Tourism Minister of the Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom revealed plans to restart domestic tourism with discussions starting on February 2021.
Tourism Minister of the Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom announced plans to restart domestic tourism. International travellers can currently visit the Maldives by presenting a PCR test taken 96 hours before their arrival. However, locals within the country have to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in another island.
Minister Mausoom tweeted that the ministry will hold stakeholder discussions within the first week of February 2021. Furthermore, the minister said that the ministry will work out a model to restart domestic tourism with maximum safety yet minimum inconvenience.
It's time to restart domestic tourism in #Maldives. It's important socially and economically. We will hold stakeholder discussions in the first week of February to workout the model to restart domestic tourism with max safety but minimum inconvenience. https://t.co/CHrAyIGgTb
In 2020, the Maldives reopened its borders on 15th July after about 4 months. The island nation concluded the year with a total of 555,399 tourist arrivals. Hence, reaching the revised target for 2020. Moreover, 172,552 of these tourists arrived after the country reopened its borders.
Within the first 20 days of January 2021, Maldives has witnessed 57,599 tourist arrivals. According to the statistics from the Tourism Ministry of Maldives, a daily average of 2,880 tourists arrived in the tropical holiday destination. The figures also reveal that tourists are spending as an average of 9.5 nights in the Maldives.
This January, several Bollywood celebrities, love island stars and popular models have spent their new year getaway in the Maldives as well. Indian celebrities including; Yash, Sara Ali Khan, Raiza Wilson, Nikita Sharma and Lakshmi Manchu has vacationed in the Maldives.
The Maldives targets to welcome 1.5 million tourist arrivals and more than 10 million bed nights in 2021. According to the Ministry of Tourism, more than 140 resorts and more than 300 guesthouses are currently operational in the Maldives.
Maldives has been shining at the World Travel Awards (WTA), especially in the last few years. The World Travel Awards was established in 1993 and soon became the global awards program. The award program recognises excellence in the travel and tourism industry, and note-worthy destinations such as the Maldives take home honourable titles each year. Just like 2023, Maldives resorts won an impressive number of titles in the WTA Indian Ocean category. These amazing resorts took home some new titles as well as some repeated titles. Here are all the Maldives resorts that shone during the World Travel Awards 2024!
This year Lily Beach Resort & Spa took home the title of Maldives leading all-inclusive resort yet again. This is not the first time that Lily Beach Resort & Spa won this title. The resort has been winning this prestigious title consecutively since 2016! The resort is well known for its award-winning all-inclusive platinum plan, which has made it popular among travellers.
Diamonds Thudufushi – Maldives’ Leading Beach Resort 2024
Maldives is a destination known for its beautiful beaches, and it appears that Diamonds Thudufushi might feature the most beautiful beaches. This resort has been taking home the title of Maldives’ leading beach resort since 2018! Guests can explore these pristine beaches, located just 20 minutes by seaplane. This Maldives paradise is surrounded by untouched nature, ready to welcome guests who are really looking for a beachy summer getaway.
Huvafen Fushi Maldives – Maldives’ Leading Boutique Resort 2024
This year, Huvafen Fushi Maldives won the title of Maldives’ leading boutique resort category. Prior to this, the resort also won the Indian Ocean’s leading luxury water villa category back in 2016. If you’re looking for a little boutique getaway, Huvafen Fushi Maldives resort is where your dreams will become your days! This is the second time the resort has won this title at the World Travel Awards show.
Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives – Maldives’ Leading Family Resort 2024
Over the years, the Maldives has become a popular destination for family travellers. If there’s a place to make memories you will cherish forever, it might be Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives. The resort has been winning the Maldives’ leading family resort title since 2020, making it the perfect spot for a family trip. This slice of tropical paradise, located in Lhaviyani Atoll is the perfect blend of luxury, adventure and lush greenery to spend a summer with your family.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu – Maldives’ Leading Green Resort 2024
As sustainability becomes the focus, many Maldives resorts have moved towards greener practices as well. Over the years, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has picked up on quite a bit of green initiatives, leading to garnering the title of Maldives’ leading green resort this year. This is the second consecutive year that Coco Plam Dhuni Kolhu has won this title at WTA. Some of the resort’s biggest green initiatives include being a nesting site for green sea turtles and rescuing and rehabilitating turtles among the on-resort practices as well.
If 2023 and 2024 have proved anything, it’s that there is no Maldives resort like Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa for a honeymoon spot. This Maldives resort has taken home the title for two years in a row! Whether it’s the signature collection villas that are surrounded by lush greenery and amazing interiors, or the gourmet culinary experiences, this Maldives resort is honeymooners approved!
Vakkaru Maldives – Maldives’ Leading Hotel Suite
This year Vakkaru Maldives’ Vakkaru Over Water Residences won the title for Maldives’ leading hotel suite. What makes the Vakkaru Over Water Residence so special? This is one of the largest overwater residences in the Maldives. Not only do travellers get privacy and tranquility but also amazing ocean and sunset views. Additionally, guests can also enjoy an infinity pool in this amazing villa along with a dedicated chef on standby.
Royal RESERVE @ OZEN RESERVE Bolifushi – Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa
If you’re visiting OZEN RESERVE Bolifushi, book your stay at the Royal Reserve for some of the most luxurious villas. This luxury abode houses guest villas and private pools where resident hosts can regale their friends and family. The villa can host 6 to 7 adults and 3 children. This lavish sanctuary is made better with exquisite champagnes and an elegantly sumptuous floating breakfast. The Royal Reserve @ OZEN RESERVE Bolifushi won this title for the second consecutive year as well.
Cheval Blanc Randheli – Maldives’ Leading Luxury Island Resort 2024
Cheval Blanc Randheli took home the title for Maldives’ leading luxury island resort this year at WTA. This is a resort well-known by travellers looking for a luxury getaway. Known as the hushed haven of the Maldives, Cheval Blanc Randheli offers luxury villas, amazing culinary experiences, wellness & relaxation as well as fun activities for kids. In 2019 & 2020, Cheval Blanc Randheli also won the title for Maldives’ leading luxury villa resort.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort – Maldives’ Leading Luxury Resort
This year The St. Regis Maldives won the title not only for Maldives’ leading luxury resort but also for Indian Ocean’s leading luxury resort title as well. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been taking home honourable titles every single year since 2017. This property by Marriott Bonvoy continues to bring travellers serenity in style, making it one of the ultimate Maldives luxury resorts to visit.
Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa – Maldives’ Leading Luxury Villa Resort 2024
Emerald Maldives resort has been shining at the World Travel Awards since 2020. Each year, the resort takes home an honourable title. This year, Emerald Maldives won the title of Maldives’ leading luxury villa resort. The resort has won this title in 2021, 2022 and 2023 as well. In addition to the WTA awards, the resort has also won Travelers’ Choice awards, Travelers Review Awards as well as GBAC Star Faculty Award.
Varu by Atmosphere – Maldives’ Leading Resort 2024
Varu by Atmosphere has really marked itself in the tourism industry in 2023 & 2024 by winning the title of Maldives’ leading resort at the World Travel Awards two years in a row. This beautiful Maldives resort brings travellers a natural Maldivian escape. Not only is this dreamy island escape surrounded by uninterrupted blues, but you can also enjoy an intimate yet larger-than-life and heartwarming hospitality. Located just 40 minutes by speedboat, Varu by Atmosphere offers a blend of cultural elements with contemporary elegance.
Constance Halaveli – Maldives’ Leading Villa Resort 2024
Constance Halaveli has been taking home the title of Maldives’ Leading Villa Resort since 2019. What makes the Villas at Constance Halaveli so amazing? Located just 25 minutes by seaplane, this beautiful Maldives resort offers a 5-star Maldives experience. Every villa category from the water villa to the beach villa offers the charm of sea and sand. Here, travellers can enjoy amazing views of the Indian Ocean and the charming white sandy beaches of the Maldives.
Baros Maldives – Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort 2024
Baros Maldives is yet another remarkable resort that has been shining at the World Travel Awards each year. After winning the title of World’s most romantic resort in 2023, this year the resort won the title of Maldives’ leading water villa resort. The water villas at Baros Maldives offer direct lagoon access, as well as sun loungers and dedicated 24-hour villa hosts. The luxurious furnishing and bespoke artwork add to this beautiful villa category, which already has a welcoming ambience.
