Maldives To Build BizJet-Focused Airport In North To Boost Luxury Tourism

Loading Maldives Offers.... Maldives has awarded a project to develop an airport with extensive facilities for private jets in the northern Noonu Atoll, home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world-famous holiday destination.

The project to develop an airport on the island of Maafaru was awarded to The Sun Siyam Resorts, a local company that operates three resorts in the Maldives including The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi resort in Noonu Atoll. The agreement was signed on Wednesday by tourism minister Moosa Zameer and The Sun Siyam Resorts’ director Ali Mauruf.


Tourism minister Moosa Zameer (L-2) and The Sun Siyam Resorts’ director Ali Mauruf (R-2) sign the agreement to build an airport in Maafaru. PHOTO/ TOURISM MINISTRY
Mauruf told journalists attending a signing ceremony at the tourism ministry in capital Male that the airport would be operational in two years. It would be developed with a 1.8-kilometre runway along with state-of-the-art facilities for private jets, he added.

“Noonu Atoll has some of the most expensive resorts in the Maldives. These ultra luxury properties are chosen by high net worth individuals who often travel in their own jets. This airport will do away with the need for them to transit at the main Velana International Airport and park the jets there,” Mauruf, who also serves as a member of parliament, said.

He also announced that a transit hotel with 50 beds would be built along with the airport in Maafaru. The total project, he said, is estimated to cost USD18 million.

In a statement, tourism ministry said the Maafaru airport would have space and facilities to accommodate six private jets at a time. The public private partnership agreement also allows the company to develop a transit hotel and a separate resort on reclaimed land linked to the airport, it added.

Noonu Atoll is located about 180 kilometres north of capital Male on the southern edge of the Maldives’ northernmost geographical atoll.

Existing high-end resorts in Noonu Atoll include the Velaa Private Island, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Cheval Blanc Randheli,  Zitahli Resort and Spa, and the recently opened Soneva Jani. Several new resorts, including those by international hotel chains, are being developed in the atoll.


A private villa in the luxury Cheval Blanc Randheli resort in Noonu Atoll. PHOTO/ CHEVAL BLANC
Maldives, the most dispersed country on the planet with 1,192 islands spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometres, already has 11 airports, including three international airports. The country’s flagship carrier Maldivian operates flights to all the airports in the country while a private airline flies to a few select airports.

Government has contracted developers to build several new domestic airports across the country, with the latest being a USD57.7 million contract with Malaysia’s Gryphon Energy Corporation to develop airports in five islands; Kulhudhuffushi in northern Haa Dhaal atoll, Funadhoo in northern Shaviyani atoll, Nilandhoo in southern Faafu atoll, and Maavarulu and Fares-Maathoda in southern Gaafu Dhaal atoll.

As the government gears up to launch several new airport development projects across the archipelago, a domestic airport being developed on the island of Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll is set to begin test flights towards the end of this month.

The USD20 million airport, which has been built on 64 hectares of land reclaimed from the lagoon of Kudahuvadhoo, is part of the development of the newly opened Kandima Maldives resort. The resort, which opened last month, is located a 20-minute boat ride away from the airport.

Domestic airports in the atolls will benefit locals who often travel to capital Male as well as boost tourism by reducing the price of domestic travel to resorts in the atolls from the main Velana International Airport. Several resorts, especially those in outer atolls now depend on more expensive seaplane transfers.

Over a million tourists from across the globe visit the Indian Ocean island nation every year to holiday in one of the 120 resorts and 300 plus guesthouses located in all corners of the country. The multi-billion dollar tourism industry, which is the country’s main economic activity, relies heavily on the domestic transport infrastructure, especially air travel.

The Sunny Side Of Life Showcased At The Annual Arabian Travel Market

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Maldives Marketing and Public Relation Corporation together with partners from the Maldivian Tourism Industry are participating at the 24th Annual Arabian Travel Market. The event opened today and will go on till the 27th April 2017.

The Maldives delegation is led by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Hussain Lirar accompanied by Acting Managing Director of MMRPC, Mr. Haris Mohamed. The Ambassador Designate of Maldives for United Arab Emirates, Dr. Hussain Niyaz will part of the official Maldives Delegation. A total of 59 companies and over 125 participants have travelled to Dubai to attend ATM 2017 fair to showcase their products.

Maldives…the Sunnyside of Life is showcased at a 200 square meter stand with a new design concept showing the natural beauty of the destination through colourful images. During the four day exhibition, special activities will be carried out at the Maldives stand to attract more visitors. This includes social media campaigns which aim to increase the online presence of the destination. Visitors can take pictures at the Maldives stand and upload to social media platforms with the hash tag #visitmaldives #ATMDubai to win instant gifts and at the same time experience the underwater beauty of the Maldives through VR Gears. The main focus for this year will be meeting with Airlines to identify joint marketing avenues which is mutual beneficial for the Airlines and for the Destination.



Arabian Travel Market held it first exhibition back in 1994. The fair has now grown over the years and is now recognized as the largest Travel and Trade Show in the Middle East region. Arabian Travel Market and ATM now attracts over 30,000 trade visitor to the show. Major industry stakeholders from the region and from all over world conduct business during the 4 days of exhibition.

Apart from usual business meetings, special events have been organized during ATM this year by the orgnisers which includes Speed Networking, Bloggers Speed Networking and ATM Roundtable for the participants to make the most of the event.

The Middle East region especially the United Arab Emirate and Saudi Arabia market holds much potential. In the 2016 a total of the 51,330 tourists from the region visited Maldives. This was a growth of 22.3 percent compared to arrivals in 2015. By February 2017 a total of 7,350 tourists from the region spent their holiday in Maldives which is a growth 3.9 percent compared to the same period of 2016.

Middle East is already the most well connected region to the Maldives. Daily flights from the major regional carriers direct to the destination. Hence, with the efforts in ATM the Middle East Market is expected to perform well in 2017.

International Tourism Film Festival Maldives 2nd Annual Event At The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives

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The 2nd edition of International Tourism Film Festival Maldives is to be hosted by Sun Siyam Resorts. It is scheduled from 16th to 18th of November at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives. The concept being gathering talents of different ages, interests and backgrounds at one place. With the success of the first edition, we hope to have a much grand event this year, with international celebrities and media.

This year’s festival, extended over three days will be filled with special events which are impeccable in its entertaining and educating aspects. It is a platform for innovative work from both professionals and amateurs, in other words the perfect ground for networking.

Nomination Categories:
Tourism Destinations
Cultural Tourism
Environment & Eco Tourism
Adventure Tourism
Ethnography & Society
Water
Cultural Connections
Hotels & Resorts
Tourism Services
National Productions (only for Maldivians)
Amateurs & Students (clips not more than 3 minutes)

Genres:
Documentary (not more than 60 minutes)
Promotional (not more than 15 minutes)
Commercials (not more than 60 seconds)

Program:
Master Classes
Opening Ceremony
Top Nominations
Competitions
Experts Discussion Open Forum
Closing Ceremony
Awards Party

An occasion such as this will unite all those with a deep love for art and tourism. We invite film makers and producers of all calibers to submit their content to be featured. The deadline to submit all entries is 21st July 2017. If you have not already, this is the perfect opportunity to show your creativity and share with the world your perception. Results will be communicated on 18th of September 2017.

About International Tourism Film Festival Maldives:
The International Tourism Film Festival Maldives brings together professionals, celebrities and guests from across the globe to share their passion for traveling and seeing the beauty of it, the love for art, tourism and sports.

Festival entries include movies about interesting and unique places all over the world.  Shedding light into the different cultures and histories of countries and their events: lasting from 1 to 13 minutes.

The first edition held in July 2016 witnessed celebrity figures including Ms. Yang Zi (Actress from China), Ms. Lizzie Cundy (British TV/radio presenter, showbiz, fashion & beauty advisor and model from UK), Ms. Mina Wattan Ramadhan Raheem (Socialite, social media influencer and a travel blogger from Middle East), Mr. Raul Richter (Actor, presenter and voice actor) from Germany with his fiancé  Ms. Valentina Pahde (Actress), Mr. Jumayyil (Maldivian Actor), Ms. Aishath Rishmy Rameez (Maldivian Actress) and Mr. Abdul Fathaah Abdul Gayoom (Maldivian Film Director) together with some amazing journalists from international media. The presence of CCTV6, a top TV channel from China, well known tourism journalists from France, Italy, Middle East and Russia, and of course the local media of Maldives which included Public Service Media, Sun Media and Hotelier Maldives, have covered the 3 day event at Iru Fushi and made great news!

With contribution and sponsorship from major stakeholders in the industry the event was a great success. This year we anticipate the same at a grander level.

The 3 day event screens amazing clips from across the globe with breathtaking content related to tourism and nature. With an opening gala after cocktails at sunset, stretched over the magnificent beach and a grand finale showcasing the top nominees concludes with a grand dinner and awarding of winners.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives
The event takes place at the multi award winning property of Sun Siyam group, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, which is the flagship property within the group. Located in the unspoiled Noonu Atoll and set within 52 acres of white sands and exotic flora, here guests are immersed in a timeless culture. From the intuitive detail and personalised service that creates the most beautiful moments, to the sublime ambience that permeates each unforgettable taste, touch and experience. Since its brand launch in 2014 as The Sun Siyam, it has gained international recognition across the globe. The most recent ones include the award for the resort’s French Restaurant and Wine Cellar (Flavors) which received two global awards as the Best French Cuisine and Best Wine Selection, and the resort’s Spa (Spa by Thalgo) which received the Best Luxury Spa Resort in the Maldives at the first spa and restaurant gala event that was concluded at the exquisite 5-star Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina, Switzerland, in June 2016. World Travel Awards have recognized the property as winner for the Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort and Indian Ocean’s Best Resort Spa in 2016. It is also winner at the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives makes it the perfect venue to host the International Tourism Film Festival Maldives.

Amila Fushi Teams Up with Gordon Ramsay To Host a Series of Restaurant Pop Ups

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Amilla Fushi’s relaxed and unstuffy approach to glamour has ensured its place as a favourite among elite travellers visiting the Maldives. Nowhere is its barefoot luxury approach more evident than in its chilled-out foodie hub Baazaar, which gives guests the opportunity to indulge in diverse culinary offerings from around the world whilst relaxing around one of the biggest swimming pools in the Maldives. As part of Amilla Fushi’s always exciting and ever-evolving food and beverage offerings, a visiting chef’s programme has been created that introduces internationally renowned culinary talents as well as world famous brands to enhance guests’ island experience.

In the coming 12 months, Barolo Grill at Baazaar will showcase a select series of pop-ups by culinary greats, kicking off on 1 – 10 May 2017 with the first of four stages this year by the team from Gordon Ramsay’s celebrated London restaurant, Bread Street Kitchen. A further three Bread Street Kitchen pop-ups are scheduled for 16 – 27 October, 19 December 2017 to 10 January 2018 (Festive Season) and 23 March to 7 April 2018 (Easter).

Reflecting a similarly relaxed approach, London’s Bread Street Kitchen is a lively hangout that uses fresh, seasonal ingredients and delivers globally inspired menus to the high standards expected from a Gordon Ramsay Restaurant. The pop up’s menu at Amilla Fushi will feature signature dishes from Bread Street Kitchen London, many of which have been given unique Maldivian twists. Grass-fed meats cooked on an open flame grill, will sit alongside classics recreated using local ingredients, such as Red Snapper carpaccio, ginger dressing, horseradish, avocado and wakame; spicy tuna tartare with chilli garlic, sesame oil, spring onions and wonton crisps; Chermoula spiced prawns with pickled veg, shallots, celery and chilli dressing, and a compressed Bombay Gin watermelon salad. The Bread Street Kitchen Amilla Fushi will also offer a daily fish special. Gordon Ramsay chefs will choose a fish that has come in on the boats and create a bespoke fish dish each day.

The Bread Street Kitchen London cocktail list has also been given a Maldivian makeover, bringing tropical flavours into classic cocktails. Mouthwatering cocktails created especially for the event include It’s About Thyme, a refreshing vodka-based cocktail with Limoncello, thyme syrup, Champagne and lemon foam, the fruity Grey Goose Royal, with Grey Goose vodka, Aperol, lime, passion fruit and Testulat Brut cart d’Or and many more.

The upcoming calendar of pop up events further underlines Amilla’s deserved reputation for culinary excellence and creativity, complementing the sophisticated, gourmet Emperor General Store café-deli, the carefully curated fine wines and artisanal cheeses at the island’s The Wine Shop & Cellar Door. Amilla’s fabulous 60-cover, signature over-water restaurant Feeling Koi – brainchild of the resort’s curator and CEO of the Small Maldives Island Co., Mark Hehir – showcases a selection of artfully crafted sushi, nigiri and sashimi in Japanese-inspired minimalist surroundings, with a private open-air dining room and open deck seating by the water’s edge and an open kitchen.

Maldives To Hold The First Hot Air Balloon Festival

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Maldives is to host its first ever hot air balloon festival next month.

Private company Unix Sporting, which is organizing the festival in association with Ministry of Youth and Sports and Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), said the Maldives Hot Air Balloon Festival 2017 would take place on May 19 and 20 at Maafannu Stadium in capital Male. The festival would focus on bringing together people of all ages to enjoy a number of activities, including balloon rides, live music show, Night Glow Photo Shoot, Inflatable Fun Park for kids and photo booths, it added.

Tickets for the balloon ride will be sold at MVR700 (USD46) with each balloon accommodating four passengers.

The hot air balloons will be operated by professionals from Flying Media Company Limited, a commercial flying unit operating hot air balloons under the authorisation of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.

Flying Media Company, the only licensed Thai ballooning company for commercial flights in Thailand under the name of Balloon Adventure Thailand Team, assures strict standards for the operation of hot air balloons, handling of equipment, crew and customers safety.

Despite being new to the Maldives, hot air balloon rides are a popular activity amongst tourists in several countries around the world. Neighboring countries, including India and Sri Lanka also offer hot air balloon rides to explore their natural landscape.

Amilla Fushi Elevates Spa Retreat Concept To Fresh Heights With New Wellness Tree Houses By Bodyism

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Imagine escaping to an island home away from home, a uniquely serene wellness retreat surrounded only by lush swaying palms and endless tropical skies. Ascending to a private, pampering haven 12 metres up amongst the treetops, letting the cares of the bustling world fall away and succumbing to a revitalizing, blissful reverie where recharging and recovery are paramount. Wellness wishful thinking? Not at Amilla Fushi: an exclusive collaboration between this luxury Maldives resort and global healthy living phenomenon Bodyism has borne spectacular fruit, with the creation of the idyllic island’s new Wellness Tree Houses by Bodyism.

The new Wellness Tree Houses are private one-bedroom spa ‘nests’ with their own dedicated treatment suites, high in the treetops, where guests can enjoy a uniquely personal, inclusive wellness experience delivered by Bodyism Performance Specialists. After a personal ‘Body Oracle’ consultation, the Bodyism team helps Wellness Tree House guests to create their own programme from an integrated menu of Javvu Spa treatments and Bodyism fitness and wellness classes designed to re-establish energy flows, revive the mind, increase circulation and create a foundation for balance and health. Rates also include full board meals – and minibar snacks – from a specially designed Clean and Lean menu.

In addition to a private treetop treatment suite, the contemporary and sleek air-conditioned 220 sqm Wellness Tree Houses also feature their own cantilevered inifinity pools looking out over the tree canopy; an indoor living room area with sofa and work desk; a spacious bathroom and outdoor showers. Guests who decide against a complete digital detox can also enjoy a 42 inch flat-screen TV and satellite channels.

Exclusive Wellness Tree House by Bodyism retreats will periodically be personally overseen by Bodyism founder James Duigan himself. The first of these will take place from 4 – 11 May 2017, and will include a series of morning talks by James on ‘The ‘4 Pillars of Health’ – nutrition, movement, mindset and sleep.

The launch of the new Wellness Tree Houses by Bodyism augments Amilla’s ‘spa village’, Javvu Spa. Situated under a canopy of banyan trees at the heart of the island, Javvu features 10 private 48 sqm treatment pods, a large open-plan fitness centre, contemporary personal training studio and outdoor ‘jungle gym’ – all overlooking the Indian Ocean. Yoga, pilates, meditation and pranayama are led on the spa jetty over the lagoon, while a buzzy, shaded communal space provides a sociable hub complete with interactive shopping, lifestyle consultations and the new Island Café by Clean and Lean.

Javvu’s holistic approach is complemented by an integrated spa menu featuring results-driven treatments from a carefully edited selection of world-class brands; Bodyism wellness and fitness programmes and sessions using both the natural environment and the latest high-tech gym equipment; and ancient healing and energy therapies.

Wellbeing Escapes offers a six night stay in May in a Wellness Tree House by Bodyism at Amilla Fushi from £6,893 per person sharing. This includes: return economy flights; shared transfers; accommodation in a Wellness Tree House; a Bodyism lifestyle consultation session upon arrival; breakfast, lunch and dinner from a specially designed wellness menu; healthy minibar snacks delivered twice daily; a daily 50 minute Spa treatment; and a fitness and wellness movement activity twice daily, all overseen by the team from Bodyism, plus US$180 spa credit per person.

‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed Easter at Jumeirah Vittaveli in the Maldives

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Jumeirah Vittaveli brings a new twist to Easter this year with an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Guests can expect captivating family entertainment, a lavish Easter dinner and a mesmerizing tea party under the enchanting ‘Alice in Wonderland’ theme where the Mad Hatter, Cheshire cat, White Queen and Alice come to life.

The resort has issued a Family Fun package for the occasion which starts from USD 2,968 and includes accommodation in a Two Bedroom Beach Suite, daily breakfast and dinner, a family Beach BBQ, a Maldivian Cooking Class and a babysitting service. Quote the promotional code “FAMILYJV” to avail the offer.

“The famous tea party from Alice in Wonderland is a dream canvas for Chefs. We have created a quirky menu for our young guests, ranging from strawberry tiramisu, cotton candy, lollies, popsicles to chocolate mousse topped by a crispy hat decoration. We are excited to surprise our guests with our Easter culinary delights – traditional and novel at the same time!” said Francis Cornelius, Executive Sous Chef, Jumeirah Vittaveli.

Easter isn’t complete without the Easter Bunny and chocolate eggs – in keeping with the tropical mood, the Easter egg hunt will be transformed into a snorkelling adventure where kids will go hunting for eggs underwater. As guests cross the turquoise waters they’ll swim by an underwater party, where Alice and the Mad Hatter will be sipping on tea and waving to passers-by.

The Kuda Koli Kids Club will host Alice in Wonderland themed games including flamingo croquet, a jabberwocky piñata, an obstacle race and an egg hunt. After a packed morning, the afternoon brings cakes, chocolates and potions. Tea will be served to guests as the boardwalk around Samsara restaurant is turned into a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Poised against the rich blue ocean, gazebos will be set up as a degustation menu of chocolates, treats, snacks and drinks is served.

The resident musician will set the mood with violin and piano performances. On Easter Sunday, a host of entertainers will perform such as the Art of Poi fire dance, a magic show, LED light show and the Melody Duo live band as guests sit down by the Samsara beach and enjoy a traditional Easter dinner.

Families can enjoy the resort’s land- and water-based activities, including a PADI Dive base, water sports centre, Kuda Koli Kids Club and babysitting services, four restaurants, two bars and a Talise Spa with overwater and garden treatment rooms.

Sun Siyam Resort Easter EGGsperience

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Reveal this Easter in the tropical bliss which is the Maldives. Let this Easter be a time of joy and fun spent at A Sun Siyam Resort with this offer; Easter Family Package, an offer filled with extras. Book today till 30^th of April and you can travel from now till the end of November 2017. Simply book away for guaranteed happy memories with your loved ones as advanced reservation is essential.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives:An idyllic resort for both families and couples. Indulge yourselves in the ‘Egg-xplosive Easter Offers’ at the award winning spa and stand the chance to win some excellent presents to all guests who reserve any of the following special treatments over the Easter holiday period. The treatments range from Egg-rything chocolatey including a scrub, bath, drinks, massage, moisturizing of course, with chocolate and a 15% discount or Eggs-xeptional Family Offer including divine treatments of your choice from the child and adult spa menu for blissful peas in a pod treatment with 10% discount. Offers are available from 14^th April to 18^th April only.

Let your little ones laugh with glee as they take part in the fun activities from 13^th to 18^th of April, such as Fun Camping where kids will make their own campsites with camping games and activities prepared for them or Easter Bunny Arrival where kids will join Bunny for a round through the resort and get delicious candies and many more.

Tantalize your taste buds on the 16^th of April at Iru Restaurant with the Special International Easter Buffet with Special Cocktail Promotion at 18:00 – 22:00. Or at Waters Edge with Wine & Cheese Evening with Easter Party DJ and Special Cocktail Promotion at 21:30 – 01:00.

Olhuveli Beach & Spa Maldives:An extensive program is on offer which includes rejuvenating Chocolate Bliss Spa Package for couples with chocolate filled body scrub, Massage and Bath and destressing treatments especially for teenagers including chocolate massage, chocolate wrap and chocolate bath. More fun activities like photo booth and Easter Egg Hunting for Kids. Delight in the Easter Special Family dinner at the Plankton Grill beach with 50% off for kids below 12 years and kids below 5 years free of charge.

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef Maldives:Renowned for being an idle space for both couples and families. Enjoy yourselves with the laidback charm of Sun Aqua Vilu Reef Maldives. Entice the gourmet within you and dine away at the special Surf and Turf Buffet at Well-Done restaurant. Let your kids enjoy themselves thoroughly with fun activities such as Easter Egg Rolling or Pin the Tail on the Easter Bunny and many more. Allow yourself to be treated like the wonder you are by indulging in the Choco Easter Delight package including Hydrotherapy, Chocolate Almond Scrub, Chocolate, Ginger & Cinnamon Wrap, Chocolate Butter Massage (Choice of Balinese way or Aroma Massage) and finish off with a Floral Milk Bath and hot Chocolate & Egg Shape Chocolate Bar.

There is something for everyone at each of our properties. The vibe is filled with cheer, mirth and fun programs to accommodate various tastes, always keeping in mind our cherished guests. For those who are yet to book there is still time so book away for an Easter you won’t forget! Or if you plan to travel later in the year, take the advantage of the Easter Family Package before the 30^th of April.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island leadership is taken over by Ruzza

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island announced the appointment of Stefano Ruzza as the resort’s general manager.

Ruzza will be responsible for overseeing all of the resort’s management, operations and business development to continue positioning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island as one of the leading luxury resorts and brand of choice for travellers to the Maldives.

He joins Conrad Maldives Rangali Island from the award-winning Conrad Koh Samui in Thailand where he held the position of general manager and was responsible for resort management, operations and leading the sales and marketing team.

Prior to Koh Samui, Ruzza was general manager at Hilton Namhae Golf & Spa Resort in South Korea where he was instrumental in driving service standards and introducing new food and beverage concepts to the South Korean market.

Originally from Switzerland, he holds more than 20 years of international hospitality experience with over 17 of these within Asia.

His career has taken him to countries such as India, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Singapore and Vietnam.

China's B2B Fair COTTM 2k17 || Maldives exposes the Sunny Side of Life

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Maldives is showcased colorfully at China’s number one B2B Fair, China Outbound Travel & Tourism  Market 2017 (COTTM) in Beijing, China. Maldives will be represented at a 102sqm stand  from 29- 31 March along with 37 participants from 18 companies of Maldives Tourism Industry.

  With a newly designed stand showcasing the  unique tourism products with colorful pictures, the stand consists of 19 counters, eight private meeting tables and five floating tables.

This year, various activities are held at the Maldives stand for the visitors attending the Maldives stand to experience a bit of the Sunny side of life. These include calligraphy, where names of visitors attending the stand are written in Maldivian language (Dhivehi) unique to the Maldives. Visitors can also experience underwater beauty of Maldives through a virtual reality headset. Moreover visitors can pose for pictures near the photo booth placed at the stand, using frame board and post it on social media to win a surprise gift.

During the three-day exhibition, the Maldives delegation will meet with travel industry professionals and discuss potential future collaborations to promote Maldives in China. New tourism developments taking place in 2017 will also be shared with the media during the events. The 2016 edition of COTTM saw 400 exhibitors representing 65 countries reflecting a truly global reach.

The Chinese Outbound Market has recordedly exceeded by 100 million outbound trips a year, which puts travel expenditure in excess of $128 billion in 2016 according to China Tourism Academy.  In 2016, the Maldives welcomed 324,326 visitors from China which represented 25.2% of total visitor arrivals during the year. China has been the No.1 source market for the Maldives for the past 7 years and will continue to play an important role in the Maldives travel industry. Therefore COTTM is the perfect platform to display Maldives vacation products to a prime audience.