Tourism Industry Highlights for June 2021

We have rounded up the tourism industry highlights for June 2021. In terms of tourist arrivals, Maldives recorded the least number of tourist arrivals in June this year.

However, the tropical holiday destination maintained its status as a globally preferred holiday destination, welcoming over 55,000 tourists in the month.

Towards the end of June 2021, the COVID-19 situation in the capital of the Maldives has eased. Likewise, the government lifted several restrictions in the capital region, alongside the announcement to welcome tourists from South Asian countries once again.

Check out the top tourism industry highlights for June 2021.

Opening of 02 New Resorts

June 2021 saw two new resorts making their debut in the Maldives. On 1st June 2021, the legendary Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C made its debut in the Maldives, with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Located on the Fari Islands, an archipelago on the north-eastern tip of North Malé Atoll The Ritz-Carlton Maldives will revolutionize the luxury landscape of the Maldives.

Tourism Industry Highlights for June 2021 — *Image: Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives*

On 6th June 2021, Kochi-based firm, MFAR Hotels & Resorts Pvt Ltd opened Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, also a luxury resort. This new resort features an experience-driven concept and is home to a diverse collection of gourmet dining options.

Hilton Announces Plans to Open a Fourth Property in the Maldives

Hilton Maldives Amingiri — *Image: Hilton Hotels & Resorts*

Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a management agreement with Amingiri Holdings Pvt Ltd to launch its 4th property in the Maldives; the 109 all-villa Hilton Maldives Amingiri.

Amingiri Holdings Pvt Ltd is a subsidiary of Maldivian construction and real estate development company, Amin Construction Pvt Ltd. Currently, Hilton operates Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton in the Maldives.

05 General Manager Appointments

Ibrahim Nahid: Villa Hotels & Resorts announced the appointment of established leader, Nahid as the general manager of Paradise Island Resort & Spa. According to Villa Hotels, Nahid will lead the activation of the new concept on the property and instigate several sustainable initiatives in keeping with Villa Hotels & Resorts mission to preserve and protect the natural environment.

Kanruethai Roongruang: Kan takes the helm of two resorts, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru in the Maldives. She brings over 20 years of experience in the Banyan Tree Group to the Maldives.

Amila Jeewantha Handunwala: Raffles Maldives Meradhoo announced the appointment of Amila Jeewantha Handunwala as the new General Manager of the property. He brings over 25 years of experience in the industry to the luxury resort. According to Raffles, Amila has previously led hotel operations, sales, marketing, revenue management and distribution strategies in the Middle East, South Asia and Europe.

Nicolas Khairallah: After working as the Resort Manager for Gili Lankanfushi, Nicholas took the helm of the resort as the General Manager from 1st June 2021 onwards.

Patrice Aira: With an extensive career across the globe — United States, Canada, Egypt and the Indian Ocean, Patrice brings 25 years of expertise in the industry to LUX* South Ari Atoll.

The Maldives Surpasses 500,000 Tourist Arrivals

The Maldives passed the half a million tourist arrivals mark in June 2021. The island nation also has an ambitious goal to welcome 1.5 million tourists this year.

Tourism Ministry Announces Plans to Welcome Travellers from South Asia Once Again

The Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism announced plans to resume issuing on-arrival tourist visas to visitors from South Asia. From 15th July 2021 onwards travellers from South Asian countries (including India) can visit the Maldives with a negative PCR test. The ministry said further details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Emirates Carries over 100,000 Passengers to the Maldives

By 23rd June 2021, Emirates carried over 100,000 passengers to the Maldives. Likewise, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates made over 1,218 movements to the Maldives between 1st January and 23rd June 2021.

With the resumption of issuing visas to travellers from South Asia, tourist arrivals to the Maldives will likely increase in July 2021 compared to June 2021. To keep up with the latest travel trends and news, follow us on Twitter and join our travel community on Facebook.

Feature image by The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

As the world celebrates Global Wellness Day on June 14, 2025, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa offers a special opportunity for guests to reconnect with themselves and the surrounding nature. Located on the tranquil Vagaru Island in the Shaviyani Atoll, the resort will host a three-day wellness retreat, led by renowned holistic healer Dr. Lisa Schuster, from June 14 to 16, 2025.

A Perfect Blend of Mindfulness, Movement, and Self-Care

To begin with, this immersive event invites guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace the peaceful beauty of the Maldives, providing the perfect balance of mindfulness, movement, and self-care. Known for integrating wellness into every aspect of its guest experience, JW Marriott Maldives has positioned itself as an ideal destination to celebrate the values of Global Wellness Day. Furthermore, the resort’s commitment to well-being ensures that every guest leaves feeling rejuvenated.

Mohit Dembla, General Manager of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, shared his excitement about the event, saying:

“At our resort, wellbeing is woven into every aspect of the guest experience and embraced as a way of life. This collaboration with Dr. Lisa Schuster brings together the power of nature, mindfulness, and purposeful self-care to offer guests a truly enriching experience in honor of Global Wellness Day.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Schuster, a medical doctor based in Munich, brings a holistic approach to wellness, incorporating acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and sound therapy. Her Sound Bath Meditations, which are known for their calming and powerful effects, use crystal singing bowls and other high-vibration instruments to help guests release stress, heal emotional trauma, and reconnect with their inner selves. Through this process, she creates a unique healing experience that nurtures both the body and mind, enabling a truly transformative journey for all participants.

Dr. Schuster’s Healing Philosophy

Dr. Schuster shared her philosophy, saying:

“True wellbeing begins with presence. When we slow down and truly listen to our inner world, we unlock the body’s innate ability to heal and transform. The natural beauty and serenity of JW Marriott Maldives make it the perfect place for this inward journey.”

Her words, therefore, highlight the importance of mindfulness and deep self-reflection in achieving holistic wellness.

Throughout the retreat, guests will follow a thoughtfully designed itinerary focused on relaxation and rejuvenation. Each morning will begin with sound therapy and guided breathwork, followed by wellness elixirs and refreshing bites to energize the body. In the evening, sound bathing sessions at Pool 18 will provide a serene space for reflection and quietude, allowing guests to absorb the peaceful atmosphere around them. Additionally, the resort’s beautiful surroundings enhance the entire experience, adding an extra layer of calm and relaxation that only the Maldives can provide.

Wellness for Every Guest

For those seeking more active wellness, JW Marriott Maldives offers a variety of fitness classes, including Mat Pilates, HIIT, and guided running sessions. These activities ensure guests stay energized and engaged throughout the event. They complement the more meditative sessions and offer guests a balanced approach to their wellness journey. Moreover, these fitness options provide a holistic way to promote overall well-being, whether through physical exertion or mindful movement.

Beyond the activities themselves, the setting contributes just as much. More than just a destination for relaxation, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa serves as a sanctuary for those seeking a deeper connection with themselves and nature. The resort boasts 60 overwater and beach villas, each with a private pool and stunning ocean views, offering guests ultimate privacy and luxury. Likewise, the personalized service provided by dedicated Thakuru (butlers) ensures that each guest’s needs receive attention and care, creating an experience that feels both indulgent and intimate.

For guests wishing to enhance their wellness journey, the Stay in the Moment package offers a curated experience designed to awaken the senses. It includes daily breakfast, a three-course dinner at the resort’s signature restaurant Aailaa, an 80-minute aromatherapy treatment at Spa by JW, private yoga sessions, wellness consultations, and the signature JW Garden to Glass cocktail experience. The package is available with a minimum four-night stay, ensuring ample time to unwind and reconnect with nature. As a result, guests can leave feeling fully refreshed and with a deeper sense of peace.

A Meaningful Escape to Reconnect and Recharge

Whether guests seek to dive deeper into wellness practices, unwind in a tropical paradise, or simply take a moment to reset, JW Marriott Maldives provides the ideal setting for a rejuvenating Global Wellness Day experience. With every detail thoughtfully crafted, guests will leave feeling renewed and centered. Consequently, the resort offers a perfect opportunity to take a step back from the stresses of daily life and truly reconnect with oneself.

Not only does this event align with the essence of Global Wellness Day, but it also reinforces JW Marriott’s ongoing dedication to purposeful living. By combining natural beauty, expert guidance, and intentional experiences, the retreat promises a wellness journey that feels personal, transformative, and lasting.