Maldives Business News - Universal

Ismail Shaukath and Mohamed Isam say they were fired "unfairly" from Laguna Velassaru resort less than a week after the petition was sent to management calling for improved working conditions.
Resident Manager Ali Habeeb said no one was fired unfairly or in relation to the petition, but he refused to give the reasons for the dismissal. more

see also: Dhivehi report in Haama Daily

and: Dhivehi Petition of Support for Resort Staff

and: Signatures of Support

Tourism News
We are pleased to announce that the World Travel Awards 2008 has nominated Inner Maldives Holidays as 'Indian Ocean’s Leading Travel Agency'. World Travel Awards (WTA), is the most comprehensive and the most prestigious awards ceremony in the global travel industry today which is also recognized as the Oscars of the travel industry. more

Economic Times - India
NEW DELHI: As global warming gains alarming proportions and rising temperatures trigger severe climatic changes across the world, we bring you the five most endangered places on the planet - a heritage that will be lost to our future generations. THE MALDIVES: The tiny island nation of the Maldives is sinking into the sea. By the end of this century it will go completely down along with its 1200 islands. The sea level is rising at an alarming rate of 3½ inches a year and the Maldives, comprising the lowest islands on Earth more

The Sun - UK
KATE MOSS has a new passion - for mangosteen juice. With reputed weight-loss and anti-ageing benefits, this miracle juice from the Maldives is packed with powerful antioxidants and vitamin C. But it's not the only juice which claims to be body-boosting. more

By:Mehdi Hassan
Only three years ago, the country was devastated by Tsunami and now it has recovered the damage and moving towards business expansion. Yes, Maldives is back on track. The island country of the Indian Ocean is now becoming serious about expanding its tourism industry.

Currently, all the islands of the country are not inhabited by people. The government has decided to build 50 new resorts in fifty islands. MSNBC reports:

In fact, so ambitious is the country’s tourism target that over 50 new resorts will be built over the next four years, necessitating new carriers to enter the market and existing ones to increase service to the sunny island paradise, reports Routes News.

Tourism is the country’s main industry, providing vital employment and foreign investment for the tiny, geographically isolated island state. Much of its 300,000 population is employed by the tourism industry, and the government is serious about increasing employment in the sector even further, while maintaining its exclusive and eco-friendly ‘one resort per island’ policy.

Many of you might be thinking that being a country of South Asia, Maldives may not have a very developed tourism sector. It is the opposite, Maldives is quite expensive and it does not target cheap tourists. Eighty percent of the tourists that come to Maldives are Europeans with England in the first place followed by Italy andGermany.

The 50 new resorts will have eleven thousand beds in total. This means more job will be created and if the plan becomes successful, many people will be able to stay near their home. Now, people have to go from one island to another for work. Improving airlines service is also another major condition for getting tourists. Maldives government maintains open sky so that air buses from all over the world can bring in tourists.

This is definitely a good decision for Maldives. Since, tourism is the biggest foreign currency earner for the country, why not expand it? More money would come which translates into prosperous economy. Like Maldives, Nepal should take the same approach. The political stability and corruption during the time of the monarchy has left Nepal economically weak. Like Maldives, tourism is also the major foreign currency earner for Nepal. It can attract more tourists by expanding the tourism sector and offering better services and facilities to the tourists.

11 March 2008 PRESS RELEASE
Release date: 11 March 2008

Male’, 11 March 2008: The leading specialist tour operator Kuoni Travels long-haul report for the year 2008 revealed that the Maldives has emerged as the number one position as the favourite long-haul destination for 2007.

Maldives topped as the first place in a list of 20 countries. They included Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia and Barbados. Managing Director, Kuoni Travel says ‘It’s great to see the Maldives continuing to hold its well-deserved position as the favourite long-haul destination. With the magical, eternal appeal of the true Robinson Crusoe experience the Maldivian resorts offer, from five star luxury and pampering to more simple, barefoot beach holidays, it would be some challenge to dent its lead.’

Already popular for tourists from all over the World, the Maldives attracts visitors who are in search of peace and tranquillity in an island paradise setting. With luxury and award winning hotels, resorts and spas, and probably the best snorkelling, fishing and scuba diving in the world, the Maldives offers a unique, unforgettable experience to the visitors.
The Maldives attracted a record number of 675,889 visitors during 2007. The United Kingdom ranked top in 2007 among the source markets with a total arrival of 125,158 visitors, which is a growth of 15.9% compared to 2006.

END.
For more information, please contact:
Mohamed Maleeh Jamal: 7781171
Maldives Tourism Promotion Board
Malé, Maldives
Telephone: +960 332 3228
Facsimile: +960 332 3229
Email: mtpb@visitmaldives.com
Website: http://www.visitmaldives.com

The Golden Gate Awards
BERLIN (eTN) – This year's edition of the eTurboNews-sponsored Das Godene Stadttor (The Golden Gate) has been the biggest so far and the awards ceremony was a rousing success, with Egypt bagging the coveted "Best in Online Advertising" award. Das Goldene Stadttor's "Diamond Award" went to Maldives' "Recharge Your World" entry. more

10 February 2008 PRESS RELEASE
Release date: 10 February 2008

Male’, 10 February 2008: The Maldives Tourism Promotion Board together with the Maldives tourism industry participated in The Brides Show held in Abu Dhabi from 5-8th February. Exhibiting for the first time at a consumer exhibition in the Gulf region, the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board showcased a range of beautiful island resorts which will appeal to both GCC nationals and expatriate residents living in the region.

Already popular with honeymooners from all over the World, the Maldives attracts visitors who are in search of peace and tranquillity in an island paradise setting. With luxury hotels and resorts, award-winning Spa’s and probably the best snorkelling, fishing and scuba diving in the world, the Maldives offers a unique, unforgettable experience to the visitors.

The Maldives is a relatively new leisure destination for the Gulf Region and it is now placing greater emphasis on driving destination awareness. Maldives is easily accessible from the Arabian Gulf with a short flight time of around four hours, with daily flights from Emirates, Qatar Airways and Sri Lankan Airlines, as well as twice-weekly flights from low cost airline Jazeera Airways.

The Maldives is currently the ultimate getaway for those who are attracted by resort style islands with plenty of privacy, stunning beaches and crystal clear waters. The Maldives provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing, rejuvenating holiday, which is a welcome contrast to the frantic pace of life in the Arabian Gulf.


END.
For more information, please contact:
Mohamed Maleeh Jamal: 7781171
Maldives Tourism Promotion Board
Malé, Maldives
Telephone: +960 332 3228
Facsimile: +960 332 3229
Email: mtpb@visitmaldives.com
Website: http://www.visitmaldives.com

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