The group of five who initially went missing were all Italians, and were experienced divers who have been named by Maldivian authorities as Monica Montefalcone, a well-known marine ecology advocate and associate professor at the University of Genoa; her daughter, Giorgia Sommacal; marine biologist Federico Gualtieri; researcher Muriel Oddenino; and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti.

The Italian Foreign Ministry said the deaths occurred on Vaavu Atoll, the smallest administrative atoll of the archipelago, about 60 minutes by speedboat, or three hours by dhoni (a traditional regional sailing vessel) from the capital Malé. “The divers are believed to have died while attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 meters,” the ministry said.

Questions are now being raised about the expedition, since the depth limit for recreational diving in The Maldives is set at 30 metres, as it is for most major scuba certifying agencies. While Montefalcone and Oddenino and Benedetti could be argued to have been undertaking a professional activity, no special technical equipment necessary for diving at such deaths had been deployed, and no permission had been sought or granted to exceed the 30-metre threshold, according to Albatros Top Boat, the Italian tour operator responsible.

What’s more, Sommacal and Gualtieri would not officially have been part of any scientific work taking place across the cave system. About 20 other Italians were aboard the “Duke of York” boat at the time of the incident, and all are safe and being offered counseling, authorities have confirmed.

It is not yet known what happened to cause the tragedy, but Montefalcone’s husband has insisted she was an expert who had 5,000 dives under her belt. He also expressed confidence in dive lead Benedetti, saying he was “meticulous” and “meticulous”, and would have “checked everything: the tanks, the weather conditions. He’s not a fool.”

The system the victims were exploring has been described as three large chambers that are linked by narrow passages. Benedetti’s body was recovered on Thursday close to one cave, and recovery teams continued to search in rough weather for the other four on Friday, until the search was suspended after a sixth person died.

ފެލިދެއަތޮޅުގައި ފީނަން ދިޔަ ޑައިވަރުންގެ ތެރެއިން ގެއްލުނު ހަތަރު ޑައިވަރު ހޯދުމަށް، އެމްއެންޑީއެފުން ކުރިއަށްގެންދާ، ސާޗް އެންޑް ރެސްކިއު އޮޕަރޭޝަނުގައި މިއަދު ޑައިވްކުރަނިކޮށް ހާލުދެރަވި، އެމްއެންޑީއެފްގެ ސްޓާފް ސާޖަންޓް މުޙައްމަދު މަހުދީ ނިޔާވެއްޖެ. pic.twitter.com/34prlbxEi9

— Maldives National Defence Force (@MNDF_Official) May 16, 2026

Mohamed Mahudhee, a member of the Maldivian National Defense Force, died of underwater decompression sickness after participating in the recovery work. He was taken to a Malé hospital on Saturday but did not survive.

Three Finnish divers arrived in the Maldives on Sunday 17 May to help plan the search for the unrecovered bodies which are thought to be inside one of the underwater caves with a depth of 60 metres. Conditions within the caves, especially in poor weather which can stir up sediment and reduce visibility, have been challenging, with a yellow weather warning issued.

The incident comes as a blow to Maldivian tourism ahead of the world’s largest travel trade show, ITB Berlin, which the archipelago is due to host in 2027.

L’article Five Italian tourists die in cave dive accident in Maldives est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The announcement was made during ITB Berlin 2026, where Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives, and Dr Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, officially signed the agreement at the Maldives stand in Hall 5.2.

The designation marks the return of the Maldives as Host Country a decade after its first appearance in the role, reaffirming the destination’s strong relationship with the global tourism industry and with one of its most influential platforms.

“We are delighted that, 10 years after their first appearance as Host Country, the Maldives will once again take centre stage at ITB Berlin,” said Dr Mario Tobias. “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.”

He added that the 2027 edition will provide an opportunity to showcase the country’s extraordinary natural beauty while demonstrating how tourism and sustainability can evolve together.

A destination of global appeal

Comprising more than 1,000 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives remains one of the most recognisable long-haul destinations in the world.

Turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches and rich coral reefs have made the country synonymous with high-end island escapes. However, the destination is increasingly highlighting the diversity of its tourism offering beyond luxury resorts.

As Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, the Maldives plans to showcase experiences ranging from boutique properties and authentic local island stays to diving adventures, water sports, wellness retreats and cultural encounters.

Sustainability is expected to feature prominently in the country’s presentation, reflecting ongoing initiatives aimed at protecting fragile marine ecosystems and supporting local communities across the archipelago.

“ITB Berlin provides us with the ideal platform to showcase the unique experiences our islands offer to travellers from around the world,” said Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives. “We look forward to welcoming the global tourism industry in Berlin and highlighting the diversity, quality and hospitality that define the Maldives as a destination.”

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Tourism diplomacy gaining momentum

The announcement follows a recent diplomatic milestone for the island nation. Just weeks before ITB Berlin 2026, Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited Berlin, where he was received by the German Federal President, underlining the growing strategic importance of relations between the Maldives and Germany.

Tourism remains the backbone of the Maldivian economy, and strengthening partnerships with European markets continues to be a priority for the country’s tourism authorities.

Germany has long been among the Maldives’ most important source markets, and the Host Country role at ITB Berlin offers a powerful platform to further consolidate that relationship.

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“Visit Maldives Year” to mark 2027

The year 2027 has also been officially designated “Visit Maldives Year”, a nationwide tourism initiative announced by President Muizzu to further elevate the destination’s global visibility.

The campaign will involve international marketing initiatives, participation in major travel fairs, roadshows and digital campaigns aimed at showcasing the islands’ natural beauty, cultural heritage and world-class hospitality.

Through this global effort, the Maldives hopes to reinforce its position as one of the world’s leading long-haul destinations while promoting sustainable tourism development.

Maldives to take center stage at ITB Berlin 2026, bringing back the iconic Maldivian Night, presenting major activities, and showcasing new tourism initiatives alongside 68 co-exhibitors from 03–05 March 2026 in Berlin. pic.twitter.com/ockzGPez5A

— Visit Maldives (@visitmaldives) February 25, 2026

Spotlight on the Maldives at ITB Berlin

As Host Country, the Maldives will play a central role throughout ITB Berlin 2027. The destination will host the official opening gala on 15 March 2027 at the ITB Berlin venue, followed by three days of trade activities from 16 to 18 March.

Visitors can expect a prominent national stand, cultural performances, networking events and media activities designed to highlight the archipelago’s tourism offering.

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By taking on the Host Country role once again, the Maldives signals its continued commitment to engaging with the international travel industry and strengthening ties with key European markets.

For the global tourism community gathering in Berlin in 2027, the islands of the Maldives are set to become the focal point of the world’s leading travel trade show.

L’article Maldives announced as Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Maldives is an archipelago of more than 1,200 coral islands, spread across 26 atolls, and blessed with natural beauty and vibrant marine life. The country’s unique geography mesmerizes the visitor. Reefs that offer bands of color, tiny jewel-like islands rimmed with the whitest of soft sand, surrounded by the clearest shallow waters that one can imagine.

Our pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and hospitality have been the cornerstone of our success – and Europe has been a key partner in this journey. In 2024, we first achieved the milestone of welcoming over 2 million tourists, with European travellers comprising around 59 percent of the total arrivals. It all began with Kurumba’s opening in 1972, the nation’s first resort on Vihamanaafushi Island in the North Malé Atoll, laying the foundation for the Maldives’ rise as the world’s premier tourism destination. 

Today, the Maldives offers a wide variety of accommodations – from ultra-luxurious private island resorts to charming locally owned guest houses and safaris. There are over 200 resorts that practice the one island, one hotel concept. As of 2026, over 1.200 guesthouses operate across approximately 90 local inhabited islands, allowing travellers to experience authentic Maldivian culture. We have also been successful in establishing the first resort that runs on 100% renewable energy and have pioneered innovations like underwater spas and restaurants.

To support this growth, we are making significant investments in infrastructure that will make travel to and from the Maldives more seamless than ever. The opening of the new passenger terminal at Velana International, designed to cater for 7.5 million passengers annually, will support increased visitor numbers and ensure a more seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

Notwithstanding the many strides we have made within a very short timeframe in human, social, and economic development, the Maldives has still not reached its full potential. More importantly, the benefits of this development have not reached all Maldivians.

In this respect, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has officially designated 2027 as “Visit Maldives Year,” signalling the start of a transformative national campaign aimed at elevating the Maldives’ tourism sector to record heights. The campaign will serve as a unified platform, bringing together domestic and international stakeholders to fortify the nation’s primary economic engine. The initiative is also intended to commemorate 55 years of tourism in the Maldives.

To achieve the ambitious targets set for 2027, Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), in coordination with a specialised Steering Committee under the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, has already activated an aggressive international promotion strategy for 2026-2027. The first quarter of 2026 has already seen a significant acceleration in global marketing activities, characterized by a high-impact presence at premier international forums.

In January, the Maldives successfully participated in FITUR 2026 in Madrid, where the delegation engaged with over 50,000 industry professionals and trade experts to showcase the diverse investment landscape and evolving travel opportunities within the archipelago. This was followed by a strategic activation at the Travel & Adventure Show in New York. Building on this momentum, the Maldives is set to maintain a rigorous schedule of high-profile global engagements throughout the year.

Yet the next phase of tourism in the Maldives extends beyond conventional models, as evidenced by the recently announced “Project Ayla” – the Maldives’ first sustainable township development project. Projects like Ayla will elevate the Maldives from a holiday destination to a place to live, invest, and build long-term value. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the development will feature luxury residences and an ultra-luxury resort with a marina, alongside an international-standard healthcare facility and a world-class school of hospitality and leadership. It will operate on at least 60 per cent renewable energy with integrated sustainable aquaculture and agriculture systems.

At a time when the geopolitical landscape has rarely been more complex, tourism remains a force for peace, stability, and prosperity for all. The Maldives is committed to thinking differently; to innovate, adapt, and to find solutions that are practical, scalable, and durable. Our aim is to create a model of living where tourism, community well-being, and conservation coexist in harmony. 

L’article Maldives: The sunny side of life est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Indian Ocean collaboration between Trump and Dubai-headquartered, London-listed, Dar Global, will see the development of approximately 80 beach villas built around 25 minutes from the Maldivian capital, Male (by speedboat). Referred to on the DAR website as “Trump International Hotel Maldive,” the project is set for completion by the end of 2028. The sole rendering of the project released so far reveals a low-slung, organically formed, overwater property with a curling walkway that encloses part of the sea.

Introducing the Maldives’ newest icon.

Trump International Hotel, Maldives, our debut property in the Maldives, will feature ultra-luxury beach and overwater villas, setting a new benchmark for privacy, exclusivity, and sophistication.

As part of the announcement, we’re also… pic.twitter.com/ScfLpRwQFU

— The Trump Organization (@Trump) November 17, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and leader, Mohammed bin Salman, visited the White House on 18 November, which many commentators have noted was the first time in the seven years since the well-documented 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents in Istanbul. The recent visit has caused widespread controversy.

Focusing on the real estate and its funding, Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organisation, said in a statement that the project would “redefine luxury in the region but also set a new benchmark for innovation in real estate investment through tokenization.”

DarGlobal introduces two global firsts with The @Trump Organization: Trump International Hotel Maldives, the brand’s debut in the Maldives, and the world’s first tokenized hotel development linked to the project.

Read more: https://t.co/b4HIZeIJZe #DarGlobal #Trump… pic.twitter.com/H2z2neA9tn

— DarGlobal (@dar_global) November 18, 2025

Echoing that, Dar Global, which has a range of other partnerships with Trump, including in Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar, said in a statement: “This pioneering collaboration not only brings the Trump brand to one of the world’s most exclusive destinations but also introduces an unprecedented financial innovation, tokenizing the development of a luxury hospitality project for the first time.” The firm pointed out how unusual it is for tokenization to be used while a property is still under construction. “Unlike previous models that tokenize completed assets, this initiative tokenizes the development phase itself, offering investors the opportunity to participate in a high-growth, premium real estate project from inception.”

With a portfolio of hotels and other real estate all over the world, the Maldives hospitality project is not Trump’s (or Dar Global’s) first, but it represents efforts by both parties to expand their presence in major global destinations. Neither is it Trump’s first foray into digital and cryptocurrencies. The Trump Organization owns World Liberty Financial, run by Trump’s sons Eric and Donald Jr. In addition, both President Trump and First Lady Melania trade their own branded meme coins.

L’article New Trump hotel set for Maldives in partnership with Saudi firm est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The plan is designed, authorities on the archipelago say, to attract investment in long-term opportunities and diversify and refresh the Maldives tourism offer, generating direct and indirect jobs.

To be eligible under the Sustainable Township scheme, projects must exceed a minimum value of USD $500 million. Qualifying developers will benefit from fiscal incentives, such as a five percent income tax rate for the first decade, and 10% for the following ten years. A real estate transfer tax is payable on a rising scale, starting at just one percent for the first transaction, increasing to four percent for when investors hit three transaction. All other taxes and levies are applicable as normal.

Developers must also complete an Environmental Impact Assessment “to make sure that when they build the resort, there is minimal environmental impact,” Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim told the press ahead of the UN’s 2025 Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh.

On the sidelines of the #UNTGA26, Minister @ThoriqIbrahim engaged with leading Saudi media outlets — Okaz, Riyadh Today, Aleqtisadiah, Al Watan News, and Arab News.

The Minister highlighted the Maldives’ sustainability initiatives, tourism performance, and promotional strategies… pic.twitter.com/OOQ1NxFz1t

— Ministry of Tourism and Environment (@MoTmv) November 11, 2025

Environmental self-sufficiency is a key criterion in the government assessment framework, rewarding projects that operate independently, from waste management to water supplies, and clean energy systems, supporting the island nation’s Vision 2040 goal of sourcing a third of its electricity from renewable sources, particularly solar, by 2028.

Though potentially very different from the exclusive deserted island luxury model of Maldivian tourism, the new resorts are not intended to replace that traditional set-up. Instead, the Sustainable Townships are argued to be complementary, bolstering the market by offering something other than a desert island idyll. The gamble is that Sustainable Townships will generate new revenue streams, appealing to a growing segment of longer-term, longer-stay visitors who require more facilities by catering to tourism trends that favour integrated, mixed-use developments.

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Hospitality.net has described the move as a signal “to investors and the international tourism market that the Maldives is not only preserving its premium resort legacy but also adapting to evolving global demand for lifestyle, wellness, and integrated tourism experiences.”

While some might question whether it’s possible to protect the Maldives’ natural resource capital while diversifying its 50-year-old luxury tourism sector in this way, Ibrahim believes that “expanding tourism opportunities while safeguarding the pristine natural environment” is what the Maldivian identity and future success depend upon.

L’article The Maldives announce incentives for Sustainable Township tourism developments est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Designed as a “signature retreat of individuality and immersion”, the resort is surrounded by coral gardens and turquoise lagoons. The villas range from approximately 220 m² to more than 1,250 m², each with a private infinity pool and interiors inspired by maritime heritage. Accommodation options include Island Villas with beach access, Overwater Villas above calm lagoons, Two-Bedroom Ocean Villas for families or groups, and the three-bedroom Halcyon Grand Estate, featuring a rooftop terrace and direct lagoon entry. 

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“From its exquisite design language to its intuitive service, every detail invites guests to slow down and engage meaningfully within the destination. It is a celebration of authenticity wrapped in refined elegance and thoughtful design,” said Gautam Bhandari, Senior Vice President, Hotel Development & Operations for Singapore & Maldives, Marriott International.

For each guest at the resort, service includes a personal “Halcyon Butler”, who arranges tailored itineraries from sunrise yoga and stargazing to marine excursions like private diving, snorkelling, and traditional line fishing. “Whether arranging an uncharted island exploration, a rare bottle of wine, or a private poolside candlelit dinner, the butler ensures every request is graceful, intuitive, and a reflection of the resort’s dedication to craft,” the release noted.

Culinary offerings include the all-day venue Thari with island-inspired and international cuisine, a fusion restaurant Yuzu featuring Peruvian-Japanese dishes, an open-air grill, The Firepit, plus the Yapa Sunset Bar serving cocktails, tapas and sashimi, and Bell Bar, inspired by explorer heritage, featuring signature cocktails and rare spirits. 

Bespoke private dining experiences are also available — from in-villa candlelit dinners with multi-course menus and beachfront settings paired with fine wine to overwater pavilions serving food just in time for the sunset, and even sandbank champagne dining reached by private boat featuring chef-grilled cuisine.

Beyond accommodation and dining, the resort focuses on immersive experiences and wellness. Its architecture reflects the natural beauty of the Maldives, with timber accents, organic textures, and open layouts that seamlessly connect indoor spaces with the surrounding ocean. Guests can enjoy a full-service spa, sunrise yoga, and sound therapy, or arrange full-day and multi-day wellness programs designed with personalised nutrition, movement, and sleep optimisation. 

Additional activities include guided reef explorations with a resident marine biologist, coral planting, fishing trips aboard a traditional Dhoni, and a range of water sports. The resort also offers supervised children’s programmes featuring marine biology workshops and eco-focused beach games, reinforcing its wellness and family-friendly appeal.

The resort is now bookable via the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme and marks the first Autograph Collection property in the Maldives. For point-based stays, the rate begins from approximately 112,000 points per night in a beach-pool villa, with paid nightly rates starting around US$1,115 (€967), excluding the additional seaplane transfer fee, which is priced at US$1,090 (€945) per person round-trip from Malé. 

With its emphasis on spacious private retreats, immersive experiences and tailored service, the resort sets a benchmark for travellers seeking seclusion and sophisticated island escapes.

L’article Autograph Collection launches 38-villa luxury resort in the Maldives est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

According to the World Health Organization, smoking is responsible for some 7 million deaths globally every year. When looking at the Maldives’ adult population (aged 15 to 69), some 25% used tobacco in 2021, while reaching 50% among young teens aged 13 to 15.

National Torch Run 2025 comes to an end!

From ministries to athletes, NGOs to corporates, communities and stakeholders, we thank all partners for their unwavering support and their commitment to a #TobaccoFreeMaldives #TorchRun2025#GenerationalBan pic.twitter.com/0fbdauHK7l

— Ministry of Health (@MoHmv) November 1, 2025

In 2024, the Maldives already made the headlines by prohibiting electronic cigarettes in all their forms. The importation, sale, possession, use, and distribution of e-cigarettes and vaping products have since banned in the country for people of all ages. Those who choose to ignore the ban and choose to use vaping devices anyway are subject to a fine of 5,000 rufiyaa (€281).

Generational ban

As of 1 November 2025, as part of their obligations under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the Maldives has decided to prohibit the use of all tobacco products to those born after January 2007 on its 1,191 islets known for their luxury tourism.

Retailers will be obliged to check a customer’s age prior to any sales, and the ban will also apply to tourists. Selling tobacco products to underage customers entails a penalty of 50,000 rufiyaa (€2,817).

As we reach the final hour of the National Torch Run, communities, schools, youth, and local councils walk side by side carrying the message of hope, unity, and a tobacco-free generation across the nation.#TobaccoFreeMaldives#GenerationBan#TorchRun2025 pic.twitter.com/4SfA5PnX7y

— Ministry of Health (@MoHmv) November 1, 2025

“People don’t come to the Maldives because they’re able to smoke. They come for the beaches, they come for the sea, they come for the sun, and they come for the fresh air”, Ahmed Afaal, vice chair of the archipelago’s tobacco control board, told BBC World Service’s Newshour programme, specifying the vaping ban had not had any consequences on the archipelago’s tourist numbers over the past year.

As of 1 November 2025, the Maldives has become the first country in the world to introduce a nationwide generational tobacco prohibition. However, other projects were submitted over the last couple of years. In 2022, New Zealand’s government decided to introduce a smoking ban for anyone born after 1 January 2009 as of 2024, but the bill was later cancelled.

In the United Kingdom, a bill banning tobacco for anyone born after 1 January 2009 is currently making its way through parliament after several similar projects did not succeed. According to the European Union’s “Attitudes of Europeans towards tobacco and related products” report, one quarter of the EU’s population is a regular user of some sort of tobacco product. The European Commission has therefore recently laid out a recommendation for toughening the bloc’s stance on where people can smoke.

L’article Maldives bans smoking for anyone born after January 2007 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The ban, intended as a demonstration of ‘resolute solidarity’ with the Palestinians, was passed by the Maldivian parliament on Monday and ratified the next day by Muizzu. The amendment to the Immigration Act explicitly prohibits visitors holding Israeli passports from entering the Maldives.

A statement issued by the head of state’s office read that ‘the ratification reflects the government’s firm stance in response to the continuing atrocities and ongoing acts of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people’. Israel firmly denies these allegations, which are currently under review at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The case was brought to the ICJ in December 2023 by South Africa, accusing Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza. No ruling has yet been issued, and Israel consistently rejects all accusations, asserting that it acts in accordance with international law and defends its right to protect itself following the Hamas invasion and massacres in the south of Israel in October 2023. 

The Maldives, famous for its postcard-perfect pristine white sandy beaches lined with palm trees and turquoise waters, reaffirmed its ‘resolute solidarity with the Palestinian cause’.

@han_mountain #maldives #maldivestiktok #maldivesvacation #2024 #tiktok ♬ A short sound effect – KKLab

As reported by Travel Tomorrow, , the latest ban, announced by President Muizzu in June 2024, is only the most recent chapter in a long history of strained relations between the Maldives and Israel. Diplomatic ties were first severed in 1974 following the Arab-initiated Yom Kippur War in 1973. While the Maldives lifted its ban on Israeli tourists in the early 1990s and attempted to normalize relations in 2010, those efforts were abandoned by 2014.

On June 2, the Maldivian government announced a ban on Israeli passport holders over Tel Aviv’s war on Palestine’s Gaza, joining over a dozen countries that do not allow Israeli passport holders to enter. Here's a look. pic.twitter.com/38yqL7bjoL

— TRT World (@trtworld) June 6, 2024

Before the latest ban, Israeli tourism to the Maldives was modest but steadily rising, growing from hundreds of visitors in the early 2000s to thousands in the 2010s, reaching over 15,000 in 2023, representing a small fraction of the 1,878,543 international tourist arrivals.

The current ban applies to all Israeli citizens, including the roughly 20% of Israel’s population who are Palestinian citizens. This complex issue caused a delay in the initial decision in June, as the Muslim nation’s cabinet realised their decision would also affect Palestinian citizens of Israel. The new provision does not clarify how this issue has been resolved. However, Maldives immigration authorities indicated that Israeli citizens who also hold a second passport from another country would still be permitted entry.

Pressure had been mounting on President Muizzu from opposition parties and segments of his own coalition to formalise the ban, amid growing popular support for the Palestinian cause during the Gaza war. Following the initial announcement in 2024, Israel’s Foreign Ministry urged its citizens to avoid travelling to the archipelago.

In December 2023, Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) had already issued a travel warning to its citizens citing severe anti-Israel sentiment in the Maldives. It recommended ‘avoiding non-essential travel to the Maldives, given the presence of terror sympathisers in the islands and increased hostility toward Israelis and Jews’. Despite the warning, almost 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives in 2024. 

By February 2025, however, only 59 Israeli nationals had visited the archipelago.

L’article Travel ban on Israeli passport holders now in effect in Maldives est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The alliance brings together two globally recognised brands committed to delivering exceptional experiences—be it for fans at Anfield or visitors to the Maldives, which has been honoured as the world’s leading destination for five consecutive years.

To mark the commencement of this partnership, supporters have the opportunity to win a five-night trip to the Maldives, inclusive of flights and accommodation, through a MyLFC competition. Throughout the partnership, fans can anticipate exclusive content, special promotions, and unique competitions.

Liverpool FC’s expansive social media reach — boasting over 200 million global followers, nearly 12 billion views, and 1.5 billion fan engagements last season — will provide Visit Maldives with an invaluable platform to promote its tourism industry further.

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Maldives’ tourism sector and ambitious goals

Tourism is the backbone of the Maldivian economy, accounting for approximately 28% of the GDP and over 60% of foreign exchange receipts. The nation has witnessed significant growth in tourist arrivals, with over 1.8 million visitors recorded in 2023.

Building on this success, Visit Maldives has set an ambitious target of £3.9 billion (€4.5 billion) in tourism receipts for 2025. The strategy includes increasing global promotional campaigns, strengthening partnerships with airlines, and launching large-scale advertising initiatives. The Maldives also aims to attract four million tourists annually in the near future, potentially generating £5.5 billion (€7 billion) in revenue.

Beyond economic expansion, the Maldivian government remains committed to sustainable tourism practices, focusing on preserving marine biodiversity, coral reef protection, and eco-friendly resort development. Liverpool FC will contribute to these initiatives through its sustainability programme, The Red Way, promoting environmental awareness and sustainable travel.

Increase in air passenger departure Tax

In an effort to support the expansion of Velana International Airport, the Maldives has introduced an increase in its air passenger departure tax, set to take effect from December 1st. The new fees, applicable to non-Maldivian travellers, will be as follows:

• Economy class: £41 (€48)
• Business class: £99 (€115)
• First class: £198 (€230)
• Private jet passengers: £396 (€460)

The increased revenue will support extensive airport infrastructure developments, including a new passenger terminal, expanded runway facilities, and an upgraded seaplane terminal. The improvements aim to accommodate the growing influx of visitors while enhancing travel efficiency and overall experience.

Shared vision for a stronger future

Ben Latty, Liverpool FC’s chief commercial officer, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting a shared passion for creating memorable experiences and a mutual commitment to sustainability. Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and managing director of Visit Maldives, echoed this sentiment, noting the alignment of core values and the opportunity to offer exclusive experiences to millions of passionate fans worldwide. “Together, we’ll be able to offer exclusive opportunities and experiences, bringing the magic of the Maldives to millions of passionate fans around the world,”  Shiuree said.

By leveraging Liverpool FC’s global platform, the partnership is set to enhance the Maldives’ international visibility, driving tourism growth while reinforcing sustainability and cultural heritage preservation efforts.

L’article Visit Maldives joins Liverpool FC as official tourism partner est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

What is the Departure Tax?

The island nation introduced its “Departure Tax” two years ago, in January 2022. It is applicable to all aircraft passengers, except those with diplomatic immunity, transit passengers and children below the age of 2 years old. 

Applied per passenger, the charge is dependent on the service class flyers choose to travel in, rather than the length or duration of their journey. It is the responsibility of airlines to levy and collect the fee on behalf of the government for scheduled flights, and of airport operators to collect it for chartered flights and private jets.

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Does everyone have to pay?

Passengers wishing to avoid the increase are already being advised to book travel to the Maldives quickly, before 1 December, in order to duck the price increase, which comes into force just in time for peak season from January to March. However the tax may well go unnoticed by many lucky travellers to the republic, as it is usually bundled into other costs associated with their trip.

Still, the increase is not insignificant. Passengers in economy class are now set to pay $50 (instead of the former $30); business class passengers will have to cough up $120 (a doubling from the previous $60); first class ticket holders will pay $240 (instead of $90) and private jet flyers will see a four-fold hike, taking their fee to $480 per person (up from $120). Only Maldivian passport holders travelling in economy class will not see an increase, paying just $12.

Why is a Departure Tax needed?

Though tourism is the nation’s biggest sector, “contributing close to 30% of GDP and generating more than 60% of foreign currency earnings” according to the US State Department, average yearly earnings for Maldivians sit at around $12,000 – the price of some of the country’s accommodation per night.

What’s more, Maldivians do not always see the benefits brought by their homeland’s worldwide reputation for luxury holidaymaking, since many of the country’s resorts are essentially private shoreline property developments dotted around the 1,190-island, 20-atoll land and seascape.

Announced on the 5 November 2024, the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has explained that the increased Departure Tax will generate vital funding for the maintenance of Velana International, the Republic’s main airport.

L’article Maldives set to increase air passenger departure tax by up to 400% from December est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.