The Maldives has recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals on a single-day since the border reopening, with over 1000 arrivals.
The Maldives has recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals on a single-day since the border reopening, with over a thousand arrivals on 2nd October 2020. According to a tweet by the Ministry of tourism, the arrival numbers increase hope for the recovery of the Maldives tourism industry.
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The latest statistics from the Maldives Immigration reveal that the island archipelago has welcomed over 18,867 arrivals since the border reopening. Furthermore, the Maldives welcomed 9,538 tourist arrivals in the month of September alone. According to the figures, Russia led the arrival figures for September 2020 with over 2000 arrivals. Followed by, the United Arab Emirates was the second-highest performing tourist market with 1029 arrivals. Arrivals from Russia has increased by 338% in the month of September.
Meanwhile, the average number of tourist arrivals per day has increased by 45.90% in September 2020 with an average of 318 arrivals. In August, the average number of tourist arrivals stood at 218 arrivals per day. Furthermore, figures indicate 696 tourists arrived on a single day in September 2020. And also 97 tourist arrivals were the lowest recorded figure on a single day in the month.
The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has hosted various activities to promote the destination. Furthermore, MMPRC has planned various promotional activities for the remaining months of the year as well. In addition to that, privately-owned Resort Life Travel has also been running various campaigns to promote the island nation. The company has recently kicked off ‘Project FOMO’. A viral marketing campaign focused on bouncing back from the loss COVID-19 has taken on the Maldivian economy.
The Island nation has also introduced a border miles program for travelers. The loyalty program, initiated by the Maldives Immigration is the first-of-its-kind program developed in the entire world. Maldives Immigration believes the program will take the tourism sector of Maldives to peak in the foreseeable future.
Feature image by Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives
Nestled at the southern edge of the Maldives, where the turquoise waters of Addu Atoll stretch deep into the Indian Ocean, Canareef Resort Maldives quietly evolves. This change doesn’t come from flashy renovations or new facilities. It’s driven by people. Those shaping the resort from the inside out. Meet Deepak Kannan and Shirhaan Sodig. Deepak, focusing on people and culture, and Shirhaan, managing technology and systems, play key roles in defining what it means to run a modern resort in the Maldives.
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Deepak Kannan: The People-First Leader Building Culture from the Inside Out
He began his hospitality career in 2000 at the front desk of Radisson Hotels. Over 25 years, he built an impressive resume across the Middle East, including the iconic Burj Al Arab by Jumeirah and several IHG Crowne Plaza properties in the UAE and Oman.
He rose from Front Office Shift Leader to Front Office Manager with IHG, sharpening his skills in operations and guest relations. Later, Deepak stepped into leadership roles as Hotel Manager and General Manager at well-known hotels such as Bin Majid Hotels and Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, Excelsior Downtown Dubai, and Platinum Coast Hotel in Fujairah.
Moreover, In 2021, Deepak expanded his expertise by consulting for a major convention center in Chennai, India, where he set up their rooms division and operational systems. This experience highlights his versatile and strategic approach.
At Canareef, where he serves as Assistant General Manager, Deepak focuses on more than management. He builds a culture centered on teamwork and empowerment. He explains it simply: “To achieve a one vision, one team spirit and a strong people-centric culture that will empower the talent we have into shaping Canareef to be the most desired resort destination in the region.“
His leadership already makes a difference. The team works closely together, supporting each other to deliver guest experiences that linger long after the stay. For Deepak, hospitality means focusing on people first.
Shirhaan Sodig: The Tech Expert Keeping Things Running Smoothly
Behind the scenes at Canareef, few guests know the name Shirhaan Sodig, but his work touches nearly every part of their stay. From reliable Wi-Fi to IPTV entertainment, Shirhaan’s IT expertise ensures the resort’s technology runs flawlessly.
With over 15 years in IT, Shirhaan’s background includes fiber optic networks, IPTV, CCTV, telephone systems, and vital hospitality software like Opera PMS and Micros POS. He started his career as an Assistant Computer Technician at the Secretariat of Addu City Council, where he built a solid foundation managing complex networks.
For Shirhaan, technology goes beyond hardware — it reflects a mindset. He shares: “I believe there’s no such thing as impossible when you combine the right mindset with the right technology. In hospitality, every challenge is an opportunity to innovate, and that’s what drives me —using technology to quietly enhance guest experiences and empower teams to perform at their best.”
Before joining Canareef as IT Manager, Shirhaan developed his skills at South Palm Resort Maldives, serving as Assistant IT Manager and IT Manager. At Canareef, he led a major upgrade by implementing a resort-wide Fiber To The Home (FTTH) network, dramatically improving internet speed and reliability. He also created a custom IPTV app to enhance guest entertainment options.
Beyond Canareef, Shirhaan contributes as a visiting lecturer at Maldives National University, training future IT professionals. His qualifications include certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, CCENT, and a degree in Information Technology, blending academic knowledge with practical expertise.
Where Vision Meets Technology and Hospitality Flourishes
Canareef Resort Maldives offers a picture-perfect destination, but in today’s competitive market, beauty alone does not suffice. Travelers expect more: seamless technology, thoughtful service, and genuine hospitality.
That is exactly what Deepak and Shirhaan provide. Deepak shapes the resort’s culture and people, while Shirhaan ensures the technology supports that vision behind the scenes. Their combined efforts might not look flashy, but they build a foundation designed to last.
So when guests visit Canareef Resort, they get more than just palm trees and ocean views. They experience a resort powered by purpose, a team committed to making every stay truly memorable.
