Tag Archives: Indian Ocean

TIME Hotels announced their expansion into Asia with the launch of two new brands, HALO by TIME and VIVI by TIME, at Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai. Both brands will make their debut in the Maldives and scheduled to open in Q4, 2026. This expansion showcases the continued growth of TIME Hotels – who to date have properties spanning the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Liberia – into a new region. Situated on Hankede Island, in the Addu atoll – the southernmost atoll in the Maldives – VIVI by TIME our Lifestyle brand will have 75 rooms over six stories with spectacular sea views and an array of first class facilities. HALO by TIME, our upscale brand, spans 8 storey’s with 150 keys, including bespoke sunrise and sunset over water villas. TIME has partnered with Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC) for their first launch into the region. MFMC is a 100% state-owned company established in 2019 involves the fulfilment of national development goals of Maldives through increased private sector investment and addressing limitations in the local financial system. Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of TIME Hotels, comments: “This is an exciting moment for TIME hotels as we announce our continued expansion with two new sub brands and two hotels opening in the Maldives. Our first foray into this part of the world, TIME is going from strength to strength and I look forward to continuing our positive trajectory in new territories.” Ahmed Nazim, Manging Director of MFMC, adds: “We are happy to collaborate with such a prestigious GCC based company in creating these stunning hotels in the Addu atoll. The partnership is a great example of the progress we are …

Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is proud to announce that the Maldives has been awarded 4 prestigious categories at the World Travel Awards (Indian Ocean category), at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 held at Dubai World Trade Center. The categories that the Maldives has won for this year are: Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2024 Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2024 Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination 2024 Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2024 Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are widely regarded as one of the most respected and popular awards in the world of travel and tourism. Symbolising the most outstanding endorsement in tourism, and the travel industry, the awards aim to recognize and reward achievements in all aspects of travel and tourism on a global scale. The event held earlier today at the World Travel Awards Winners Hub at ATM, honoured distinguished individuals from the Maldives. Mr. Ibrahim Faisal, Minister of Tourism, accepted the award for Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2024 while Ms. Ayesha Nurain Janah, Chairperson of the MMPRC Board, proudly received the award for Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2024. Additionally, Ms. Fathmath Thaufeeq, accepted the award for Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination 2024 on behalf of Maldives. The Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2024 award was received by Mr. Mohamed Khaleel, Advisor to the President on Tourism Development. The significance of these awards highlights the Maldives’ standing as an unparalleled tourist destination, showcases the country’s commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences to visitors from around the world, and reinforces the continued efforts of MMPRC in promoting and developing the nation’s tourism sector. MMPRC is thrilled to announce that since the introduction of the …

According to the latest data released by various indicators Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has seen an exponential increase of tourists from UAE, USA and UK over 2018 which secured a continued growth in the hotel sector.  A report by Colliers reveal that international arrivals to Saudi Arabia are expected to increase 5.6 per cent per year from 17.7 million in 2018 to 23.3 million in 2023. According to the Savills report, recent tourism growth in Saudi Arabia has been driven by three key demand pools – leisure, pilgrim and corporate visitors. Paula de Keijzer, Senior Director Market Management, Africa, Indian Ocean, Middle East and Turkey, Expedia Group, said, “Major hotel groups are driving construction trends across the country as they aim to meet the demands of an ever-increasing number of domestic tourists and international visitors. When it comes to brand affinity and customer loyalty, it is essential to engage at each level of the customer journey. Tools, data and insights available via OTA extranet sites, like Expedia Partner Central (EPC), offer hoteliers the opportunity to inspire and convert travelers, set expectations, create personalised experiences, identify and address issues to better meet guest needs, improve guest experience and drive repeat bookings.” With travel bookings in the Kingdom considered the largest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the power of the international traveler growth to Saudi Arabia is expected to remain strong.  USA saw more than 110 per cent year on year growth in demand compared to the same period in 2017 with almost 45 per cent share of total room nights, UAE saw a whopping year on year growth of above 140 per cent than last year with almost …