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Austrian Airlines Resumes Flights to the Maldives

Austrian Airlines flight in the Maldives
Austrian Airlines has resumed flights to the Maldives today, 25th October 2020 with direct flights between Vienna, Austria, and VIA.

Austrian Airlines has resumed flights to the Maldives today, 25th October 2020. The airline is operating direct flights between Vienna, Austria and Velana International Airport.

According to Austrian Airlines, flights will fly twice-a-week to the Maldives in Mid-December, conceding with the festive season. The Lufthansa group’s airline landed its first passenger flight since the border reopening today. Velana international airport hailed the arrival of the flight, tweeting “Welcome back old friend!”.

A tweet by Velana International airport

Recently, Austrian Airlines has commenced the first trials for using rapid COVID-19 antigen tests in close cooperation with Vienna Airport. The tests are free of charge and are carried out on a voluntary basis. For this purpose, Vienna Airport has set up a testing center in the check-in area of Terminal 3. So, after taking the test, passengers will receive their results within 10-15 minutes, either via SMS or, upon request, after personal inquiry.

The airplane is already the safest means of transport in the public transport sector. Nevertheless, we want to go one step further, and make travelling by air even safer.

A statement by Jens Ritter, COO of Austrian Airlines.

Austrian Airlines is joining a list of many other airlines commencing services to the Maldives for this winter season. Just recently, Italy’s leisure airline ‘Neos’ revealed to start operations to the Maldives. Meanwhile, Air Seychelles has also announced to start direct flights from Johannesburg to the Maldives.

Also read: Qatar Adds the Maldives to COVID-19 ‘Green List’

With several airlines now resuming operations to the Maldives, tourist arrivals are steadily growing. Maldives Immigration revealed a total of 27,217 tourists arrived in the Maldives during the first three months after the border reopened. In addition to that, the island archipelago recorded 8,350 tourist arrivals from 1st October to 15th October 2020.

Feature image by Velana International Airport
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Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.

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