Malkong Maldives

MALDIVES, 2 March 2026 – Located on Thilamaafushi island in the Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa presents a contemporary, eco-conscious approach to island hospitality. Surrounded by turquoise lagoons and a vibrant house reef, the resort positions the Maldivian experience as one centred on exploration, creativity and a slower pace of life. Daily experiences are shaped by dining, curated activities and opportunities for relaxation, appealing to couples, families and groups seeking a balance of leisure and engagement. The resort places a strong emphasis on integrating nature into the guest experience. Through the Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy programme, visitors are encouraged to participate in initiatives related to marine conservation and sustainable practices. The Marine Conservation Hub, led by a resident marine biologist, offers educational and hands-on activities such as Turtle Quest, Reef Explorer and Coral Awareness, aimed at increasing understanding of lo...

At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Eid Al-Fitr is an expression of Ekuverikan, a traditional Maldivian spirit of fellowship where the boundaries between host and visitor dissolve into moments of sharing. The celebrations began on 20 March with a special morning high tea, bringing together our local and international team members to share in the joy of the occasion. By breaking bread following morning prayers, the entire team transformed a religious milestone into a shared human experience where global diversity is encouraged. While Eid Al-Fitr lunch began with a symbolic cake cutting, the island transformed into a stage for Koadi Jehun at sunset. This traditional procession features locals marching with a koadi, a decorated stake crafted from coconut palm leaves woven into the shapes of birds and fish which is then offered to the children. During the performance, dancers in traditional attire move in synchrony with Indian pots, a nod to the ancient trade routes that shaped the archipelago. As ni...

Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) wishes to inform all industry partners and stakeholders that the 2026 edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has been officially postponed. Originally set for May, the event will now take place from August 17–20, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Visit Maldives is pleased to announce that it will be working directly with the event organizers, RX, to manage all logistical adjustments. Visit Maldives ensures that all co-exhibitors will not face any disruptions during this transition. All registered partners can remain confident that their participation, stand allocations, and branding presence will carry over seamlessly to the new August dates. The decision to reschedule the 33rd edition of ATM was made by organizers to prioritize the safety and well-being of customers, partners, and colleagues. By moving the event to August, RX aims to provide the global travel and tourism community with greater confidence and flexibility to attend this vital indust...

Photo: Maldives Airports Company Limited The Maldives is reinforcing its role as a global tourism hub as rising private jet arrivals and additional airline services offset aviation disruptions linked to unrest in the Middle East. Recent data from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) shows a sharp rise in private aviation traffic. A total of 128 private jets landed in the Maldives between 28 February and 14 March, a 166 percent increase compared to the same period last year when 70 aircraft arrived. The figures indicate a clear shift in travel patterns among high-end travellers seeking direct access to the island destination. Private jet arrivals more than double The surge reflects a growing preference for private aviation as travellers adjust to cancellations and delays affecting major transit routes across the Middle East. Last year the Maldives recorded an average of five private jet arrivals per day during the same period, with a single-day peak of nine aircraft. This year the a...

The vibrant coral reefs surrounding Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives play a vital role in sustaining the island’s rich marine biodiversity. Recognising the growing threats faced by coral ecosystems worldwide, the resort has introduced a coral restoration initiative aimed at supporting the long-term recovery of its house reef. Coral reefs are among the most sensitive and fragile ecosystems on the planet and are increasingly affected by environmental stressors such as rising ocean temperatures, coral bleaching and human activity. These ecosystems not only support thousands of marine species but also play a crucial role in maintaining ocean health and protecting coastlines. As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has taken proactive steps to support reef regeneration through a structured coral restoration programme. The initiative recently included the installation of 25 coral frames, each carefully planted with coral fragments collected from naturally broken c...

Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) has officially formalized its participation in Belgrade Expo 2027 following the successful conclusion of the Second Annual Planning Meeting held in Belgrade. The participation agreement was signed by the CEO and Managing Director, Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, solidifying the Maldives’ commitment to this major global platform. The agreement marks the transition from initial planning to the next phase of preparations for the Expo. Building on discussions from earlier international planning sessions, VMC will now begin developing the Maldives’ national presence for the event, focusing on showcasing the country’s tourism leadership, environmental stewardship, and cultural identity. Belgrade Expo 2027, themed “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All,” will take place in Belgrade from 15 May to 15 August 2027. The event is expected to host more than 120 participating countries and attract over four million visitors, making it one of the largest international gathe...

Air India has announced a temporary expansion of its international flight operations, with a specific focus on increasing capacity to the Maldives, in response to widespread global air travel disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The airline confirmed it will operate 78 additional flights between 10 and 18 March across nine key routes, strategically connecting Delhi and Mumbai with destinations such as Malé, Colombo, and several major European and American hubs. This measure is intended to provide a reliable alternative for travelers as several West Asian air corridors continue to face significant restrictions and delays. Under this revised schedule, Air India is prioritizing the Maldives as a critical regional destination, deploying the Airbus A320neo to service increased frequencies between India and Malé. This move addresses the growing demand for dependable travel options during a period where traditional transit through major Gulf hubs has become incre...

  Aeroflot will launch additional flights in March between Moscow and Bangkok, Phuket, Malé, and Colombo in response to increased tourist demand and to expand travel options for passenger whose flights with foreign airlines were cancelled due to the unstable situation in the Middle East. The airline will introduce 12 additional return flights as follows: Flights will be operated using wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft. Tickets for the additional flights are available. Earlier, Aeroflot  announced  that it would introduce 13 additional flights to Thailand and the Maldives in March. With these new flights, the airline is launching a total of 25 additional return flights, providing 9,875 extra seats on flights to and from Thailand, 5,394 seats to and from Malé, and 4,020 seats to and from Sri Lanka. Source: visitmaldives.com, retrieved 11 March 2026

This International Women’s Day, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru celebrate the important women in our lives through meaningful island experiences inspired by connection with self, nature and our loved ones.   The celebration begins beneath the surface of the sea with a Women’s Snorkelling Session, bringing guests from both resorts together for a guided exploration of the house reef. Guided by the resorts’ Marine Lab, explore vibrant coral gardens and observe marine life flourishing within one of the Maldives’ most carefully preserved reefs, a reflection of Banyan Group’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship since the island first welcomed guests more than three decades ago. Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru: A day of meaningful connection to the nature and wellbeing In the afternoon, Saffron presents a Women’s Day Cooking Class, where fragrant herbs and vibrant spices come together in a hands-on journey through authentic Thai flavours.   As the golden sunset colour...

Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), in close coordination with national ministries and industry stakeholders, has launched a comprehensive response strategy to address the ongoing disruptions affecting the global aviation network. Recognizing the operational difficulties and anxiety caused by recent flight cancellations, Visit Maldives is prioritizing traveler safety and destination resilience through a series of proactive measures designed to support both international guests and local industry partners. To date, these efforts have successfully facilitated eight repatriation flights, including dedicated services to Germany and France, ensuring that travelers can return home safely. To provide direct, on-ground assistance, a specialized Help Desk has been established at Velana International Airport (VIA) in collaboration with the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and the Ministry of Tourism & Environment. This hub serves as a critical resource for visitors, offering guidance a...

The Maldives will take centre stage as the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, presenting the beauty, diversity and hospitality of the island nation in the Indian Ocean to the global travel industry at the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. The partnership was officially sealed during ITB Berlin 2026: Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation and Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, signed the agreement during an official photo ceremony at the Maldives’ stand in Hall 5.2. "We are delighted that, 10 years after their first appearance as Host Country, the Maldives will once again take center stage at ITB Berlin. This long-standing partnership underscores the importance of ITB Berlin as a global platform and highlights the Maldives’ prominent role in the international travel industry. In 2027, we look forward to showcasing the Maldives’ extraordinary beauty and diversity, while also demonstrating how tourism and sustainability can go hand in han...

A magical moment is unfolding on the shores of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives as the resort collaborates exclusively with the acclaimed mixologist Dirk Hany, Host and Co-Owner of the award-winning Bar am Wasser in Zurich, Switzerland. From 10 to 14 March 2026, the celebrated “doctor cocktail” brings his signature craftsmanship to the shores of the Indian Ocean for a curated series of masterclasses, sunset sessions, and immersive bar takeovers. Set against the tranquil beauty of the Maldives, the multi-day programme will unfold across the resort’s distinctive dining venues, blending world-class mixology with Alila’s philosophy of thoughtful luxury and meaningful connection. Guests can expect an inspired journey through Dirk Hany’s refined cocktail artistry, where precision, creativity, and storytelling converge in every pour.The experience begins with an intimate masterclass at Umami, offering guests the opportunity to explore the techniques and philosophies behind Hany’s award-winning creat...

Seasational Summer in the Maldives is in full flow, with the islands offering a vibrant tapestry of wellness, relaxation, and immersive experiences for travellers seeking a transformative getaway. Among the shining examples of this season’s offerings, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort invites guests to celebrate World Sleep Day with a week-long programme dedicated to rest, rejuvenation, and the art of restorative sleep. As the world marks World Sleep Day, travellers seeking rest and renewal can experience a thoughtfully curated programme of sleep-inspired wellness at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. Set within the protected waters of the Baa Atoll, the resort offers an idyllic island setting where the gentle rhythm of the ocean and the tranquillity of nature encourage guests to slow down and reconnect with the restorative power of sleep. From 7 to 13 March 2026, the resort presents a week-long series of calming experiences designed around Westin’s signature Sleep Well philoso...

The Burunu Boma Global Sport Fishing Tournament is now officially open for registration, inviting elite anglers from around the world to compete in the Maldives’ premier sport fishing event from 13th to 15th June 2026. Organised by Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), this flagship initiative celebrates the nation’s deep-rooted fishing heritage while promoting high-value adventure tourism.   Following the historic success of the 2025 inaugural edition, which saw intense competition and dynamic daily leaderboards featuring top-tier international teams like Team Dubai, the 2026 tournament is expected to more than double in size. The event continues to champion IGFA international standards and sustainable catch-and-release practices, ensuring the thrill of the chase remains rooted in marine conservation and sporting integrity. The competition is a high-stakes test of skill and endurance, running daily from 05:00 to 18:30 over three full days of world-class sport. Participants will compet...

For travellers who prefer Easter with a softer pace and a more intimate sense of place, Royal Island offers a boutique island retreat in Baa Atoll, part of the Maldives’ UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Available under Villa Resorts’ Easter Offer , guests can enjoy up to 25% savings when booking direct, with an Easter Escape that also includes exclusive direct booking benefits and 50% off domestic flight transfers for Royal Island. Royal Island’s charm is in how quickly it helps you ease into island life. It’s not a resort built around a busy schedule, but one that encourages the simple rituals that make a holiday feel restorative: slow mornings by the lagoon, barefoot afternoons that drift from beach to shade, and evenings that arrive gently with the sound of the ocean. The boutique scale keeps everything feeling personal, warm, and unforced. Accommodation reflects that same sense of calm. The resort’s Beach Pool Villas bring privacy and space into the holiday, with indoor-outdoor living an...

Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) has officially commenced its participation at ITB Berlin, held from 3–5 March 2026 at Messe Berlin, marking a powerful start to the Maldives’ global marketing drive as it advances toward Visit Maldives Year 2027. This year, 67 co-exhibitors are participating under the Visit Maldives banner, demonstrating strong industry alignment and a unified national presence at one of the world’s most influential travel trade platforms. The Maldives pavilion, branded “Maldives… The Sunny Side of Life,” highlights the destination’s diverse tourism portfolio, from luxury resorts and boutique guesthouses to liveaboards, wellness retreats, family offerings, and sustainable travel experiences. Beyond the exhibition floor, VMC’s programme at ITB Berlin 2026 features high-profile engagements designed to elevate the Maldives’ global positioning. The much-anticipated Maldivian Night returns to the international calendar as a curated networking evening, bringing together lead...

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi , the flagship resort within Sun Siyam’s Luxury Collection portfolio in the Maldives, unveils its 24 Hour Premium All Inclusive Dine Around concept to reflect its elevated positioning. The redefined package now offers seamless access to 15 distinctive dining venues, expanded signature culinary inclusions, a curated collection of over 66 premium wines and champagnes, reimagined specialty restaurants, exclusive airport lounge privileges and an intensified focus on intuitive, personalised butler service, setting a more sophisticated benchmark for contemporary island indulgence. An Elevated Culinary Excellence Across 15 Venues At the heart of the experience is seamless access to 15 distinctive dining venues, spanning refined beachfront grills, contemporary Asian cuisines, authentic Indian specialities, Italian and French restaurants, relaxed family friendly spaces and elegant adult only settings. The diversity ensures a cohesive yet varied gastronomic journey throughou...

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa marks the sixth anniversary of its partnership with Reefscapers on February 19, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to protecting and restoring the Maldives’ fragile reef ecosystems. Since launching the partnership in 2020, the resort and Reefscapers have worked together to restore coral habitats, support marine biodiversity, and engage guests in meaningful conservation experiences. The milestone also marks one year since the successful relocation of approximately five tons of coral to the resort’s house reefs, one of the partnership’s most significant conservation initiatives.   Over the past six years, the partnership has become a defining pillar of the resort’s sustainability journey, blending scientific restoration with purposeful guest engagement. To date, the initiative has resulted in the planting of 898 coral frames, supporting approximately 33,000 coral colonies now growing across the restoration sites. Through coral propagatio...

This Easter, Villa Park welcomes travellers to slow down and reconnect on one of the Maldives’ most spacious, naturally lush island escapes, available as part of Villa Resorts’  Easter Offer . Guests can enjoy up to 25% savings when booking direct, with an Easter Escape that also includes exclusive direct booking benefits and 50% off domestic flight transfers for Villa Park, adding extra value for a longer island holiday. Set in the South Ari Atoll, Villa Park is designed for families and experience-led travellers who want the Maldives with room to roam. Tropical greenery, wide beaches, and a relaxed sense of adventure that makes it easy to spend time together without feeling rushed, whether that means snorkelling in clear lagoon water, cycling around the island, or simply stretching out poolside shape days here. A key highlight for ocean lovers is Villa Park’s location in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a region known for year-round  whale shark sightings . It br...

Bank of Maldives has announced its innovative digital wallet, Swipe, as the official wallet of Visit Maldives. The strategic partnership between Swipe and Visit Maldives was formalized during a signing ceremony held at BML, solidifying a collaboration aimed at enhancing the visitor experience through digital innovation. The agreement was signed by Mohamed Shareef, CEO & Managing Director of Bank of Maldives, and Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & Managing Director of Visit Maldives. Under this agreement, Swipe will be positioned as the premier payment solution for tourists visiting the Maldives as a convenient, secure payment solution, further enhancing the Maldives' dedication to digital innovation and premium hospitality. Swipe is a 100% Maldivian-developed multi-currency digital wallet, built in compliance with domestic regulatory frameworks and international payment industry standards. The app facilitates both local and international transactions and can be funded through Bank of M...