Ever So Celestial - Soneva Fushi

Soneva provides the benchmark by which resort experiences in the Maldives are measured, and now the multi-award-winning Soneva Fushi has once again moved that mark by opening the only resort based astronomical observatory of its kind in the world. Set deep within the resorts dense lush jungle, the observatory provides a unique experience for anyone who has looked up at the night sky and found a desire to learn more about the universe and its surrounds.

At the push of a button, the telescope allows guests to instantly observe razor sharp images of craters and mountains on the moon, the satellites of Jupiter, the awe-inspiring rings of Saturn and galaxies made of over 200 billion stars. Using advanced Ritchey-Chretien optics - exactly like same technology used in the NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope – the telescope offers coma-free, wide-angled views of the heavens above Soneva Fushi.

The 12-metre high observatory tower houses the telescope on the upper most level, high above the tree-line canopy, along with a fully-automated dome providing uncompromised 360 degree views of the night sky. For guests wishing to learn more about astronomy, the second level houses a comprehensive reference library complete with educational books suitable for all ages and knowledge levels. The telescope is linked to a plasma screen in the library where recordings are made and lectures are performed by specially trained hosts. At certain times of the year visiting astronomers will be invited to offer exclusive presentations to Soneva Fushi’s privileged guests.

The new Meade RCX 400 is a professional class astronomical telescope offering the most sophisticated and technologically advanced mechanics and electronics currently available. All the mirrors are laser aligned for extreme collimation and housed in an anti-dew heater system, providing all night fun for those who want to be amazed by the night’s sky. The telescope’s computer database contains a few million stars, nebulae and galaxies of the sky, whilst the eyepiece of the robotic machine aligns itself though GPS satellites orbiting in outer space.

Set on a 45-hectare or 112-acre island within one of the furthest atolls from the capital, the legendary and eco-friendly Soneva Fushi presents an understated yet sophisticated style, which allows guests to enjoy the natural reality of the destination. Offering just 65 accommodations, Soneva Fushi captures the very essence of a castaway fantasy. 33 villas offer private pool options while the prestigious Jungle Reserve and The Retreats incorporate the Maldives first tree houses.

Carlson Hotels Worldwide – Asia Pacific to bring Radisson brand to the Maldvies in 2010

Carlson Hotels Worldwide – Asia Pacific, one of the world’s largest privately-owned hotel companies, will manage its first Radisson hotel in the Maldives in early 2010. The 250-room hotel will be located on the island of Hulhumale, north to the capital Male.

Radisson Hotel Maldives Hulhumale, owned by public-listed local conglomerate State Trading Organisation PLC, will be designed as an urban resort primarily for the conference and meetings market, as well as for transient guests arriving and leaving the island. It will also be connected by land to the international airport and seaplane terminal.

“This new development aligns with our expansion strategy to grow in key business and leisure destinations in the region. It will be the second hotel under development in the Maldives that will be managed by our group. We are also opening a luxury Regent resort in the Maldives later this year,” said Martin Rinck, President and Managing Director, Carlson Hotels Worldwide – Asia Pacific.

Radisson Hotel Maldives Hulhumale will have an all day dining restaurant with views of the ocean, a retail outlet and a private jetty. It will also have extensive ballroom and banqueting facilities, capitalizing on the growing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market.

“The events market is growing steadily due to strong economic performance in the region, with a special high demand for meetings and incentive facilities in resort locations.

This will be the only international hotel in the vicinity of Male with specially designed conference services,” added Rinck.

The hotel will also offer a business centre and health club including a gym and spa as well as a swimming pool and easy access to beach facilities.

“This partnership with Carlson is a crafted solution that is closely aligned with our aspirations for a contemporary, iconic, international hotel that fully maximizes the value of this important location, while remaining sensitive and responsive to its environment,” said Ahmed Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer, State Trade Organisation PLC.

“It will also be a major asset going forward in promoting Maldives as a credible meetings and business tourism destination.”

Carlson Hotels Worldwide – Asia Pacific has the vision of being the most admired hotel company in the region, with the goal to successfully open and operate hotels with strategic partners in key gateway cities and resort locations in Asia Pacific.

“Sunny Side in Frames” Photography Contest Winners Announced - 29 October 2007

The winners of photography contest, “Sunny Side in Frames” was announced in an event held at Dharubaaruge on 27th October 2007. Mr. Mohamed Shafraz Naeem, G. Rankoka Villa won the Best of the Show Award.

This contest was divided into 4 categories. They are Scenic, Underwater, Water Sports and Culture. Forty seven photographers participated in this contest. A total of 359 photographs were submitted to the competition. The winners of the contest were awarded a cash prize of 275,000 Rufiyaa. The winners of the contest were as follows.

In Scenic category, Mohamed (Muha), M. Ajamee Pool won the first and third place. Mr. Ahmed Rasheed, GN. Waseemeege won the second place in this category.

In Under Water category Mr. Mohamed Shafraz Naeem, G. Runkoka Villa won both first and second place. Mr. Ibrahim Adeeb, Ufaa, K. Thulusdhoo won the third place in this category.

In Water Sports category Mr. Ahmed Rasheed, H.Maafilaage won the first and second place. Mr. Mohamed Masaaidh, Ma. Sponge Ge won the third place.

In Culture category, Mr. Mohamed (Muha), Ma. Ajamee Pool won the first place. Mr. Mohamed Azmeel, H. Snowdrop (4th Floor) won the second place. Mr. Shazneen Abdul Samad, H. Huvadhoo won the third place.

The winning and selected 114 photographs are exhibited at Dharubaaruge from 28-29th October 2007. The exhibition is open for public viewing until 10:00pm. MTPB is arranging to exhibit the photographs at Male’ International Airport and selected resorts.

During the prize awarding ceremony of the contest Minister, Dr. Mahamood Shougee announced that this photography contest will be an annual event. This year’s competition was part of “Think Tourism” campaign which is an initiation of Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. Haveeru Daily is the media partner of this contest and exhibition.

Maldives Photography Contest and Exhibition

As part of the activities of “Think Tourism” campaign which is an initiation of Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Maldives Tourism Promotion Board is organizing a Photography Contest and an Exhibition. Winners of the contest will be awarded a cash prize of 275,000 Rufiyaa.

This exhibition is expected to foster the creativity of Maldivian photographers and connect them with the tourism industry and also to showcase the natural beauty & culture of the Maldives. In addition this contest and exhibition would create a rich photo library which can be used for the promotional purposes of the Maldives.

Application for the contest and exhibition is open from 25th August – 11th October 2007. The contest is divided into 4 categories. They are Scenic, Underwater, Water Sports and Culture photography. The winning and selected photographs will be exhibited in Male’ on 4th & 5th November 2007. MTPB is arranging to exhibit the photographs in selected resorts in Maldives. Haveeru Daily is the media partner of this contest and exhibition.     

The application form and further details on the contest and exhibition can be obtained from Maldives Tourism Promotion Board. In addition application form can be downloaded from the MTPB website: www.visitmaldives.com.

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MTPB organized Road Shows in three major cities in South Africa

Maldives held road shows in Johannesburg on 13th August, in Cape Town on 15th August and in Durban on 16th August. It was the first road show to be held in South Africa by MTPB. The main objective of the road show was to diversify into South African market and also to try new ways of promoting Maldives as a destination for South African visitors. 

There were a total of 170 attendees in Johannesburg, 140 in Cape Town and 60 in Durban. The attendees included tour wholesalers, travel agents and media. Eight travel and tour Suppliers from Maldives participated.
 
South Africa made up 0.4 per cent of the visitors to the Maldives upto June of this year. A total of 2,973 visitors from South Africa visited Maldives last year which is a growth of 24.3% compared to 2005.

Similar road shows were organized in three major cities in Australia by MTPB during May and June of this year.

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The Maldives Launches the Third Tourism Master Plan

The Maldives Third Tourism Master Plan 2007-2011 was officially launched on 14th August 2007 at a ceremony held in Hanimaadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The ceremony officiated by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was attended, among others, by representatives of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), airlines operating in and into the Maldives, foreign tour operators and relevant Government Ministries and agencies. Among the invitees were also representatives of island offices, island development committees and women’s committees from the three northern-most atolls of Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu and Shaviyani.

The thrust of the Maldives Third Tourism Master Plan is on expanding and strengthening the Maldives tourism as an instrument of economic and social development in a manner that benefits all Maldivians in all parts of the country. The Plan stresses the development of the industry along the lines of sustainability, adopting environmentally and socially responsible tourism practices. Accordingly, the Plan emphasises developing tourism in harmony with nature, facilitating and enhancing private sector investment, developing human resources, creating greater employment opportunities and diversifying markets and products.

Contrary to previous Plans, the Third Tourism Master Plan is formulated as a “living document” to ensure its responsiveness to rapid changes in the Maldivian economy and global trends in the industry.

The Plan, unlike the two previous Plans, stipulates strategies and actions along with target dates and performance measures in achieving the goals of the Plan specified in Section One.

This year the Maldives celebrates 35 years of tourism in the country.

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SONEVA GILI

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