Maldives

(Dive Travel Business News - November 12, 2012) -- Project Aware Foundation -- Scientists have witnessed a “promising” recovery in the coral reefs around the Maldives, a recent survey has revealed. The results show that some reefs now have more live coral cover than before the catastrophic El Niño bleaching event in 1998, which killed 95 percent of the country’s reefs – a key attraction for foreign tourists.

The project was set up by international conservation non-profit organisation Biosphere Expeditions. Scientists from the UK-based Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and the Maldives Marine Research Centre (MRC) surveyed areas known to have suffered from heavy bleaching.

The reef check conducted in September showed that many badly damaged reefs have recovered to populations in excess of 60 percent live coral. On one site, the survey team found there was more coral cover now than there was in 1997.

The latest findings follow a severe case of coral bleaching in 2010, when the MRC reported a resurgence of coral bleaching following a prolonged sea temperature rise. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - June 5, 2012) --To celebrate its landmark 25th anniversary, liveaboard fleet Explorer Ventures is offering several specials on its first and still-running Northeastern Caribbean itinerary  between St. Maarten, Saba and St. Kitts. 

For departures between Aug. 25 and Sept. 29 , 2012, Explorer Ventures has fantastic 2 for $2,500 specials to Saba, St. Kitts and St. Maarten:  Two people can board the boat for $2,500, or one can enjoy 2 back-to-back weeks for $2,500.  Beginners and experienced divers alike have been enjoying this unique itinerary for a quarter of a century, which in addition to offering up to 5 dives per day, also has available islands tours to experience the history and culture of these unique destinations. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - Feb 20, 2012) -- Recent political turmoil in the Maldives have triggered global tour operating companies to look into alternatives for their tourist clients.  The mutiny by sections of the country’s police on Feb 6, facilitated a coup d'etat and the ousting of elected President Mohamed Nasheed, causing international concern. Other Indian Ocean islands, like Mauritius and the Seychelles, are ready to accommodate tourists initially booked for the Maldives or intent to book their holiday there, should the political situation worsen and compel tour operators to seek safe alternatives.

The day after the coup, the people of Maldives rallied en-masse around deposed President Mohamed Nasheed in a peaceful demonstration in Malé. The police and the army violently repressed the demonstration by beating civilians, women, and the elderly, including members of leaders of the opposition, parliament, and the media.   read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - February 9, 2010) -- A coup d'état in the Maldives on Tuesday February 7 has resulted in the removal of President Mohamed Nasheed.   The UK Foreign Commonwealth Office advises against all but essential travel to Male Island. There are political demonstrations in the capital Malé, which have resulted in violent clashes involving police, military and demonstrators.  There have been reports of unrest on other non-resort islands generally around municipal buildings such as police stations and courtrooms.

The situation remains uncertain. Tourists in Malé, or those who choose to travel to Malé, should exercise caution, avoid demonstrations and beware of spontaneous gatherings. Tourists should check with their tour operator or travel company for further information. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - January 24, 2012) -- In an era where the iPad and other mobile media platforms threaten the printed magazine’s very existence, it might be considered a daring endeavour to launch a new and ambitious dive magazine.
The International Dive Magazine Dive The World has done just that with the launch of its first edition. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - January 18, 2012) -- Dusit International has revealed its first venture into the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by a vibrant 360 degree coral reef and turquoise lagoon, the Dusit Thani will feature 100 villas (46 beach villas, two beach houses, 30 water villas, 20 ocean villas, and two ocean houses), tree top spa and 3 restaurants and bars as well as other utilities relating to the resort business.  The resort is also home to the largest infinity pool in the Maldives. Also available will be tennis courts, dive centre and extensive water activities in and around the resort.

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives is 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital Malé. Baa Atoll is not only home to Dusit Thani Maldives but also has the distinction of being a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Surrounding the island perimeter, the living house reef is a snorkeler’s paradise, ideal for discovering an underwater world just metres from the beach. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - January 6, 2012) -- A spa ban in the Maldives is one of the threats to tourism at this popular Indian Ocean dive destination which sees celebrities and honeymooners flock to its many atolls. Exclusive resorts in the Maldives are fighting the ban on their luxury spas and health centers after the president of the Indian Ocean archipelago issued a decree on December 31, 2011 that shut them down. Islamic opposition parties argued the spas were a front for prostitution.

'The government has decided to close massage parlors and spas in the Maldives, following an opposition-led religious protest last week calling for their closure,' President Mohamed Nasheed's office said in a statement.

But head of Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Sim Ibrahim said the move threatened tourism which was crucial for the national economy and hoped the ban would be overturned.  MATI's lawyer Azima Shukoor said: 'The circular violates the lease agreement signed between the government and resort owners and the constitution rights to protect investors.' read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - September 26, 2011) -- Sir Richard Branson, chairman of the Virgin Group, and Edward Norton, actor and activist, will speak at the third annual Six Senses SLOW LIFE Symposium, to be held Oct. 6 to 9 at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. The four-day conference, bringing together business leaders with global policy-makers and heads of state, will focus on practical solutions to the principal challenges facing the tourism industry, including low-carbon infrastructure, transportation, resort management and threatened biodiversity.