars or indulge in hearty Maldivian curries as the sun dips into the horizon.

Modern amenities to complement this resort chic lifestyle include a flat screen TV, stereo system with iPod docking station, a full-sized bath tub, and wireless Internet connection. Considerate touches include two sets of snorkelling gear placed in the villa for marine exploration whenever desired, as guests are mere steps from the clear lagoon waters and its colourful inhabitants.

Guests who wish to take meals outside of the villa may walk over to Azzurro, the gourmet Italian restaurant and bar located towards one end of the InOcean Villa cluster. Aside from delectable Italian classics, Azzurro will offer an extensive international wine selection showcased in floor-to-ceiling wine racks.

Guests staying at the InOcean Villas also enjoy complete access to the facilities and services available at Velavaru island where there are 79 beachfront villas. Whenever desired, guests have the option to retreat to the discreet privacy of the InOcean Villas or enjoy the convenience of full resort services and amenities at the main resort.

Halaveli Tourist Resort located on the island of Halaveli of North Ari Atoll, after being developed to 5 star standard, is to commence operations on late May but will be official opened on 15 June this year, according to a Korean Newspaper.

The resort, when it reopens will house some 86 villas, 3 restaurants and spa facilities, will have villas of three qualities and includes Presidential Water Villas and Water Villas with private swimming pool.

In addition to spa and other facilities, the resort will also house a top of the line boutiques showcasing all top names in the fashion industry as well as a high class jewelry shop. The resort will also boost of a free sports center allowing all visitors free access to most Korean games.
The developer of the Halaveli resort currently operates luxury hotels in Mauritius and Seychelles.

The promoters of Maldivian tourism state that opening of more such high quality resorts in the country will go a long way to improve the impoverished economy of the country. They say such resorts will encourage rich clientele and will pave the way for additional opportunities to more locals.

01-Unique accommodation: Banyan Tree Maldives, Madivaru

Banyan Tree has introduced a new style of accommodation to the Maldives with its premium resort, Madivaru. Just six tented pool villas – each with large living, eating and bathing tents – provide guests with a luxurious alternative to the traditional Maldivian beachfront properties and over-water villas.The bathing tent features a pair of spa beds for enjoying private in-villa treatments, including signature Banyan Tree Spa massages and facials, while the resort’s in-villa dining option offers guests a romantic and intimate evening meal.

02-Underwater eating experience: Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island

Spanning two islands and joined by a wooden bridge, the lavishly-refurbished Conrad Maldives offers a range of dining experiences, topped by the innovative Ithaa – the world’s only undersea restaurant. Eight metres below sea level, the restaurant enjoys views of reef and marine life thanks to an aquarium-style arched roof.Booking two weeks in advance is recommended as the restaurant can only seat 14 diners – but the planning is well worth it for this sensational dining experience. Rays and sharks will swim and swoop overhead as you tuck into delicious pan-fried Maldivian white fish and other local delicacies.

03-The ultimate body holiday: One&Only Maldives at Reethi, Rah Island

One&Only Maldives is true excellence, featuring an ESPA spa that supersedes many luxurious well being experiences on the planet. Guests can luxuriate in swirling vitality pools and crystal steam rooms, or feel the invigorating affects of stimulating ice fountains before experiencing signature treatments devised by renowned spa guru, Susan Harmsworth and her team. Couples can also book into one of two over-water private spa suites.World-renowned podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez offers a range of magical manicures and chiropody treatments, and a resident nutritionist is on hand to devise a detox, weight management or stress-reducing menu for the duration of your stay.

04-Best for families: Island Hideaway, Donakulhi

Despite its romantic name, this beautiful resort has excellent facilities for families – from youngsters through to teenagers, including the Tender Hearts supervised kids’ club, with various activities, bicycles and a playground. Experiences for active families include speedboat trips, dolphin safaris and big-game fishing cruises.Head to the water sports centre and try your hand at water-skiing, wake-boarding, windsurfing, canoeing, diving and snorkeling, or, for lazier afternoons, spend time in the infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. Land activities include a gymnasium, two tennis courts, table tennis, beach volleyball, billiards and bicycles to cycle around the island at your leisure.

05-The chic retreat: W Retreat, Fesdu

Modern comfort and aesthetics are key to the ambience of this resort, and the W Retreat features 78 villas in four different styles, all with private pools, sundecks and outdoor tropical showers. The two bedroom Ocean Haven retreat also comes with an infinity-edge plunge pool and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.It’s the tiny details that make this retreat extra special. Dotted around the resort are Sweet Spots – mini bars with complimentary drinks and ice creams – while the W approach to tailor-made service is evident through services such as checking what time guests prefer their turndown service to allow optimum privacy.

06-The green retreat: Banyan Tree Maldives, Vabbinfaru

Environmentally-conscious visitors can do their bit to secure the future of Maldivian marine life with a stay at Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru. The resort ensures minimal damage to the environment by constructing villas on the footprint of previous properties, obtaining water by desalinating sea water and avoiding pesticides in the resort’s thriving herb and vegetable garden.Marine biologists create ecological awareness by teaching guests about the ocean and its fragile life. There is also the opportunity to participate in reef cleaning, coral transplantation and support the unique Green Sea Turtle Conservation Programme, rearing young turtles in a natural lagoon habitat.

07-Out-of-this-world diving: Baros

Baros is known for its world-class diving and just a short boat ride away are 25 outstanding dive sites that guests return to year after year. Closer to shore is the house reef, one of the best in the Maldives, just 30 metres from the beach.The large dive school at Baros is run by an experienced team who can instill a wealth of knowledge about the local sites and marine life. Baros is the perfect place for both novice and seasoned divers, and instructors will be able to suggest outstanding locations according to currents, seasons and weather conditions.

08-The escape for lazy, luxury seekers: Huvafen Fushi

Small and sumptuous, Huvafen Fushi nestles on a tiny island and is an idyllic retreat for couples looking for an indulgent escape. Sleek, over-water beach bungalows feature delectable Italian Frette bed linens, designer furnishings and Bose or Bang & Olufsen music systems, while the superb staff caters to your every whim.Stroll to one of the three restaurants or the lively bar where you can take part in wine tasting with the resort’s sommelier, assisted by the Maldives’ largest wine cellar, and book in for a massage at one of the world’s first underwater treatment rooms. Huvafen Fushi is escapist bohemian luxury at its best.

09-The private retreat: Soneva Gili

Check in to Soneva Gili’s Private Reserve and you’ll enjoy the ultimate in Maldivian escapes. The Private Reserve comprises of five buildings with two master suites, each featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views, plus a relaxing two-person bathtub built over coral gardens and an open-air private bathroom.An en-suite guest room is available and a large central open-plan living area includes a sea garden, natural coral pool, sun decks and dining area, plus a private spa facility with sauna, steam room and treatment pavilions. The resort’s Six Senses spa is excellent and treatments can be transferred to the Private Reserve, easily arranged through your personal butler.

10-Island hopping and cruising: Four Seasons resorts

Island hopping isn’t easily done in the Maldives, however, if you like the idea of a dual-resort stay or a stay on land one week and a cruise the next, Four Seasons resorts offers a solution.Landaa Guraavaru on the Baa atoll is a luxurious retreat with 102 thatched beach and water villas that cater for both active families and couples seeking romance, or choose Kuda Huraa, featuring 106 luxuriously-appointed beach pavilions, stilt-mounted bungalows and suites, geared towards adult-only holidays and honeymoons. Stay in either resort and add on the Four Seasons Explorer cruise, a private three-deck, 11-cabin catamaran to explore all that the Maldives has to offer.

The function was attended by President Nasheed, Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed, some Ministers, State Ministers and members of the CII delegation.
The fifteen MoUs signed today are:

1.MoU between the Government of Maldives and Confederation of Indian Industry on    setting up of a skills development centre in the Maldives
2.MoU between the Government of Maldives and Confederation of Indian Industry for Cooperation in the Area of Healthcare
3.MoU between the Government of Maldives and Confederation of Industry on Provision of Quality Education
4.MoU between the Government of Maldives and Confederation of Indian Industry for     Cooperation in the Field of Information Technology
5.MoU between the Government of Maldives and NIIT Ltd, India on Cooperation on the IT Field
6.MoU between the Government of Maldives and Confederation of Indian Industry on holding a Foreign Investment Conference in the Maldives
7.MoU between the Government of Maldives and Confederation of Indian Industry on Cooperation on Macroeconomic Issues
8.MoU between the Government of Maldives and SRF Group, India
9.MoU between the Government of Maldives and Feedback Ventures Pvt Ltd on Infrastructure Development
10.MoU between the Government of Maldives and Jubilant Organosys Limited for Developing Low-cost Healthcare Facilities in the Maldives
11.MoU between the Government of Maldives and Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Limited for Development of Healthcare Facilities in the Maldives
12.MoU between the Government of Maldives and TCE Consulting Engineers, India for Cooperation in the Field of Renewable Energy
13.MoU between the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce in Industry and Confederation of Indian Industry
14.MoU between the State Trading Organisation PLC and TATA International Limited to Increase Bilateral Trade Cooperation
15.MoU between the Government of Maldives and Confederation of Indian Industry on Jointly Holding Tour Tourism Convention in Mumbai, India Speaking after signing ceremony, Mr Tarun Das, Chief Mentor of CII said that the CII was privileged to have had the opportunity to be part of the government’s developmental efforts.
Minister of Economic development Mr Mohamed Rasheed also spoke at the function.

The national Art Gallery exhibition season will open with Maldives contemporary 2009.

On 29th January. The Exhibition comprises 63 artwork by 24 Maldivian artisit both establish and emerging. The Exhibition will  be open for six weeks until 12th March 2009.

The first Maldives contemporary was held in 2005 as the first exhibition of the National Art Gallery(NAG), Maldives. The Exhibition Also mark the formal opening of the NAG and comprised work by 29 participating artists. The works featured in the exhibition were mainly painting but also included screen prints and line drawings.

The idea of instituting the Maldivians contemporary exhibition as a continue series- with a gap of few years in between- came about in relation to the NAG’s object of establishing a continuity in exhibition calender of Maldivian art and visual arts sector of the country in general. It is hoped that the Maldives Contemporary will emerge as triennial event to wich artists-both establish and promising -can look forward to as an opportunity to showcase the best of their work.

The NAG also hopes to invite participants by international artists from the region and beyond in the future Maldives Contemporary exhibition. It is hoped that such participation will help to give an international dimension to the event and help to establish Maldivian art in a global context, from which local artists can benefit.

Maldives Contemporary will be on at the NAG until 12th March 2009.

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.

Source: Miadhu News

?n the heels of the submission to President-elect Obama’s transition team of seven recommendations stemming from the recent travel and tourism sector economic summit, ASTA president and chair Chris Russo issued the following statement:

“ASTA is extremely pleased to have been a part of this unprecedented summit, where associations from across the industry came together to promote our common agenda - focusing on the inclusion in the new administration’s stimulus legislation of key elements needed to restore growth in American’s travel and tourism industry. We are proud of the final outcome and thank the National Tour Association for its leadership and hard work in putting this together. Each of the participating organizations has its own agenda, requiring compromise all around. After intense discussions, the final product is something of which all the signatories can be proud.

I am especially pleased to see that two key ASTA immediate-stimulus proposals were accepted by the group and that a third, the re-examination of travel bans, is among the ideas put forward for near-term consideration.

ASTA’s stimulus proposals include the restoration of a 2001 program of direct low-interest-rate loans to small businesses through the Small Business Administration and the creation of an investment tax credit program for small business investments in information-related technologies, which will be crucial for travel agencies to compete effectively in the years ahead.

ASTA has a long-standing policy of opposition to government restrictions on travel as an instrument of political pressure and is encouraged by early indications that President-Elect Obama will quickly begin to remove the obstacles to travel to Cuba. ASTA will continue to advocate for full liberalization of travel, and travel-related financial restraints, in all restricted markets.”

Meanwhile, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts a downward shift in global Travel and Tourism Economy GDP contribution to one percent for 2009, in contrast to ten percent in 2008. However, WTTC also expects the Middle East to buck this trend, suggesting that regional tourism will grow by one percent in 2009. This would place the Middle East as the second growth region in world, behind Asia.

Worsley encourages the industry to be vigilant and proactive in the current economic climate stressing that under such conditions there is little room for error. “The region’s tourism and hospitality leaders need to be particularly alert in these unprecedented times. With tourism long-since stamped as the catalyst of economic growth for a number of regional markets, the sector needs to be quick off the mark and show maturity in handling the current cycle,” he said. Worsley promised that the upcoming Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) 2009 (May 2-4 2009) will provide a timely platform for such debate. “This year’s AHIC theme ‘The Challenge of Maintaining Growth’ is quite apt at a time when target setting is presently a moveable feast. “We are working now to ensure that the 2009 agenda is relatively fluid in structure so that content and topics can be right up-to-the-minute and in-line with market movements in May,” he promised.

Edmund O’Sullivan, the event’s co-organiser, said early interest for AHIC 2009 looks strong from both within the region and overseas. “This is a critical stage in the world markets, and the hospitality investment sector must show confidence and creativity in vision while holding steady in riding the wave. AHIC is set to deliver a buoyant platform where leaders can discuss issues in real terms, and together be a force to support ongoing development.”

The 2009 conference includes a half-day summit with spotlight on Saudi Arabia, networking receptions, plus a world-class speaking faculty including HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Chairman of the Board, Secretary General of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA); Dr. Henry Azzam, CEO Middle East & North Africa, Deutsche Bank AG; Paul Griffiths, Chief  Executive Officer, Dubai Airports; Sarmad Zok, Chief Executive Officer of Kingdom Hotel Investments; Sheikh Fawaz Alhokair, Chairman & Founder, Fawaz Alhokair Group; John Defterios, Host, CNN Marketplace Middle East and Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman, Jumeirah Group among others.