Machchafushi in the Maldives was officially renamed Centara Grand Island in honour of the little island’s Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa.

A little piece of history was made as the first flight to the Island since the renaming took place on February 9 from the capital Male.

All the Flight Departure Boards at the Airport clicked over to reveal the destination of flight 142205 as Centara Grand Island, and the airport flight departure announcers got used to pronouncing the new name.

Shakespeare once famously wrote that we shouldn’t take much stoke in names: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet”, however, it is hard to be blasé about an entire Island being renamed in a hotel chain’s honour, especially when only 200 of the country’s 1192 Islands are inhabited.

The island is relatively close to Male Airport with an air transfer time of just 25 minutes or transfer by speed boat in 85 minutes.

With 112 suites and luxurious villas Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa is ideal for both couples and the family market, combining Barefoot Luxury with an active and varied social program for both adults and children alike.

Adult guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, pools, recreational activities, Sports and Fitness options, bars and lounges with nightly entertainment, and the ultimate in indulgence- Spa Cenvaree.

Whilst children will benefit from the Centara Hotels & Resorts Kids Club concept offering 2 venues – Kid Camp and E-zone for ages 4 to 9 and 10 to 17 respectively.

The Resort boasts 7 categories of beach front and over water accommodation from 76 sq m Beach Suites complete with separate living room, large terrace and indoor and outdoor showers, to 146 sq m Luxury Beachfront Pool Villas complete with their own private pool and membership of the exclusive Island Club.

Island Club guests are given premium levels of attention and service, they will enjoy access to the exclusive Club Lounge with daily servings of complimentary meals, snacks and drinks including complimentary evening cocktails and canapés and use of the private pool which features refreshing Spa Cenvaree mist sprays, complimentary mineral water, pre lunch cold towel service, afternoon fruits and sun bed concierge service.
For reservations and further information e-mail reservations@chr.co.th or  website www.centarahotelsresorts.com

Island Holidays a Mumbai-based consolidator for Maldives now plans to tap the Bollywood segment by facilitating movie producers with shooting locations in the island nation and also arrange their travel plans. Elaborating on the plans for promoting Maldives through Bollywood, Aman Bhatia, Partner, Island Holidays said, “We recently facilitated the shooting of Kites, a movie by Rakesh Roshan in Maldives. We are in talks with Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) to promote movie shoots and advertisements at different locations in Maldives through Island Holidays and we are expecting it to materialise within a month or so.”

From the 1900 islands that form Maldives, there are certain islands where there is no habitation and are used for picnics by locals. Island Holidays will be promoting these islands and also the local villages for shooting, though to access these islands one needs government’s permission. To tap the Bollywood segment, the company will promote their offerings through their network of Bollywood producers. “Our offerings will also be promoted through actor Kumar Gaurav who is a part of the company,” stated Bhatia. It will also organise familiarisation trips for produces to get a feel of the destination. Apart from promoting the destination through Bollywood, Island Holidays will also promote the honeymoon and leisure segment for Maldives along with other destinations like Sarawak in Malaysia, Turkey, Tanzania and Fiji.

Source:travelbizmonitor.com

Offer includes:

Upto 50% off one of the selected Spa Treatments

Offer validity:

1/2/2009 till 30/04/2009

For more information please visit Bandos Maldives

Speaking at the press conference President said world tourism industry has slowed down and that he believed Maldives tourism will be exceptionally slow during June and July this year. He said he will be working to bring in more Italians during this period to offset the losses.
He noted that tourists initially came to Maldives from clubs and that most Italians came from clubs like Vacanze and Valtur. He said clubs like these used to sell Maldives at attractive prices and that prices went up as a direct of the increase in the lease rent of the resort islands. He further said such high prices have caused difficulties for clubs to bring in regular tourists to Maldives.

President said during the period when Maldives were marketed at low prices, number of Italians tourists was considerable and that it declined by some 20 percent when the government increased rental charges of the resorts. The losses incurred by the tourism industry as a result of the decline in number of arrivals far out weighed the additional revenue the government generated by increasing the rental fees of the resorts President said.

He also revealed that all expenses to participate in Milan Fair this year will borne by the Italian government and that discussions on the matter is underway with Italian Ambassador accredited to Maldives and Italian Trade Minister.

Some Facts on Italian Market for our President

1- December 2000 ended with 106451 Italians visiting the Maldives. This is a 20% growth over 1999.

2- End of 2000, Italian market share among the generating markets was 22%. Overall tourism arrivals grew by 8.7% in 2000.

3- 2001, Italian Arrivals grew by 8.7% with claiming 25.1% market share overall. The same year, overall tourist arrival growth was negative at -1.3%

4- End of 2002 there was negative growth of -0.7% on Italian arrivals and maintained a market share of 23%. In 2002 the total tourist arrival to the Maldives grew by 5.1%

5- 2003, Italian market grew by 22.1% and overall market share grew to 24.9%. Overall arrival to the Maldives grew by 16.3%

6- 2004, Italian market showed a negative growth of -6.6% and the market share was reduced to 21.2%. The same year Maldives enjoyed and overall growth of 9.4%.

7- 2005, Italian market had a negative growth 46.5%, (largest single drop) and the market share was reduced to 17.7%. The same year there was an overall negative growth on the tourist arrival to the Maldives at -35.9%

8- 2006, the Italian arrivals grew by 69% while the market share was increased to 19.8%. The same year total tourist arrival to the Maldives grew by 52.3%

9- 2007, there was a negative growth of 1.42% on overall tourist arrival from Italy. Overall growth of arrival to the Maldives from all generating markets increased by12.29%.

10- 2008, Italian market had a negative growth of -11.4% and held a market share of 15.2%. The same year Maldives tourist arrival grew by 1.1%

Why is it the way it is?

1- Italian market trends fluctuated along with the time frame between 1972 -2008
2- Propensity to travel and purchasing power parity remained unimpressive over the years
3- Short haul destinations become more accessible and cheaper with comparable product

What have we done?

1- We have failed to predict these trends and take preventive measures
2- Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) has over the years equated marketing and advertising
3- Ministry of Tourism would have too much control on MTPB
4- Ministry of Tourism (MOT) has failed to realize the importance of the medium range markets and charter markets
5- Charter Airlines found it too expensive to run the operation to the Maldives (get the corruption out of the way)
6- MOT/MTPB is not properly armed with statistics and research capabilities, thus resulting in blunt decisions costing the country far too much
7- New islands with controlled rent was a disaster as there is no way to control the prices for market mix maintenance in the destination.
8- No proper leadership in one of the most important organizations (MTPB) in the Maldives.
9- Failed to realize the emerging markets and look to grow them for benefits in the long run.

According to Kingfisher Airlines Vice-President (Global Sales), Siva Ramachandran the destinations includes Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka, Dubai and Maldives.

In addition the company is planning to extend to other international destinations in the Gulf such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. To cater for the proposed expansion, VP Ramachandran says that they are seeking Indian government’s approval to hire foreign crew.

Kingfisher Airlines is an airline based in Bangalore, India. It operates 218 flights a day and has a network of 38 destinations, with regional and long-haul international services and utilizes eight A320 aircrafts.

Many in Maldives believe that the commencement of operations to Male’ by King Fisher would bring an end to the endless waiting lists and ease the present difficulties faced with travelling public.

Mr. Abdulla Yameen has been appointed as the new Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation on 29th September 2008.

Former Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has been appointed as the Minister of Environment, Energy and Water.

The End

Ishmeet Singh – Star Voice of India winner dies in the Maldives today.

The cause of his death was drowning according to official news sources. Some also suspects that the cause of death might have been due to damages to his head from a dive into the swimming pool (That was from TVM). Ishmeet Singh was reported to have been staying in a Resort Island ( Chaaya Island Dhonveli ) in the Maldives.

According to the Assistant Manager of Chaya Dhonveli Maldives, Mr. Malan Robert,

Ishmeet Singh was in the swimming pool along with his friends. None of them could swim! He was in the (Shallow Pool – Baby pool) and was asked not to get into the Deep pool. However, he went to the deep pool. He taking too much time got his friends worried and they informed the hotel and found him drowned.

The doctor from ADK hospital in Male’ confirms the cause of death as drowning and did not point out any damages to his head as speculated earlier.

National Police Services is investigating the matter along with the Hotel.

According to the hotel sources, he died between 5.15 and 5.20pm. Preparations are underway to take Ishmeet Singh’s body home.

He was rushed to the hospital around 5:30pm this afternoon and died before he could reach the ADK hospital.

He and other Voice of India participants were visiting the Maldives to perform in the Voice of India Show in the Carnival on 1 August, Friday.

Ishmeet Singh, a 19 year old boy from Ludhiyana used to suffer from stage fear in his childhood. The fear was overcome after he sang in front of a huge crowd in the Delhi Audition of  Star Voice of India.

He is a true fan of Shaan and considers him as his idol. He also admires A. R. Rehman and his dream is to sing for him.

He was among the top 2 finalists on Star Voice of India and was crowned the winner on November 24, 2007. He was also one of the contestants of Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar, a singing competition on Star Plus channel and represented the Champions team. He was eliminated on June 20, 2008.

Our condolences to his family: his death is a great loss for us all.

Leave Your Well wishes and condolences for him in the comments

The new look with a more advanced web 2.0 standards and user interface and features are catching up easy with the consumers and industry professionals. The reassuring look and theme is based on a magazine theme which makes the visitors stay longer on the website.

New navigation menu and search function ensure all the information are at hand. Also the new News and Updates page get users a peak into the last 8 happenings in the News, Special offers and resort features.

The new look also bring about significant changed over the last version of the Maldives online Guide. The changes included, Hot Spots, a section which features the hottest tourist property in the Maldives, Featured News, a section which show news that require tourists or user attention and the special offers section that shows off the offers from the tourism establishments in the Maldives.

User subscription also allows the visitors to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in the Maldives Tourism industry including industry news and resort information and special offers.

Industry establishments are welcome to advertise on the website. All the advertisements are also entitled 600 word editorial with pictures and one link. For more information please email info@maldivesonlineguide.com

Started as a hobby in 2006, www.maldivesonlineguide.com now attracts thousands of visitors a month with a loyalty rate of over 11 percent. With visitors from 182 countries and territories, UK remains top with over 60 percent visitation followed by US, Spain, Portugal and China.

A holiday is something to look forward to, however, the stresses of modern day life can often take their toll and the sheer effort of getting away from work, let alone packing a suitcase and coping with any airport dilemmas can often be quite traumatic. So much so, that even whilst away in the most tranquil of surroundings, it can take some the entire holiday to begin to relax and catch up on their sleep.

For Adults, the Sweet Dreams programme includes:

• - Special afternoon and evening spa treatments to encourage a siesta or good night’s sleep;
• - A yoga specialist who will offer private classes teaching special breathing techniques and stretching exercises designed to encourage relaxation;
• - Special teas designed to aid sleep;
• - Massages and baths with essential sleep-inducing oils;
• - A special extended pillow menu including buckwheat pillows, memory foam pillows, sidesleeper pillows, etc…
• - A sleep concierge who is on-call so if guests can’t sleep they can ring for encouragement;
• - CD’s of poetry, music or a talking book which can be delivered to the room so Sweet Dreams guests can listen to their very own bedtime story;
• - A Sleep-All-Night-Cap, a special cocktail created by the resort-team using ingredients to aid sleep

Parents can rest assured that the younger member’s won’t lose sleep on holiday either as the Sweet Dreams resort plan extends to children, too. It includes:

• - A selection of children’s books that can be borrowed from the library for a bedtime story;
• - Early evening dinner buffet, bedtime story groups and slumber parties, hosted in conjunction with the kid’s club;
• - Audio-book or music-related CD’s for children to listen to as they fall asleep;
• - Sleep inducing drinks such as warm milk or hot chocolate.

Commenting on the new Sweet Dreams concept, Tina Dotzauer, PR & Marketing Manager for IruFushi’s Sun Spa says,

We have customised some of the Sun Spa pavilions to include low and mood lighting and special relaxing aromatherapy. It’s customary spa practice to leave a guest to relax for a few minutes after a treatment, but so many times we hear how they would prefer just to stay where they are and take a nap after their massages. Guests on the Sweet Dreams programme will be able to do just that, leaving the spa not just thoroughly relaxed but also refreshed and energised after enjoying a wholesome siesta.

In addition, the Sun Spa yoga specialist will show guests who book the 1-week

Sweet Dreams

program how to fill in a sleep diary, which will be discussed each day and aims to give a useful insight into each individual’s sleep patterns and will ultimately help with techniques for sleeping more soundly.

The Sweet Dreams packages can be pre-booked via Sun Spa’s website or on arrival at IruFushi Beach & Spa Resort. Prices start from US$160 per adult.

Packages for 2008/2009 to IruFushi Beach & Spa Resort can be supplied through UK tour operators including First Choice Premier, Thomson’s Far Away Shores and Tropical Sky.

Sun Hotels & Resorts’ owns and manages three luxury resorts in the Maldives. In addition to the soon-to-open IruFushi Beach & Spa Resort, it includes Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort and Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort.

Journalists interested in visiting IruFushi Beach & Spa Resort to review the Sweet Dreams package should contact Jenevora Swann, Jen Humm or Beth Kendall at citruspr on 01590 676432

Sleep Statistics:

Lack of sleep can cut lives short and decrease the overall quality of life. Major risks of sleep deprivation can lead to heart disease, obesity, cancer, diabetes, accidents, lower libido, faster ageing, infection and depression.

A recent survey from the Gallup Organization says the majority of people return from holidays more tired than before they left. Poor planning, later bedtimes and unfamiliar accommodations were cited as impediments to a good night’s sleep.

Russell A. Sanna, Ph.D., the executive director of Harvard Medical School’s Division of Sleep Medicine advises that medical studies conducted over the past 25 years are clearly showing us that, along with nutrition and exercise, good sleep health is vital to our overall well-being and optimal daily performance, both intellectually and physically.

Sun Spa Resorts Pvt. Ltd. is a spa management company incorporated in the Maldives. Its primary aim is to develop, manage and operate full spa and wellness facilities. The company’s first Sun Spa was opened in December 2005 at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, followed by the second spa at Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort in February 2006. The third Sun Spa is scheduled to open in summer 2008 at the new 5-star island resort IruFushi Beach & Spa Resort in unspoilt Noonu Atoll in the Maldives.

In 2007, the Sun Spa Resorts family grew even further by establishing its new brand within the company: ‘Shui’. The first ‘Shui’ resort spa has opened its doors in December 2007, at the luxury boutique resort The Beach House at Manafaru Maldives. Shui is closely linked with The Beach House Collection and offers a different product and treatment range than the Sun Spas, while still adhering to the same basic principles.

Thomas Duroux, CEO of the acclaimed Bordeaux vineyard since 2004, will bring his wealth of expertise to the Maldives, joining forces with the resort’s Executive Chef to offer guests an insight into the intricacies and joy in wine tasting and pairing.

On Thursday 4th September, Duroux will head under-water to host a dinner in Ithaa, the resorts renowned all-glass under-sea restaurant. A six course menu tailored to a range of exquisite Chateau Palmer wine varieties will include gourmet highlights such as Yellow fin tuna tartar with black Osetra caviar and crispy sage served with Alter Ego de Chateau Palmer, 2004. Friday 5th September will see Duroux head two metres underground to Rangali Island’s Wine Cellar, home to half of the resort’s 30,000 bottles of wine and the setting for regular dégustation dinners.

From Black olive risotto with White Valrhona chocolate teamed with a  Chateau d’yguem 1990, to Berry Parfait mille feuille with clove & raspberry jelly and Badiane Sorbet paired with a 2002 vintage; guests will be guaranteed a unique gourmet experience. Bought in 1814 by an English General, the Chateau Palmer estate has long established itself as one of the leading wine-makers in the Margaux region of Bordeaux. Thomas Duroux has a decade of winemaking experience in areas as diverse as Bordeaux, Hungary, South Africa, California and Italy.

His exposure to such a wealth of different wine regions has resulted in a truly innovative approach, combining long-standing traditions with modern oenological expertise. A Chateau Palmer Wine evening at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island costs $480pp/£241 including wines.