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

The Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of luxury resorts invites families to embark on an unforgettable journey. With these exclusive ‘Ultimate Family Summer Getaway’ packages, families can immerse themselves in the harmonious blend of opulence and natural beauty. Guests can explore this package at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, and JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. Embrace luxury island living in any of the resort’s two or three-bedroom overwater and beach pool villas, providing guests with 24-hour personalized signature ‘Aris Meeha’, St. Regis Butlers, and ‘Thakuru’ butler services that cater to their every need.

Guests can reserve their extraordinary summer retreat before May 31, 2024. This is applicable for stays until September 30, 2024, when kids under 12 can dine and stay for free. Benefits include daily breakfasts and dinners, a welcome amenity for kids, complimentary access to the kids club, and a host of specially curated experiences to create cherished memories for a lifetime.

Family Fun Getaway at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands unveils its exclusive summer program. The resort invites families to embrace the island life against the backdrop of the mesmerizing Indian Ocean. The resort’s thoughtful curation entices guests with transformative travel experiences. Guests can explore epicurean journeys with Michelin-starred guest chefs to wellness retreats guided by leading names. Additionally, guests can also go on adventurous surfing retreats with surf icons.

Exploring Culinary Journeys at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

Families can embark on a gastronomic journey, enjoying a Michelin-starred dining experience at the resort. From July 31 to August 1, Chef Bruno Verjus will bring a taste of his two-star Michelin Parisian restaurant Table by Bruno Verjus to the Beach Shack. He will also offer an exclusive masterclass for guests. From August 10 to 11, Chef Pam Soontornyanakij, Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024 and chef-patron of the one-Michelin-star Restaurant Potong, will present a bespoke menu. Guests can explore her progressive Thai-Chinese cuisine at the Summer Pavilion.

Healing Journey this Summer

In a ‘Summer of Renewal,’ celebrity healer Susy Markoe Schieffelin will lead her signature sound baths. Guests can explore this experience under the Maldivian skies from July 19 to 23. Renowned practitioner Abi Adams will also guide guests through emotional and hormonal balance journeys. Abi will be using breath, meridian dancing and yoga from August 15 to 19. Last but not least, Surf enthusiasts can learn to master the four most popular waves in the North Malé Atoll. The resort is bringing championship surf heroes Nic von Rupp from June 8 to 11 and Victor Bernardo from July 3 to 6.

Something Exciting for the Young Explorers

Young explorers from ages 4 to 12 can ignite their imaginations at Ritz Kids and learn about marine life, nature and sustainability. Young guests can go on an adventure with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. Children can dive into the action at Ritz Kids, a futuristic indoor-outdoor haven filled with interactive playgrounds, napping pods, cinematic movie experiences, and an adrenaline-pumping pool complete with slides and jets.

With the ‘Family Fun Summer’ Package, guests can savour daily breakfasts at La Locanda, dinners at Summer Pavilion, Arabesque, Beach Shack, or EAU Bar, and a special welcome amenity for kids. Families can choose from elegantly designed villas including Two Bedroom Water or Beach Pool Villas, or elevate their stay at The Ritz-Carlton Estate, a private beach residence with its own exclusive cove and sunset views.

Visit the website at ritzcarlton.com/maldives or book your stay here.

Ultimate Summer Escape at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, situated on a private natural island in one of the destination’s most exclusive atolls, welcomes families for a luxurious summer getaway in the Maldives. Guests can explore the breathtaking surroundings, complemented by the resort’s distinctive design inspired by nearby marine life, including the atoll’s house reef. Along with The St. Regis Butler Service – a hallmark of the brand’s commitment to excellence – a dedicated St. Regis Butler is available to curate tailored experiences and meet every need of the guests.

Exploring the Local Culture

Families can delve into local culture with thrilling expeditions on a traditional Maldivian Dhoni, from dolphin sightings to sunset fishing. The resort also offers marine conservation experiences through unique interactive classes and activities for both children and adults with the resident Marine Biologist. Adults can revel in luxurious amenities and exquisite dining experiences, while young travellers will find an abundance of excitement on the island. At the resort’s dedicated Children’s Club, children aged 4 to 12 can partake in yoga classes, painting, origami, and other creative crafts. Kid-friendly snacks and refreshing juices are available from the private dining menu. For teens ages 16 and older, the Socialite Club boasts an open-door recreation area with a variety of entertainment, including table tennis, foosball, billiards, and air hockey, as well as video and board games.

Families booking the ‘Ultimate Family Summer Escape’ package will enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, including a special welcome amenity for kids, daily breakfasts at ALBA, dinners at select restaurants, kid-sized luxuries like robes and treats, and complimentary access to the resort’s dedicated Children’s Club. Guests can choose from a variety of elegantly designed villas set amidst lush forest surroundings or with breathtaking ocean views, including the award-winning John Jacob Astor Estate, Caroline Astor Estate, Knickerbocker Villa, or Cesar Balsa Villa each featuring family-friendly amenities such as private plunge pools and state-of-the-art entertainment systems.

For more information, visit the website at stregismaldives.com or book your stay here.

Tropical Summer Fun at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

Nestled on Vagaru Island overlooking the azure waters of Shaviyani Atoll in the Maldives, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites guests to its multi-generational luxury resort for an immersive and eco-friendly holiday experience. Families can bask in the unspoiled beauty of the island’s pristine white beach, savour diverse dining experiences, and embark on daily excursions for diving, snorkelling, dolphin watching, and sunset fishing to explore the vibrant marine life.

FAMiLY by JW™ Little Griffins Kids Club

Travelling with children is now even easier with FAMiLY by JW™ Little Griffins Kids Club. The club provides a captivating and educational environment for young adventurers on Vagaru Island. The club runs over 100 activities. This ranges from arts and crafts to cooking classes. Some of these activities are specially designed for the whole family to enjoy.

Fine Dining Experiences

Fine dining experiences can be elevated through bespoke destination dining services. This ranges from in-villa barbecue dinners and traditional Maldivian Malafaaiy dinners on the beach to a sublime eight-course interactive Indian fusion dinner in the hidden oasis of RIHA. The resort’s sustainability efforts are centred on the vibrant JW Garden, which sources fresh produce for creative cuisine. The JW Garden to Table concept celebrates locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a farm-to-table experience for eco-conscious travellers. This summer, guests can delight in a new vegan menu with innovative plant-based dishes. Explore dishes crafted from homegrown JW Garden ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and wellness.

With the ‘Family Fun Summer’ package, guests can immerse themselves in luxurious island living. Guests can explore the modern and spacious Duplex Overwater or Beach Pool Villa. Each of these villas features private pools and personalized Thakuru butler service. The package includes daily breakfasts at Aailaa and a choice between daily lunches or dinners at select restaurants. Additionally, guests will receive a welcome amenity for kids, a one-time 30-minute complimentary photography session. You can also get one printed photo and complimentary usage of non-motorized watersports throughout their stay.