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China becomes 9th biggest tourist market of the Maldives

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Since the Maldives opened its borders to the Chinese tourism market, the Asian powerhouse has become one of the 10 best foreign markets so far this year.

After the global pandemic and its subsequent consequences, after 3 years, direct flights to China began on January 18.

As per the statistics provided by the tourism ministry, 2,239 tourists have visited the Maldives from China up till today, which makes China the 9th country from which most tourists have visited.

The tourism minister Dr Abdulla Mausoom shared his thoughts regarding this on Twitter saying that it’s very heartwarming to see so many tourists visit the Maldives from China.

The latest statistics provided by the tourism ministry show that till last Saturday 115.177 tourists have visited the Maldives. The 5 countries from where most tourists have visited the Maldives this year are Russia, Italy, India, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

This spike in tourist visits from China stems from the recommencement of direct flights from China to the Maldives by Beijing Capital Airlines. The Chinese airline will have 4 scheduled flights every week till February 22.

Beijing Capital Airlines are using A330-300 model aircraft, which seats 306 passengers.

China was the number one tourist market for the Maldives pre-pandemic. When looking at the history of Chinese tourists, the Maldives became a popular tourist destination for the people of China back in 2010.

With the leniency to travel provided by Xi Jinping after being elected president in 2013, the Chinese populace looked to Maldives as their most favourable holiday getaway, and so since 2013, the number of Chinese tourists has increased year by year.

The Maldives was heavily advertised to the Chinese market by MMPRC and other tourism industry professionals at the Shanghai World Expo 2010. According to experts, this was the event that really opened up the Chinese market to the Maldives.

Source(s): sun.mv

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Maldivian’s Male’-Colombo route launches on Thursday

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Maldivian, the flag carrier of the Maldives, is set to launch flights to the Bandaranaike International Airport in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, on Thursday.

The starting fare is USD 165, including a baggage allowance of 30 kilos and an attractive meal package.

According to Maldivian, it will operate two weekly flights on the Male’-Colombo route; on Thursdays and Saturdays.

The flight schedule is perfect for weekend getaways, allowing passengers to depart after work on Thursday and return on Saturday, maximizing their time in Sri Lanka without complicated itineraries.

The airline is offering exclusive benefits to customers from the Nawaloka Hospital. This includes:

  • Medical consultation and medical history evaluation (with a medical doctor)
  • Body mass index test and vision test
  • Dental check-ups
  • Consultation with clinical dietician
  • 15% discount for laboratory tests (OPD basis)
  • 5% discount for x-ray
  • Special discounted health screening packages

Unlike most budget carriers that focus on keeping fares low, Maldivian Airline goes the extra mile to enhance the travel experience, providing a complimentary meal on board, ensuring that passengers arrive in Colombo feeling satisfied and ready to explore.

The airline also offers an attractive offer of flying with a 30-kg baggage allowance for even the lowest fare of USD 165, eliminating the need to pay extra fees or travel light, ensuring travelers can pack everything they need for their trip within the limit, and avoid surprise baggage charges commonly imposed by budget airlines.

Th airline also offers elderly care and a seamless travel experience with multilingual staff, including Dhivehi and English speakers, ensuring clear communication and assistance for passengers of all levels of experience, making the journey comfortable and stress-free.

According to Maldivian, the new route to Colombo represents an exciting milestone for both Maldivian and the travelers seeking seamless connectivity between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The airline said the strategic expansion further solidifies Maldivian’s commitment to connecting the Maldives with key international destinations, enhancing travel options for passengers, and promoting cultural and economic exchanges.

Source(s): sun.mv

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Maldives Showcased at Asia’s Biggest Dive Expo

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Maldives Marketing and Public Cooperation (MMPRC) has promoted Maldives at Asia’s largest dive expo, Adex Ocean Mission 2024.

Notably, Adex Ocean Mission is a global platform where investors, scientists, marine conservationists and as well as underwater photographs can join together. Simultaneously, dive operators along with dive equipment manufacturers took part in the expo. It has been 26 years since the expo first commenced.

Remarkably, MMPRC has actively engaged in promoting Maldives as a leading tourism destination, following exposure globally. The very expo was carried out from April 12 to 14 at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Providing insight on the expo, MMPRC affirmed that persistent efforts have been made to provide updated information regarding the Maldives to those interested in diving related activities. Moreover, initiatives have been taken to create awareness about the Maldives as a central hub prioritising diving and as well as marine conservation.

One of the primary incentives of partaking in such expos is to attract tourists from the South Asian region. While the tourist arrival from the South-East Asian region amounted 58,947, the number of tourists who visited from January and February totals to 7,481.

Additionally, efforts are currently underway to initiate joint marketing campaigns and outdoor promotional campaigns following active engagements with several stakeholders targeted towards tourists arrivals from the South-East Asian market.

Source(s): PsmNews

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Minister launches Hankede Integrated Tourism Development Project

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The foundation stone of the Hankede Integrated Tourism Development Project has been laid in a event held in Addu City. The project was officiated by the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan. This initiative marks as the biggest project targetting the development of the tourism sector within the city. The project worth USD 142.9 million, aims to pave a road for Addu City to be developed sustainably, in addition to bringing advancements to the tourism industry.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ihusaan observed the launch of the project was a long-awaited vision of the residents of Addu City, noting that the practical work of the project will commence in two weeks. The minister stated that this project will enhance employment prospects, creating 3,000 job opportunities.

The project was entrusted by the Maldives Fund Management Corporation to China National Electric Engineering Company (CNEEC). The pertaining agreements signed by the companies on March 23, 2023, outlines the development of the project through engineering, procurement, and constructions required.

Providing an insight on the project, Maldives Fund Management Corporation revealed that the Hankeda project will have the capacity to accommodate 2,082 beds along with 1,041 rooms. It further disclosed that a variety of hotels of different standards will be established under the project. This encompasses of two grand hotels, two deluxe hotels, ten boutique hotels, 64 serviced apartments and seven beach villas. Several additional facilities will be provided under the project, including a knowledge centre, mix sport building, outdoor beach sports, theatre and other such entertainment facilities. Building will also be developed designated for food courts, restaurants and small firms.

The project will undoubtedly serve as a transformative endeavour to the entire city, bringing revolutionary changes to the tourism sector as well.

Source(s): PsmNews

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