Kuoni says business in the Maldives will continue to grow in 2019


Maldives
PUBLISHED March 24, 2019

 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.

Comments

Please login to Comment


NEWS ARCHIVE