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Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, officially launched its wide-body aircraft service on Monday with the arrival of an Airbus A330 at Velana International Airport (VIA). This marks the airline’s first operation of a wide-body aircraft. The launch event began with an air show featuring other Maldivian flights before the Airbus A330 landed on the runway. The crew was welcomed by President Mohamed Muizzu and Ibrahim Ghiyas, Managing Director of Island Aviation Services, the operator of Maldivian. After greeting the crew, President Muizzu toured the aircraft. Speaking at the ceremony, Ghiyas stated that the introduction of the wide-body aircraft…

The Gulf Cooperation Council region in the Middle East presents a unique and complex landscape for hotel investment. While the hospitality sector offers immense potential for growth and profitability, it is accompanied by risks that demand careful consideration. This article explores the factors influencing hotel valuations, challenges affecting transactions and strategies for aligning investments with market realities. The current state of hotel supply and demand The GCC region boasts a significant and rapidly expanding hotel supply, currently offering approximately 500,000 hotel keys. Of these, 46% are located in the United Arab Emirates and 34% in Saudi Arabia. Over the next…

One of the most popular premium travel rewards credit cards on the market is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.While its $395 annual fee (see rates and fees) is significant, the card offers a host of travel perks — from a $300 annual credit for purchases made through Capital One Travel to lounge access to up to four free authorized users — that can easily offset the full yearly cost of the card (see rates and fees).The card is a step up from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, the tried-and-true Capital One product that charges an…

Credit card interest is calculated based on the annual percentage rate and is something you want to avoid paying. Apart from hurting your wallet, interest charges can chip away at any rewards you’ve earned, whether it be cash back, points or travel miles. With credit card interest rates at record highs, the costs can quickly add up if you carry a balance month-to-month.Even worse, if you violate your credit card issuer’s terms, you may be subject to a penalty APR. This article explains what a penalty APR is, how it works, and how to avoid it.What is a penalty APR?A…

Angsana Velavaru is ushering in a new era of culinary discovery with refreshed dining spaces and reinvented gastronomic offerings. Nestled amidst the turquoise waters of the Maldives, the resort now features three distinctive restaurants and two vibrant bars, inviting guests to indulge in global flavours while enjoying reimagined settings designed for relaxation and indulgence. The resort’s revitalised restaurants and bars showcase contemporary interiors and an inviting ambiance that reflect the island’s natural beauty. Whether guests seek tranquility or vibrant social gatherings, Angsana Velavaru offers the ideal backdrop for dining experiences that captivate the senses. Azzurro Restaurant & Bar, perched above…

Schwartz Family Company, Australia’s largest private hotel owner, has signed on as a key investor in the redevelopment of London Paddington hotel in a partnership with Singapore-based private equity real estate firm Prima Asset Management. The partnership, which may also see future ventures, marks a significant step in Prima’s real estate expansion in London, Europe’s leading hotel investment market. Schwartz Family Co’s Australia portfolio currently boasts 15 hotels and over 4,300 rooms. Director, Dr Jerry Schwartz, said this London destination represents not only a high value as a financial investment but also in sentimental value. “Having been associated with Prima’s…

Reethi Faru Resort has renewed its prestigious Travelife Gold Certification for Accommodation Sustainability. The resort has consistently demonstrated its commitment to sustainability through proactive initiatives in key areas, such as minimising environmental impacts, enhancing the economic and social well-being of the local community, upholding human rights and fair labor practices, and safeguarding animal welfare and biodiversity. Travelife, a respected sustainability certification program in the tourism industry, awards Gold status to accommodations that meet its high standards. This recognition positions Reethi Faru Resort as a leader in promoting responsible tourism in the Maldives. By renewing its Travelife Gold Certification, Reethi Faru…

COMO Cocoa Island has announced the appointment of Arta Rozefelde as its new Resort Manager, effective January 9, 2025. Rozefelde brings over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having held leadership positions at exclusive private islands in the Philippines and the Seychelles, as well as on cruise lines. She is well-acquainted with the Maldives, where she has served in management roles at several luxury hotels. Her deep understanding of remote luxury destinations and her passion for curating exceptional guest experiences align perfectly with COMO Cocoa Island’s ethos. Rozefelde’s expertise spans front office operations, sales, and team leadership, with…

LONDON – Today, Condé Nast Traveller, the global authority on high-end travel, has revealed the industry trends set to shape travel in 2025. Drawing on the insights from Condé Nast Traveller’s international editorial team and contributors, the list showcases the many ways we will see the world this year, from accessible adventure travel and holistic longevity to family sabbaticals and athletic adventures. The 21 trends explore how embarking on considerate detours, indulging in our love of food in new and interesting places, and embracing off-board train experiences will be how we choose to fully immerse ourselves in a destination in…

Hyatt has long been one of the most popular hotel chains among award travelers. But World of Hyatt has one serious shortcoming: Hyatt has a relatively small global footprint compared to giants like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors.Luckily, Hyatt is working to build its footprint. Although Hyatt’s partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World ended in May 2024, it recently acquired Mr & Mrs Smith hotels and took over lifestyle hotel group Standard International.Rather than focusing solely on opening new properties for its core brands, Hyatt has continued to acquire and partner with existing hotel chains to add more…