Kuoni stated in their
annual Worldwide Travel Report, that the Maldives always delivers a level of
luxury that was not even heard of a generation ago. It also mentioned that with
over 20 properties set to open and a second runway in Velena International Airport
(VIA) scheduled to open this year, 2019 seems like it is set for continued growth.
"The destination saw
an overall 10.2% increase in UK visitor numbers last year," the report read.
With the Maldives popularity on the rise, seaplane is listed
amongst the "best ways to see the world".
"Kuoni personal travel experts booked 7,130 return seaplane
transfers in the Maldives last year, with an increase in the number of people
choosing a flight over a boat transfer (64% upgraded), specifically because
they want the experience," the report read.
Two companies
primarily control seaplanes in the country; flagship carrier Maldivian and
privately run Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA).
TMA operates only
seaplanes, with more than 50 aircrafts, making it the largest seaplane operator
in the world, while Maldivian has a fleet of 13 seaplanes which serve 10
resorts.
Kuoni has noted that
this year will be like no other for the travel industry. This is due to the
fact that more than 70% of travelers acknowledging that their motivation has
changed.
"Were seeing a
thirst for exciting new workshops, classes and excursions not just from the
family market but for adults of all ages, from twenty-somethings to those in
their seventies who want to pursue their interests, take time out and try
something different in new surroundings," Wendy Kenneally, Kuoni
Commercial Director, was quoted in the report, as saying.
The travel company
highlights the eco-centre at Kuramathi Maldives and PETER diving upcoming in
Faarufushi Maldives resort, along with the many, many dedicated yoga studios across
several Maldivian resorts.
Kuonis 2019
Worldwide Travel Report has given emphasis to eco-tourism, as more and more
people now want to travel responsibly.
One such initiative
in the Maldives which was mentioned by Kuoni is the replacement of single-use
plastic straws with environment-friendly straws in several resorts across the Maldives,
such as Velassaru Maldives. The aforementioned resort has also built a
recycling plant for plastic, glass and a botanical chipper which can mulch
kitchen waste into compost for the islands vegetable plots.
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