Today's top stories
Hotelier Maldives has opened nominations for the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026, presented by Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), inviting resorts across the country to submit entries over a one-month period from 2 January 2026 via an online nominations portal. The 2026 edition marks a significant expansion of the awards programme with the introduction of eight new team-
Dhiraagu has announced a strategic partnership with Special Olympics Maldives to launch a regional sports development programme aimed at empowering children and young people with intellectual disabilities through inclusive sport, structured training, and community engagement.
In a significant announcement at a press conference in Colombo on Monday, Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, unveiled a strategic roadmap aimed at attracting over 3 million tourists by the year 2026. This ambitious plan comes on the heels of a record-breaking year for tourism in 2025, where the country welcomed a staggering 2,363,521 visitors
Ifuru Island Maldives introduces a refreshed collection of Day Visit and Day Use experiences, inviting guests to enjoy the island’s signature energy, flavour, and freedom without an overnight stay. Designed for locals, travellers, and island-hoppers seeking an effortless escape, the new range of Ifuru Day Escapes blends beachside relaxation, poolside indulgence
Reethi Faru Resort was honored to welcome Magda Linette, a Top 20 professional tennis player, who chose our island paradise as her retreat while preparing for the Australian Open and the upcoming tennis season. Away from the spotlight, Magda embraced the resort’s serene luxury, where pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters,
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives announces it has successfully achieved Green Globe Certification, following a comprehensive independent audit completed after a focused six-month programme. Officially awarded on 23 December 2025, the resort achieved an impressive 86% compliance score, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey.
The beginning of a new year offers a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead with intention. At Angsana Velavaru, this transition is market not by urgency, but by experiences that honour time, place, and the enduring beauty of island life. Set within a vast private lagoon in the pristine South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru has long been recognised for its sense
In a strategic move to enhance the accuracy of its tourism projections, the Sri Lankan government has decided to postpone the finalisation of specific tourism revenue targets for the year 2026. This decision will remain in effect until a thorough data-gathering exercise, conducted under the Tourism Satellite Accounting framework, is completed.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands launches its 2026 Masters of Crafts season with a dynamic sound and motion duo, featuring singer-songwriter Madison McFerrin and the Founder of Jacy Method and movement therapist Jacy Cunningham, January 19–26. Kicking off the resort’s celebrated series that showcases world-class talent across multiple disciplines,
In-depth coverage of personalities
Chief Operative Officer (COO) · Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
“What truly differentiates Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is our ability to balance global operational excellence with genuine emotional and cultural authenticity, brought to life through our people.”
Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director · Visit Maldives Corporation
““Sustainable tourism is no longer optional—it is essential to our survival as an island nation.””
Chief Operating Officer · Brennia Kottefaru
“We believe in nurturing individuals and communities before profit. When people are valued and supported, performance follows naturally. Long-term success comes from practices that strengthen loyalty, efficiency, and respect for shared purpose.”
Owner · Brennia Kottefaru
“What sets us apart is the long term vision. This is not about short contracts or quick returns. It is about building an institution that represents the Maldives with pride and professionalism. We want to see more local brands recognized globally”
Industry voices on this month's key question
This Month's Question
Published January 8, 2026
While Terminal 1 represents a significant milestone for Velana International Airport, what operational challenges, capacity constraints, or areas for improvement do you believe should be addressed as airline movements and passenger volumes continue to grow at this facility?
Quick Takes
While Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport represents a remarkable step forward for our nation’s aviation sector, we must acknowledge that we are…
Velana International Airport’s new Terminal 1 is a major leap forward, but challenges remain around scaling passenger throughput, ground handling…
The opening of the new Terminal 1 is a remarkable milestone for the Maldives. To ensure seamless passenger flow during peak travel periods, the effective…
Chef's Signature Dish
When I was a child, I loved eating Dairy Milk chocolate. The taste stayed with me, and I thought I could create something even better by adding some extra ingredients. I infused the chocolate with lavender crème brûlée and sesame seeds and paired it with raspberry sorbet. The result is a smooth, decadent chocolate experience. To balance the richness, you get the aroma of lavender from the crème brûlée and the light, tart taste of the raspberry sorbet.
Pritam Sarki