Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 118

Ministry of Tourism has revealed that more than 100,000 tourists have arrived in the Maldives within a span of 17 days.

Statistics issued by the Ministry shows that as of August 17, a total of 109,415 tourist had visited the country. This marks a significant increase of 14.9 percent compared to the 95,196 arrivals during the same period last year. The data also shows that 1.2 million tourists have visited the Maldives so far this year, representing a 10.3 percent increase from the same period in 2023, when 1.1 million tourists were recorded.

Chinese tourists topped the list of arrivals with 184,632 visitors for the year. Following China, the leading source markets include Russia with 139,308 visitors, the United Kingdom with 112,656 arrivals, Italy with 95,982 visitors, and Germany with 91,868 arrivals.

Although the average daily tourist arrivals had remained below 6,000 for the past four months, the current average has risen to 6,436 visitors per day. On average, tourists stay in the Maldives for a seven-day period.

The Government had targeted bringing in two million arrivals this year. So far, over a million tourists have arrived.

^{SOURCE : PSM}

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Seventh Amendment to the Local Council Elections Act (Act No. 10/2012) on Sunday. The amendment was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at the 25th sitting of its second session this year.

The amendments include modifications to Section 9(b) of the Local Council Elections Act, which specifies that the announcement for a byelection that is to be held under Section 26-1 of this Act shall be made within the duration stipulated in the regulation that is to be formulated by the Elections Commissions of the Maldives (ECM).

Through this amendment, a new section has been introduced, which stipulates the procedure for how by-elections will be held. In Section 26- 1(a), it states that by-elections to fill vacancies in local council seats shall be conducted bi-annually. Furthermore, in sub-section (b), it specifies that the period between two such by-elections shall not be longer than 183 days or shorter than 120 days.

Following the ratification of the amendment, this Act becomes effective upon its publication in the Government Gazette.

^{SOURCE : The President’s Office}

Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has emphasised the necessity of direct international flights to Addu City to operationalise the Shangri-La Resort and Spa, the largest resort in the area.

The Minister made this statement during the opening ceremony of the Destination Addu Summit.

In his remarks, Minister Faisal highlighted the special efforts required to develop tourism in Addu City. He pointed out that reopening the Shangri-La Resort and Spa is a key presidential pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, and noted that work is actively underway to fulfill this commitment.

Furthermore, the Minister stressed that direct international flights to Addu City are crucial for the city to fully benefit from the reopening of Shangri-La Resort and Spa. He mentioned that discussions are ongoing with international airlines to establish these direct connections to the southernmost city in the Maldives.

Known for its luxurious standards, Shangri-La Resort offers 284 beds, including 60 water villas, 26 beach villas, 28 pool villas, 16 tree houses, and two presidential villas, spread across 550,000 square meters.

The resort originally began operations with a 30 percent government stake and 70 percent ownership by Addu Investment Private Limited, a joint venture established to manage the property alongside the government. However, following its closure due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the government relinquished its shares in August 2023. The closure resulted in significant job losses for many residents of Addu, who are eagerly awaiting the resort’s reopening.

^{SOURCE : PSM}

The Managing Director of Fenaka Corporation Limited Muaz Mohamed Rasheed has assured the company will continue to provide ice to fishermen until the handover of its ice plants to Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) is completed.

This was disclosed in a meeting held between Fenaka and Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam, where arrangements for the transfer of the ice plants to MIFCO were discussed. He assured that fishermen will not experience any difficulties during the transition period.

Fenaka announced its decision to cease the operation of ice plants in August, citing misalignment with the company’s service objectives and significant financial burdens. The company reported losses exceeding USD 780,000 monthly to maintain the service.

As part of its strategy to become more profitable, Fenaka has decided to discontinue ice plant operations on 25 islands, many of which were inadequately serviced. The company is working to reduce expenses, including not renewing contracts for employees on stalled projects, cutting logistics costs, and slowing down CSR expenditures, as it focuses on reducing its debts.

^{SOURCE : PSM}

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the twelfth amendment to the Decentralization Act (Act No. 07/2010) on Sunday. The amendment was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at the 25th sitting of its second session this year.

The following changes were brought to the Decentralization Act through this amendment:

In the event that the positions of Atoll Council President, Island Council Members, and City Council Members become vacant, the Local Government Authority (LGA) must notify the Election Commission of the Maldives (ECM) of any vacancy within 14 days, and to address such a vacancy, the Election Commission must schedule a by-election within 183 days of the notification by the LGA. However, if the remaining term of the Council is 365 days or less at the time of the vacancy, the bill stipulates that it is not mandatory to hold a by-election to elect members for the vacant positions.

The amendment also specifies that in the event that the position of vice president or deputy mayor of the council becomes vacant, these positions shall be filled within 30 days according to the procedure outlined in the Decentralization Act.

Additionally, due to vacancies in council member positions, if the quorum for council meetings is not met, the Local Government Authority (LGA) must inform the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) of the vacancies, and within 60 days of such notification, the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) must hold by-elections to elect members to these positions.

Following ratification, the Act has been published in the Government Gazette and has now come into effect.

^{SOURCE : The President’s Office}

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) and Fliggy, China’s leading online travel platform under Alibaba group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen and amplify the Maldives’ destination presence in the Chinese market.

MMPRC’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Ibrahim Shiuree, and Vice President of Fliggy, Tong Teng, signed this agreement as a collaboration with Villa Resorts, at a ceremony held at Villa Nautica on 18 August 2024.

MMPRC said that this partnership was a vital one to market and promote the Maldives as a premier destination in the Chinese market. Fliggy is among the top leading online travel platforms in China.

The collaboration with Villa Resorts, MMPRC added, seeks to signify the agency’s plans and Maldives’ appeal as an ideal location for MICE travel, events, and conferences.

Speaking in the ceremony, Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal said that he was deeply valued the strong relationship between the Maldives and China, adding that the love the Chinese people have for the Maldives was deeply appreciated. He added that this partnership was a wonderful opportunity to build on that connection.

The Maldives continues to be a top destination for Chinese tourists, with average arrivals peaking over 100,000 so far. MMPRC said that it was committed to working closely with stakeholders and partners to maintain and elevate Maldives’ allure among key markets globally.

^{SOURCE : Visit Maldives}

First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed has reaffirmed that the Government is committed to ensuring gender equality and gender mainstreaming in every aspect of Maldivian society. She made the remarks while speaking at the opening ceremony of the “Maldives Travel Conference 2024 - Women’s Edition.”

The First Lady emphasised that gender disparity in tourism is not a matter of numbers or representation. She expressed that it is a reflection of deeper, systemic issues, including the lack of a conducive environment for women in some resorts, the societal stigma associated with women working in these roles, and the persistent glass ceiling that limits women’s opportunities in management positions. Furthermore, the First Lady underscored the challenges that women face in the workplace,

such as the need for maternity leave and the importance of a supportive work environment that understands these needs. She also highlighted rejecting women from employment out of fear of their biological responsibilities is not only unfair but a step away from gender equality.

The First Lady articulated the importance of listening to women in the industry, understanding their challenges and transforming these insights into concrete policies that can bring about real change.

At the event, the First Lady was presented with a token of appreciation by Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO).

^{SOURCE : The President’s Office}

Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) has announced it will host the third edition of its Guesthouse Symposium on October 10 at CROSSROADS Maldives.

Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) has announced it will host the third edition of its Guesthouse Symposium on October 10 at CROSSROADS Maldives.

Riza emphasised the symposium’s role in advancing tourism in the Maldives and mentioned that a limited number of participants will have the opportunity to set up and lease stalls at the event. Online registration will open soon.

Vice President of the Guesthouse Association (GAM) Ahmed Waheed encouraged guesthouses across the country to participate, highlighting the chance to learn effective marketing strategies.

MIB plans to finalise agreements with symposium partners in the near future and will allocate approximately 150 slots for this year’s event.

^{SOURCE : PSM}

The Bank of Maldives (BML) has announced a new opportunity for organizations to apply for its Bank Fund, which aims to provide financial support to sustainable projects and empower associations that benefit society.

This year’s deadline for applications is September 8, 2024, at 1600hrs.

The Bank Fund is available to registered local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) in the Maldives. Interested organisations are required to submit their applications and proposals via email to [email protected].

BML will provide funding for five innovative and sustainable projects across the areas of education, environment, sports, and community development. The fund, which accepts applications annually, will award USD 12,970 to each selected project.

^{SOURCE : PSM}

Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is seeking contractors to develop and run the Boutique Hotel in the Integrated Tourism Zone of Hulhumale’ Phase II, with opportunities open for those interested to submit the Expression of Interest (EoI). The EoI can be submitted via email, before September 1, 1400hrs.

HDC stated that contractors will be prioritised on contractors offering a land lease model. While the preference is for land lease model, HDC says that they will not rule out other development models. It stated that if proposals are submitted by multiple parties, the contractor will be chosen based on the most perfect proposal submitted. The proposal will be evaluated by HDC, focusing on the proposed business model, relevant experience and financial capability of the contractor.

The Boutique Hotel is to be developed on three plots of land. The Urban Island, situated in the northern area of Hulhumale’, is specialised for tourism. HDC revealed that the 23-hectare island will consist of several accommodation facilities to cater transit tourists, tourists visiting for short periods and tourists on business trips, as well as facilities to accommodate tourists staying for longer periods.

Recently, HDC has announced that it was seeking contractors to develop three hotels in the Integrated Tourism Zone. Interested parties are to submit their EoI via email, before August 29, 1400hrs.

^{SOURCE : PSM}