Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 180

Maldives wins World Travel Award’s World Leading Destination 5 times in a row

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) announced that the Maldives was again crowned the World’s Leading Destination at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) 2024. This marks an unprecedented fifth consecutive year of this coveted title, a first-of-its-kind achievement, solidifying the Maldives’ position as a global tourism icon. Maldives won this award amidst a competitive landscape featuring 19 acclaimed global destinations, including Dubai, Greece, Indonesia, Spain, and Vietnam. 

The World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2024 was held on November 24, 2024, in Madeira, Portugal. On behalf of the Maldives, along with the Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal, Minister of State for Tourism, Ahmed Nazim Mohamed, and CEO and MD of MMPRC, Ibrahim Shiuree, attended the global ceremony. 

“We are thrilled to have been awarded the World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year,” said CEO and MD of MMPRC, Ibrahim Shiuree. “This incredible achievement is a testament to the Maldives’ unparalleled beauty, warm hospitality, and commitment to sustainable tourism. We are honoured to be recognised as one of the leading and world’s most desirable destinations.” 

Additionally, properties and companies from the Maldives tourism industry are recognised at the WTA 2024, highlighting our nation’s exceptional tourism offerings. 

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards is the most prestigious honours program in the global travel and tourism industry, recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence. The winners are selected by a voting system consisting of qualified travel professionals working with the travel and tourism industry and consumer buyers. 

SOURCE : Visit Maldives

Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel sends Independence Day greetings to the Foreign Minister of Suriname

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, has sent a message of felicitations to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of the Republic of Suriname, Albert R. Ramdin, on their Independence Day. 

In his message, Minister Khaleel conveyed heartfelt greetings and best wishes to his counterpart, the Government, and the people of Suriname on their Independence Day. 

He concluded the message by stating that, as a fellow Small Island Developing States, Maldives remains confident that the bonds of friendship and collaboration will continue to strengthen.

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Maldives wins World Travel Award’s World Leading Green Destination for the first time

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) is thrilled to announce that the Maldives has been honoured as the World’s Leading Green Destination amidst fierce competition featuring eight renowned destinations, including Chile, Madagascar, Norway, and Peru. This marks the first time the Maldives has received this esteemed global accolade, adding to its impressive collection of WTA awards.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognised as the World’s Leading Green Destination for the first time,” said CEO and MD of MMPRC, Ibrahim Shiuree. “This award highlights our dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism practices. We will continue to strive for excellence in preserving our pristine natural environment for generations to come.”

The Maldives’ commitment to environmental stewardship is deeply ingrained in our culture and tourism industry. The nation’s stunning natural beauty and our forward-thinking approach to sustainability have made it a sought-after destination for eco-conscious travellers worldwide. The Maldives’ dedication to preserving its natural wonders and promoting sustainable tourism sets a global benchmark for the industry. By choosing the Maldives, travellers can experience luxury and adventure while contributing to the preservation of one of the world’s most beautiful and fragile ecosystems.

Beyond its environmental achievements, the Maldives also secured the title of World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2024, which was held on 24 November 2024 in Madeira, Portugal. This esteemed recognition further solidifies the country’s status as a premier global destination.

This year witnessed significant accolades, with the Maldives being named the WTA’s Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination and Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination 2024 for the first time. In addition, the Maldives were also named the Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2024 and the Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2024. The significance of these awards highlights the resolute collaborative efforts of the Maldives tourism industry to provide exceptional experiences to travellers and our resounding commitment to sustainable tourism initiatives. 

World Travel Awards is the most prestigious honours program in the global travel and tourism industry, recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence. Winners are selected by a voting system consisting of qualified travel professionals working in the industry and consumer buyers.

SOURCE : Visit Maldives

Government to introduce bill to prevent misuse of resources by SOEs

The government has announced plans to introduce a special bill in the People’s Majlis next year to prevent the misuse of resources by state-owned enterprises (SOEs). This initiative, detailed in the Budget Position Report 2025, follows recommendations from international financial institutions. 

The proposed bill, scheduled to be introduced during the year’s first session, seeks to strengthen corporate governance and streamline the management of SOEs. The new legislation will repeal the Privatization and Corporatization Board Act, transferring SOE responsibility to the Ministry of Finance, which will become the primary shareholder. 

Key provisions of the bill include measures to reduce financial mismanagement and over recruitment and promote merit-based hiring. It will also establish transparent procurement procedures to prevent resource misuse and mitigate corruption risks. The legislation will introduce a framework for evaluating company boards and reinforce financial management systems across the sector. 

To reduce public spending, the government plans to cut capital and loan expenditure for SOEs, which is projected to account for 10.2% of next year’s budget. These reforms are part of the government’s strategy to improve efficiency and accountability within state-owned companies.

SOURCE : PSM

Half a ton of drugs seized from a Sri Lankan ship in Maldivian waters 

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has seized a Sri Lankan fishing vessel found operating illegally in Maldivian waters, recovering nearly half a ton of drugs. 

According to the Maldives Police Service, the vessel was intercepted by the MNDF near Makunudhoo island of Haa Dhaalu atoll at approximately 12:45 a.m. on November 23, 2024. It was escorted to the port in Kulhudhuffushi City, where the MNDF Coast Guard and Kulhudhuffushi City Police conducted a thorough search on the morning of November 24, 2024. 

Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau revealed that a total of 468.6 kg of drugs were recovered from the vessel, including 344 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 124.6 kg of cocaine. 

The operation was launched based on a tip-off which highlights the importance of coordinated efforts in combating drug trafficking. 

“This was a successful collaborative effort between various agencies to prevent the entry of drugs into the Maldives,” Commissioner Ali Shujau stated. 

Five crew members, all Sri Lankan nationals, were on board the vessel, and they have been taken into custody. Further investigations are underway. 

SOURCE : PSM

Contract Signed with Riyan Pvt Ltd to enhance mitigation actions tracking

The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy (MCCEE) has signed a contract with Riyan Pvt Ltd to undertake the “Consultancy Service for Tracking of Mitigation Actions.” 

This initiative is part of the efforts under the Capacity Building for Improved Transparency of Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Actions in the Maldives (CBIT Maldives) project. 

The contract signing ceremony took place at the Ministry, with the Permanent Secretary, Ajwad Musthafa, representing the Ministry, and the Head of Business Development, Ismail Ishaan, signing on behalf of Riyan Pvt Ltd. Riyan Pvt Ltd will execute the consultancy in association with Grant Thornton. 

The objective of this consultancy is to develop guidelines on reporting procedures for GHG estimations from mitigation measures, tools and methodologies for estimation of mitigation indicators to track the NDC implementation, an Online Integrated Tracking tool, and training the relevant stakeholders. 

The CBIT Maldives project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and executed by the Ministry with implementation support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

SOURCE : Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy