Malkong Maldives

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...