Unveiling Six Reasons to Celebrate the Six-Year Milestone at Vakkaru Maldives

Since opening its doors on 17 December 2017, Vakkaru Maldives has emerged as a world-renowned leading private island sanctuary, offering unparalleled luxury levels of service, and creating cherished memories for a growing community of loyal guests. Here are six reasons to return or to visit Vakkaru Maldives for the first time!

1. Luxury Redefined with New Three- & Four-Bedroom Beach Pool Residence

This accommodation can be adapted to guests’ preferences, making it an ideal choice for families or groups seeking an elevated beach getaway. The main residence has a large 42-sqm swimming pool and a spacious terrace with an outdoor gazebo overlooking the Indian Ocean. The third and fourth bedrooms have their own Beach Villa with Plunge Pool connected to the main residence, with its 12-sqm whirlpool.

2. Enhanced Two Bedroom Beach Residences and Villas.

The two-bedroom Residences now boast a newly built indoor living lounge for additional relaxation space. At the same time, the Beach Pool Villas have been upgraded with larger swimming pools for an even more luxurious swim experience.

3. Multiple Wins at World Travel Awards 2023

Endorsing Vakkaru’s positioning as a leading luxury resort, for the fourth consecutive year, Vakkaru has been recognized with multiple awards at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2023. These include:

● World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort 2023

● Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Suite 2023

● Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort 2023

● Maldives’ Leading Hotel Suite 2023

4. On Resort Photo Studio

The newly constructed photo studio by Yash Lightroom offers guests unique opportunities to plan personalized, professional photoshoots, for those cherished memories.

5. New Marine Experiences

The resort has introduced an array of new marine experiences led by our new marine biologist, Lydia Glinski. The programmes are designed for young explorers and adults including “Be A Marine Biologist for a Day,” dedicated PADI speciality diving courses and a Coral Adoption programme.

6. Key Appointments in Sales & Marketing Team

Vakkaru Maldives announced two key appointments to its Sales & Marketing team, Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing, Sian Thomas, with over two decades of experience and having previously served as the Director of Sales & Marketing, in leading Luxury Resorts in the Maldives and Dubai.

Afaag Ibrahim, a Maldivian with a great reputation and exceptional leadership skills, joined as Director of Sales.

The world of tourism evolves rapidly, driven by innovation, sustainability, and a shift in traveler preferences. As one of the leading platforms for showcasing these transformations, ITB Berlin 2025 stands as the premier trade show for the global tourism industry. Scheduled from March 4 to March 6, 2025, the event will bring together over 400 international speakers and thousands of exhibitors from around the world. Together, they will discuss the future of travel. Among the key players is the Maldives, which will make a significant impact at this year’s event with a bold presence aimed at further cementing its position as a global tourism leader.

ITB Berlin 2025: The Global Tourism Hub

ITB Berlin, the largest travel trade fair in the world, has 95% of its display space already booked. The event will feature exhibitors from 165 countries, with a significant focus on Southern Europe, Asia, and Africa. For 2025, ITB will delve into themes like sustainability, digital transformation, and the role of artificial intelligence in tourism. These topics will, in turn, offer valuable insights into how the industry shapes up for the future.

Moreover, the ITB Berlin Convention will focus on these challenges. Over 400 speakers will address topics such as eco-friendly tourism, AI in the customer journey, and digital innovation. As Albania takes the spotlight as the host country, attendees can expect an engaging and dynamic experience. Additionally, new event formats like ITB Transition Labs and guided tours will highlight the latest industry trends.

The Maldives at ITB Berlin 2025: A Growing Presence

The Maldives will make a splash at ITB Berlin 2025 with its largest-ever representation at the event. This participation builds on the Maldives’ growing prominence in global tourism. Following significant engagements at events like ITB China 2024 and ATM Dubai 2024. At ITB Berlin 2025, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is spearheading a major promotional campaign. The campaign features stunning visuals of the islands on 200 taxis throughout Berlin. Running in tandem with the Berlinale and the trade show, this campaign will reach an estimated 600,000 attendees. Ultimately raising awareness of the Maldives as a top travel destination.

Adding to its strong presence, Visit Maldives will take part in ITB Berlin alongside a delegation of 200 stakeholders from 89 tourism industry companies. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to solidify its global footprint and expand its influence across key markets.

Additionally, the Maldives’ presence will include seminars, panel discussions, and media events, all aimed at strengthening its relationships with global industry partners. As Minister Thoriq Ibrahim heads to Berlin for the event, he will meet with both national and international partners. Together, they will discuss new opportunities to promote the Maldives as a leading travel destination and reinforce the nation’s commitment to global tourism.

The nation will also unveil innovative marketing initiatives such as the Visit Maldives Shop, Visit Maldives Calendar, and Visit Maldives Academy. Each initiative is designed to engage audiences and enhance the traveler experience. Furthermore, the Maldives will particularly focus on targeting new traveler segments, including MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events), solo travelers, and groups. Additionally, the country will launch sustainable events like the Burunu Boma fishing competition.

Key Global Tourism Trends at ITB Berlin 2025

Several significant trends will dominate discussions at ITB Berlin 2025. These trends will shape the future of global tourism. For the Maldives, they align with its strategy of positioning itself as a sustainable and innovative destination.

Sustainability: As travelers become more eco-conscious, the Maldives continues to position itself as a leader in sustainable tourism. The country has received accolades as the World’s Leading Green Destination. At ITB Berlin 2025, the Maldives will showcase its eco-friendly initiatives, including its commitment to carbon-neutral tourism, preserving marine ecosystems, and promoting eco-resorts. The ITB Berlin Convention will highlight the importance of green destinations, and discussions will focus on how businesses can balance profitability with environmental responsibility.
Emerging Technology: The tourism sector is undergoing a digital revolution, with AI and automation leading the charge. ITB Berlin will showcase innovations in smart hotel automation, dynamic pricing tools, and virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies.
Economic Shifts and Resilience: Despite economic uncertainties, the global hotel industry remains resilient. ITB Berlin will explore how businesses can adapt to changing traveler preferences. New business models, such as direct bookings, metasearch engines, and subscription services, will take center stage.
Diversity and Inclusion: As the world becomes more interconnected, the travel industry embraces diversity. At ITB Berlin, attendees will explore how brands can cater to a wide range of traveler needs.

Tourism’s Economic Impact and Future Ambitions

Tourism remains the Maldives’ primary economic driver, contributing nearly 30% of the nation’s GDP. As one of the most sought-after destinations for luxury and eco-tourism, the Maldives continues to see growth. Tourism receipts increased by 15% in 2024. Additionally, the country achieved a milestone with one million annual tourist arrivals in 2024. At ITB Berlin 2025, the Maldives will not only showcase its luxurious resorts and stunning landscapes, but it will also highlight its commitment to preserving natural beauty while fostering a sustainable tourism model.

Looking ahead, the Maldives will continue to strengthen its position in the global tourism market. The country has set its sights on becoming the host country for ITB Berlin 2026. Having previously hosted the event in 2016, the Maldives aims to take on a more prominent role in the event’s logistics. This will ensure that its culture, natural beauty, and innovations are showcased on the world stage.

Shaping the Future of Travel

As ITB Berlin 2025 approaches, the global tourism industry is set to gather and explore the future of travel. With trends like sustainability, digital transformation, and emerging technologies leading the way, the event will be a pivotal moment for industry leaders to exchange ideas and set the course for what lies ahead. This year’s discussions will highlight how businesses and destinations can innovate and adapt to meet evolving traveler demands and environmental challenges.

For the Maldives, participating in ITB Berlin offers an opportunity to reaffirm its role as a leader in sustainable tourism. While the country’s commitment to eco-friendly practices remains at the heart of its efforts, the Maldives also stands ready to embrace digital innovations that are redefining the traveler experience. As global tourism continues to evolve, ITB Berlin 2025 will showcase how destinations like the Maldives are contributing to these broader shifts, ultimately influencing the industry’s trajectory for years to come.