Special edition of Maldives Travel Awards hosted abroad for first time

DUBAI – A special edition of the Maldives Travel Awards 2015 was hosted abroad for the first time at Dusit Thani Dubai. The Maldives Travel Awards, marked as the premier recognition for travel businesses in the Maldives, features a total of 33 categories, out of which winners were announced in 10 selected categories, during the special event hosted in Dubai. The special edition of the Travel Awards in Dubai was scheduled for May 5, 2015, coinciding with the Arabian Travel Market 2015, in collaboration with Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Cooperation, MMPRC.

The Minister of Fisheries & Agriculture, Dr. Mohamed Shainee, was the chief guest of the awards function. In addition, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Mr.Moosa Maniku, as well as senior executives from MMPRC and representatives from the leading top travel brands were present to celebrate this occasion.

Launched in 2012, this year’s event (2015) marks the 4th edition of the travel awards, and also marks a milestone, as the awards were hosted abroad for the first time. During the past four years, Maldives Travel Awards has successfully grown in popularity and in number of categories and nominations. This year, more than 110 nominees competed in 33 categories, covering a wide spectrum of the service sector. Guest houses, hotels, resorts, airlines, and service providers, such as dive schools, were represented in the Travel Awards. In 2015, 10 new categories were introduced to complement with the changing landscape of the industry, and to accommodate the emerging service sectors, like guest houses and community tourism.

Speaking at the function, the President of MATATO, Mr. Abdulla Ghiyas, reiterated the success of the awards and assured that MATATO will continue its efforts to collaborate with the key stakeholders of the industry to take Maldives Travel Awards progressively forward.

In addition, MATATO also presented awards of Special Recognition, to ClubMed Finolhuvillas (Gasfinolhu) and Mr. Faisal Naseem, for outstanding achievement in design and innovation. ClubMed Finolhu Villas was awarded for the innovative development of the island as the first fully solar-powered resort in the Maldives, making this property 100 percent carbon neutral. MP Faisal Naseem was recognized for his continued service in the tourism sector, especially for outstanding achievements in architecture and design.

Winners of the remaining categories of Maldives Travel Awards will be announced in September 2015, at the grand Award Night to be hosted by COCO Boduhithi.

Winners – MATATO Maldives Travel Awards 2015 – Dubai Edition:

1
Leading International Airline
Vote Only
Srilankan Airlines

2
Leading Low Cost Carrier
Fly Dubai

3
Leading Travel Technology Partner
Viewtual

4
Leading Human Resource Management
Sun Island Resort and Spa

5
Leading Private Island
Vote & Judging
Coco Prive’ Kuda Hithi

6
Leading Meeting and Conference Resort
Bandos Maldives

7
Leading Eco Resort
Sonevafushi

8
Leading Airport/City Hotel
Hulhule’ Island Hotel

9
Leading International Hotel/Resort Brand
Anantara Hotels and Resorts

10
Leading Guest House
Arena Beach Maldives