Banyan Tree Maldives Madivaru to open

Back on solid ground, Slated for a soft launch in July, the Banyan Tree Maldives Madivaru is almost complete for launch. The new site will be the resort’s fourth property in the Maldives and is set to bring new levels of indulgence to the Indian Ocean.

Situated in the North Ari Atoll, Banyan Tree Maldives Madivaru, is set to offer the first Tented Pool Villa concept in the Maldives, and features six of the tented villas, scattered around the property.

For a limited time, to celebrate the opening of this new property, the resort will be offering with every stay three nights or longer, 50% savings on accommodation, and 25% savings on seaplane transfers, in-villa couple spa treatment, complimentary meals and selected beverages, and scheduled marine excursions on the Banyan Madi. Valid from 1st July to 31st October 2007.

Source: etravelblackboard

Tourist Arrival to Maldives increases by 15.9% in 1st Quarter

For the 1st Quarter of 2007, the tourist arrivals to the Maldives, has increased by 15.9% with a total of 194,285 tourists. During the first quarter of 2006, the total number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives was 167,669.

Italy leads the market with a total 43,702 tourists capturing 22.5% share of the total arrivals to the Maldives. The Italian market increased by 5.2% during the first quarter of 2007 compared to the same period 2006. The United Kingdom is ranked the second generating market to the Maldives in 1st Quarter of 2007, capturing a market share of 17.3%. From January to March 2007 a total of 33,652 tourists visited the Maldives from the United Kingdom

The other leading markets to the Maldives during the first quarter of 2007 include France with 10.0% market share, Germany with 9.8% market share, Japan with a market share of 4.9%, Russia with a 4.8% market share and China with 4.2% followed closely by Switzerland with a market share of 4.0%.

During the first quarter of 2007, a total of 89 resorts and 10 hotels with a total bed capacity of 18,611 were registered with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. Out of these, 82 resorts and 10 hotels were in operation. The average number of beds in operation in resorts and hotels during the first quarter of 2007 was 17,398.

The total bed-nights of resorts and hotels during the first three months of 2007, was 1,508,305 with an average occupancy rate of 96.4%. The average duration of stay during this period was recorded to be 8.2 days.

Source: visitmaldives.com

Rania Experience in the Maldives voted as Ultimate Romantic Getaway

The sublime ‘Rania Experience’ Private Residence in the Maldives, featuring barefoot luxury on a private tropical island complete with its own luxury yacht, has been voted one of the world’s most “scene-stealing” new hotels and resorts.

The exclusive castaway retreat which includes unlimited gourmet dining, drinking and spa treatments “raises pampering to a new level”, say the judges for Conde Nast Traveler’s annual ‘Hot List 2007’.

It was recommended as both the “ultimate romantic getaway” for affluent couples and as a peerless Maldivian retreat for groups of up to 15. “The high price tag buys you all the creature comforts, including unlimited spa treatments, yoga on demand, fishing, and diving (Rania has its own dive instructor), as well as meals prepared by chefs who consult with you prior to arrival and serve up freshly-caught seafood,” says the prestigious travel magazine.

“Nights should be reserved for lychee martinis, which you can drink on a stool dug into the surf or for sailing in a dhoni under the stars. The most memorable care comes from the three butlers, who expertly anticipate every guest's needs.”

Blessed with some of the world's most spectacular sunsets, a variety of cultural shows can also be arranged on request and at an additional charge, from a lively traditional Bodu Beru (local drums) dance to a laid-back local Maldivian band.

The 'Rania Experience' is limited to just one exclusive booking at any one time, making the guest(s) “king of their own island” instead of just another guest at a resort.

China Eastern begins operating flights to Maldives

China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited, an airline based in Shanghai, will operate Shanghai-Maldives-Johannesburg flights starting from April 27, as it further expands its international network. The carrier will operate four flights per week on the route using Airbus A340-300 aircraft.

China Eastern is a major Chinese airline operating international, domestic and regional routes. Its main bases are Shanghai Hongqiao Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. This airline will open up the door for Chinese and eastern tourists to travel easily to Maldives and as well as traffic from South Africa.

Chinese outbound travel is based on a system called Approved Destination Status (ADS). According to this system, Chinese nationals can travel to ADS countries only. The Maldives became an ADS country at the end of 2002.

There has been a tremendous growth in the Chinese market for the past four years to Maldives, partly, due to the Approved Destination Status (ADS) and also the new found freedom for Chinese citizens to travel. After the Maldives became an ADS country, the arrivals from China increased tremendously.

However, in 2004 arrivals dropped tremendously compared to the projections for 2005. But in 2006 there was an unprecedented growth of 127 percent in comparison to 2005. Chinese tourists now account for 4.4 percent of total tourist arrivals to Maldives.

China Eastern's local operation agent in the Maldives is Inner Maldives Holidays, one of the premier brands in the travel and tourism industry in Maldives.