Hilton Worldwide has announced that its management agreement with Sun Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. in relation to Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort and Spa  has terminated with effect from May 3, 2013.  Accordingly, the owner of the hotel, Sun Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. is managing the property and this property will no longer be a part of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio or Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand. As such, the property will no longer participate in the Hilton HHonors program.

The cessation of Hilton Worldwide’s management of that resort was unforeseen and due to factors outside its control.

Hilton Worldwide remains committed to the hospitality and tourism industry in Maldives and currently manages Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, an award-winning luxury resort.

MALDIVES SURF PACKAGE – from US$99/-per person per night

Discover the thrill of world-class surf breaks, “crystal cylinders” of North Male’ Atoll, the Maldives. Experience the unique village lifestyle and bask yourself in the sun this summer.

Maldives Surf Package Includes:

• Unlimited access to a world-class right Coke’s or Cola’s reef break.
• Twin sharing accommodation in a Deluxe Room at Maldive Swell guesthouse
• Local ferry from Male’ city to Thulusdhoo and back to Male’ city
• Pick up from airport and assistance with transfers to the guesthouse.
• 1.5 Liters of Mineral Water per person per day.
• Complimentary tea/ coffee.
• Our welcome Popsicle.
• Daily 3 Meals.
• Services of our residence host.

Maldives Surf Package Terms and conditions:
Price applicable per person per night twin sharing accommodation at Maldive Swell guesthouse.
Rate based on double occupancy.
Valid for bookings made and from now until 31st of October 2013 for stays in Deluxe Room ONLY.
Rate subject to Bed Tax US$8/- per person per night and T-GST 8% from January 2013 onwards until a new ruling.
This offer is non-combinable with any other special offers.
This offer is non-transferrable and no cash alternative will be given
This offer is applicable to all markets worldwide.

Maldive SwEll is a coke’s or cola’s guesthouse accommodation for surfers and for those guest who wish to enjoy activities such as fishing, surfing, scuba diving holidays or honeymooners who wish to spend their honeymoon in the Maldives for an affordable price. World class surf break coke’s or cola’s (right) is just around the corner of the local Island Thulusdhoo. Surf Break coke’s or col’s can be accessed easily by a short walk after wading across an uninhabited island. Easy accessibility to a sandbank and other deserted island is an added advantage.

Location of Maldive SwEll:

Kaafu Thulusdhoo, North Male’ Atoll, the Maldives.

Accommodation at Maldive SwEll:

Maldivian traditional home modified into a modern guesthouse with a local twist. 4 rooms, a kitchen, indoor and outdoor dinning, a common area, a juice bar, reception area. All rooms are provided with modern amenities, attached toilet with hot and cold water shower, air-con, in room flat screen TV. In addition, 1 room features a fun shower and an open air jacuzzi bath, best for honeymooners.

Beach Description:

white sandy beach at the Southern tip of the island away from the rest and a beautiful lagoon with a sandbank during low tide. Bikini is not allowed at the moment in the local island beaches so to sunbath in European style, the guest are required to get on to the sand bank or perhaps to the uninhabited island where the waves are. Variety of options are there to explore in this tropical destination.

Food and Drinks:

We cater breakfast, lunch and dinner from our little guesthouse kitchen depending on the meal plan that the guest book with us. Food is served either buffet style or a-la-carte. Menu based on a combination of authentic local and International dishes. Healthy drinks such as smoothies, coconut water and a variety of soft drinks are available from our juice bar. Due to local customs, alcoholic drinks and bars are either located in a cruise boat or in a resort island. The closest bar is approximately 15 minutes from Thulsdhoo Island by sea taxi dhoni or speed boat.

How to get there:

It takes an hour and thirty minutes to get there with a scenic cruise by Thulusdhoo Island public ferry from Male’, the capital city of the Maldives. While cruising the Thulusdhoo Island Public ferry to the island Thulusdhoo there is a good chance to see schools of dolphins as the sun gets closer to say goodbye for the day so watch out for dolphins and luxuriously designed popular chic resorts of North Male’ Atoll on the way to Thulusdhoo Island of the Maldives.

Don’t forget your camera in hand to capture some wonderful memories to take back home!

Check Availability & Request a Quote

Flydubai, Dubai’s innovative low-cost airline, has announced flights to Malé, the capital city of the Maldives.

Commencing on 19 January 2013, flights will operate five times a week between Dubai’s Terminal 2 and the Maldives’ Ibrahim Nasir International Airport of Malé. Bringing Flydubai’s presence in the Indian Subcontinent to nine points across six countries, the new route will allow travellers from across the region to enjoy affordable fares to one of the world’s most renowned leisure destinations.

“We are very excited about adding Malé to our destination network,” said Flydubai’s CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith.“As the first low-cost carrier from the UAE to fly to the Maldives, we are making this island paradise even more accessible to travellers across our network. Flydubai offers a low-cost model with innovation and excellent service. This proposition has proved very popular with our passengers and will undoubtedly be a draw for those looking to experience one of the world’s top holiday spots at an affordable price.”

Voted the number one island destination in the Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveller readers, the Maldives has advanced its tourism credentials by promoting its rich culture, vast array of luxury resort experiences, exotic culinary experiences and adventure sports ranging from paragliding to diving. The country has also remained committed to protecting its diverse ecology and champions environmentally-friendly activities. The result has been a consistent growth in visitor numbers over the years, with the Maldives welcoming almost a million tourists in 2011 – a leap of 17.6 percent over 2010.

The country has proved particularly popular amongst travellers from Russia, CIS and GCC, with figures revealing a 15.7% increase in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of this year compared to January to March 2011.

The report also highlighted a 77.8% increase in passengers from the Middle East over the same period with the growth linked to the opening of a number of Middle East-based hotel chains, such as Jumeirah Group’s Vittaveli Maldives which opened in December 2011. Flydubai flies to 16 points in the CIS and CEE, and more than 20 points in the Middle East.

“We anticipate a strong demand for flights from the GCC, in particular Kuwait, as well as markets such as Russia, CIS and Central & Eastern Europe. Thanks to our strong presence in both these regions, passengers will be able to fly to the Maldives via our Dubai hub,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith.“This will be our first launch in 2013 and we look forward to welcoming passengers from across our network to this wonderful country.”

The Maldives is widely regarded as one of the world’s top holiday spots. It comprises of 1,190 coral islands, formed around 26 natural ring-like atolls and spread over 90,000 square kilometres. With a maximum natural ground level of only 2.4 metres, it is also the lowest country in the world, making it a water-lover’s paradise.

The Maldives will be the latest addition to Flydubai’s growing network of more than 50 destinations in 32 countries, spanning the GCC, Middle East, North Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Asia and Central & Eastern Europe.

Inner Maldives Holidays is the GSA distributor representative for FlyDubai in the Maldives.

Maldives welcomed the inaugural flight of Indian low-cost airlines SpiceJet from Kochi to Malé on 29th of November 2012. The ceremony was attended by top officials of travel industry and the government.

SpiceJet daily flights from Kochi (KOC) to Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Malé (MLE), is expected to support tourism and commercial ties between India and Maldives.

SpiceJet Airline would be operating Bombardier Q400 aircrafts for both routes. The Bombardier Q400 NextGen turboprop aircrafts can accommodate 78 passengers and is widely accepted as one of the best short-haul plane globally. Ticket prices start from USD 99 for one way.

SpiceJet is a low-cost airline headquartered in Chennai, India owned by Kalanithi Maran. It began service in May 2005 and by 2012, it is India’s third largest airline in terms of market share.

WWF congratulated the Maldives Pole and Line Skipjack Fishery for becoming the first Indian Ocean tuna fishery to receive certification according to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standards. WWF has been an active supporter of the Maldives aspirations for certification, as well as an active player throughout the whole assessment and accreditation process.

“Maldivians take pride in their skipjack pole-and-line fishery – a sustainable fishery which thrived over the last millennium, by catching tuna one by one,” said Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan, Minister of State for Fisheries and Agriculture of the Maldives.

“The fishery forms the only viable source of employment and livelihood for more than 20,000 fishermen and their families. Maldivians are grateful and delighted that at last the world has recognized, through open and transparent scrutiny, the sustainable nature of our fishery, a fact that we have known always. We have had no doubt whatsoever that our pole-and-line skipjack tuna fishery deserves the benefits of MSC certification. We are confident that we can bridge the challenges ahead,”

“We thank all stakeholders, the MSC and our Conformity Assessment Body. We look forward working with all the stakeholders in implementing our Action Plan. We are very excited. The MSC sustainability certification of our pole-and-line fishery is a big achievement for a small nation like us.” Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan concluded.

“Certification of this fishery constitutes an example of the benefits of improved governance focused on sustainability. The recent formal adoption of the precautionary approach by Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) member States, led by Maldives, was a clear step towards strengthening management of tuna in the Indian Ocean. This is a positive incentive for the IOTC members to continue tackling the challenges that still remain.” commented Mr Alejandro Anganuzzi, Executive Secretary of IOTC.

Approximately 25 per cent of skipjack tuna catches in the Indian Ocean are made using the pole and line method and the majority of this catch comes from the Maldives.

MSC certification is considered by WWF as a good incentive to drive tuna fisheries towards sustainable fisheries management. The Maldives Pole and Line Skipjack Fishery has been certified with eight conditions that must be met within the next five years to ensure the fishery is continuing to function sustainably. As the certified fishery seeks to meet conditions of assessment, this should result in improved management at the national level and at the IOTC level.

“We admire the Maldives for taking a leadership role in driving sustainable management of tuna fisheries in the Indian Ocean, and for their commitment to improve the management of the Indian Ocean skipjack fishery through their strong participation in the IOTC,” said Daniel Suddaby, Tuna Manager, WWF´s Smart Fishing Initiative.

“The certification of this fishery will help to make the Indian Ocean’s commercial fisheries more economically and environmentally sustainable. We look forward to further working with the Maldives government and its industry to address the challenges and make sure that all the conditions attached to the fishery’s certification are met,”

“We hope that the Maldives Pole and Line Skipjack Fishery will serve as a trigger for other tuna fishing fleets to enter the assessment process for MSC certification. This could form a core group of countries working together in the Indian Ocean with the objectives and vision of fulfilling the conditions of assessment and achieving sustainable management for skipjack.” Suddaby added.

Source: Maldives dot net dot mv

Turkish Airlines has launched direct flights from Turkey to the Maldives. First Turkish Airlines flight to Maldives TK730 arrived on Sunday morning. Aircraft was welcomed with traditional water cannon salute by fire tenders and arriving passengers were greeted with traditional Bodu Beru music and flower bouquets.

Turkish flag carrier will fly nonstop, 5-days-a-week service from Atatürk International Airport in Istambul to Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Malé. Flights depart Istanbul at 08:25pm and arrive at 07:10am.  On the return they depart Malé at 09:00am and arrive Istambul at 02:30pm. Tickets prices start from USD800 for a round trip.

Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline with a fleet of 184 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to 195 cities around worldwide. One of the fastest growing airline companies, Turkish Airlines has received several “Passengers Choice Awards” from the consumer ranking group, Skytrax. Based on 2011 results, Turkish Airlines has been chosen as the winner in 3 categories, “Best Airline Europe”, “Best Premium Economy Seats” for its Comfort Class seats and “Best Airline Southern Europe”. It has also received awards for its catering and holds a 4-star designation, putting the airline in a small group of top quality carriers. Turkish Airlines was also given the Skytrax designation of “World’s Best Economy Class On-board Catering” in 2010, and Skyscanner’s “Best On-board Food 2011″.

Fern Boquete Inn is a brand new, small beach front bed and breakfast 3 star hotel offering a relaxed atmosphere for business or leisure travelers to the Maldives. Be it for an over night stay on the way to a resort or a scuba dive trip to Maldives or perhaps a fishing trip to Maldives, this is an ideal hotel to stay in Hulhumale’ if you are on a budget stay with style in the Maldives. This designer boutique hotel is within an easy access to many world renown dive sites in North Male’ Atoll and conveniently located in the next island to Ibrahim Nasir International Airpot Male’, a few minutes drive by airport bus will take you to your home away from home.

Location:
Hulhumale’-local island located next to the airport, 15 minutes drive by car.

Accommodation:
A very comfortable accommodation. Well designed, spacious, toilet with bath amenities, 18 double deluxe rooms categorized as Deluxe Sea-View and Deluxe City-View Rooms.

Facilities:
All rooms are fully air-conditioned, with ceiling fan, shower with hot and cold water, a mini fridge, safety deposit box, Satellite TV, 24 hours reception, tea/ Coffee making facilitates, hair dryer, free internet access, laundry service. There is a roof top terrace with uninterrupted ocean view with sun loungers.

Restaurants & Bars:
Fern Beach Café’: Creating a fine ambience with a stirring aroma of robust coffee all around, the “Fern Beach Café” ensures to thrill as it plays host to lazy breakfasts, power lunches and Relaxing Dinner. Quaint and inviting, it is a place where you can enjoy dinner in moon light and the pleasant view of Indian Ocean. The “Fern Beach Lounge” is conveniently located at the terrace and serves delectable snacks and drinks amidst an ambience. It allows guests to enjoy a wide range of the finest Mocktails available while sun bathing on Roof Top. Nearest bar is located 15 drive by shuttle bus.

Diving & Excursions:
IntoScuba Hulhumale’ Dive Center facilitates well trained instructors with PADI certification, is catering diving for Fern Boquete Inn. Well equipped Water sports center is located few minutes from the hotel offering actives for a very affordable prices. Hotel also offers excursions such as big game fishing, hand line fishing, island hopping trips by boat, snorkeling trips. submarine tours and many other excursions are on the menu.

Beach Description: white sandy beach.

Resorts in the Area: Club Faru, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon and Kurumba Maldives.

How to get to Fern Boquete Inn:
Either choose the regular airport shuttle bus or need to hire airport express taxi to get here. Book with us to get free pick up and drop service for this hotel.

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Eid-al-Fitr or Kuda Eid in local language perhaps, is one of the interesting festivals in Maldives. At the end of Ramadan Muslims around the world observe this joyous three-day celebration.

Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give away charity to those in need and to celebrate with family and friends. Before the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a determined amount as a donation to the poor. This donation is in terms of food such as rice or equivalent of that in local currency to ensure that those in need can have a holiday meal and participate in the celebration. This donation is known as fitr zakaath in the local language.On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in mosques to perform the Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer.

After the Eid prayer, people start visiting family members and friends, give gifts (especially to children), and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes for the holiday.These activities traditionally continue for three days. In most Muslim nations such as the Maldives, the entire 3-day period is an official government and school holiday. The people of the Maldives wear new clothes, special meals are cooked at homes and also many traditional games are enjoyed by the children as well as the Maldivian people during the festival in the islands of the Maldives.

For those who are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr we wish you a blessed Eid fllled with joy and happiness.

The CEO of MEGA Maldives Airline, Mr. George Weinmann, released a statement yesterday, saying: “MEGA Maldives Airlines is pleased to announce plans to develop new routes from Male, the capital of Maldives, to Melbourne, Australia; Johannesburg, South Africa; Tokyo, Japan; as well as one or two points in Germany.

“All the new routes will be fixed-weekly, nonstop, point-to-point service using our 767-300ER aircraft, except Johannesburg, which may utilize our 757-200ER with 200 seats configured for long-haul operations.

“The Maldives is an attractive destination for Australians with nearly 13,000 arrivals in 2011 and 33 percent growth. Australia is also a popular destination for Maldivian business people and families. The Maldives, as an island nation, also imports a great deal of its consumables products from Australia. We also believe Australia is a growing market for Maldives number one export: fresh reef and ocean fish.

“Johannesburg, South Africa, was once a strong source of traffic for the Maldives in years past. The lack of convenient air services after the conclusion of charter flights many years ago has reduced demand. With new convenient direct services, we believe South Africa will once again be a strong market.

“Tokyo is the hub of Japan, and with nearly 36,000 arrivals annually, the Japanese market remains significant to Maldives. However, we believe this market can grow further with new incentives for family and retired generation travelers, in addition to the traditional segments of honeymooners and divers. Cargo services to Japan are also an important focus for both import and export.

“Germany has jumped into the number one market position for Maldives in Europe with over 90,000 arrivals and growing. With the stopping of certain direct flights as a result of industry reorganization, we see an opportunity to provide continued nonstop services to this major market. In addition, we are evaluating opening a multiple points in Germany providing more convenient direct flight to each major sub-market.

“To support this growth, we have recently appointed Mr. Vernon Nathan as Commercial Development Manager, with specific responsibility for the new Melbourne and Johannesburg routes. Vernon is based in Melbourne and has over forty years of international airline experience in scheduled and non-scheduled operations both in the Middle East, as well as the African continent including South Africa.

“MEGA Maldives Airlines will work closely with the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Company and Maldivian and overseas tour operators and agents to develop these markets to their full potential. Building on our success in China, where we have supported nearly 20 familiarization and media tours, including nearly 80 press professionals, over the past year, we expect to raise the profile of Maldives as an early accessible premium destination in each of these new markets.
Hence our slogan: Paradise in Reach!”

MEGA Maldives Airlines will also be adding a third aircraft to its fleet, a Boeing 757-200W. This new aircraft will enter into service in August 2012 and will support the airline’s existing services between Male’ and Hong Kong, Chongqing, and Chengdu. The aircraft will have a seating capacity of 206, including Standard International Economy and Premium Economy classes. This addition complements the airline’s existing 767 fleet, as the 757 and 767 share a common type rating for pilots and many other similarities.

Maldives registered a 6.1 percent tourist arrival growth during June 2012 with 59,379 arrivals. A total of 458,068 tourist arrivals were registered from January to June 2012. This is an increase of 2.3 percent compared to the same period in 2011. Outstanding growth during June was recorded from Kazakhstan with 308.5 percent and Saudi Arabia with 151.8 percent growth. With the positive figures in June, MMPRC is very much in line with the set target of 1 million arrivals during 2012.

Launch of the global advertising campaign on BBC Worldwide and ongoing activities on social media platforms as well as PR networks in important markets together with the strategized traditional marketing activities such as fam trips, roadshows and representation at tourism fairs, and aggressive industry promotions, have contributed in boosting the arrival figures despite the economic situation in major markets.

Mega Maldives Airlines currently operates into Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing, as well as several other points in China and will shortly commence operations to Seoul and Tokyo. The company was officially established in March 2010 and received its operating certificate in December 2010 commencing services into Hong Kong in January 2011. The airline operates three aircraft two B767-300ER with a configuration of 12 Business, 42 Premium, and 196 Economy seats and has recently leased a B757-200ER configured with 200 premium and standard international economy seats. The airline plans to add an additional 757 and two additional 767 in the coming year. Mega Maldives is a private limited company incorporated in the Maldives and is majority owned by a private Maldivian investment company along with minority American investors. Mega Maldives Airlines has offices and representation in Male, Hong Kong, London, Beijing, Seoul, and Melbourne.

via maldivesdotnetdotmv