The 2024 edition of the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) concluded with a spectacular gala in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, where over 300 travel industry leaders gathered to honor the finest names in global tourism, hospitality, and aviation. Since its establishment in 1993, the World Travel Awards has been widely regarded as the ultimate accolade to win and this year’s ceremony reaffirmed its status as the most comprehensive and respected awards event in the sector. The night in Madeira was filled with excitement as the best of the travel world were celebrated for their exceptional achievements over the past year. From major awards such as the World’s Leading Destination to unique categories like the World’s Leading Cable Car Ride (a win for Armenia’s Wings of Tatev), the evening was a testament to the diversity and excellence of the global tourism industry.

Nature’s Playground comes alive with nature’s elements – earth, air, water, fire – as well the surreal, the sensual, and the out of this world this Christmas and New Year. Niyama Private Islands Maldives is an immersion in nature in every way – strolling brilliant white sands, swimming balmy ocean, dining in treetops, and spa-ing overlooking the Indian Ocean. This year, this natural beauty – already beyond imagination – becomes ethereal, layered with the exotic of the four elements.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with SingHaiyi for Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives. Located in the picturesque North Male Atoll, Hyatt Regency Samarafushi Maldives will mark Hyatt Regency’s brand entry into the Maldive Islands. Slated to open in late 2027, the new all-villa resort will join Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa and Alila Kothaifaru Maldives as the third Hyatt property in the Republic of Maldives.

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives will host a series of engaging activities for the inaugural ‘Kandooma Manta Month’ to raise awareness about manta ray conservation and offer guests unforgettable experiences in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Last year the Resort embarked on a week-long celebration which kicked off on World Manta Day and received overwhelmingly positive guest feedback resulting in the extension of the promotion to a month-long celebration starting 1 September 2024.

Minor Hotels, a leading hospitality group with more than 550 hotels in 56 countries, has announced the arrival of the first NH Hotels & Resorts branded property in the Indian Ocean, with NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort set to open its doors on 01 September 2024.

Jumeirah Olhahali Island is pleased to announce the appointment of Joseph Alexander El-Masri as the new Director of Sales and Marketing. A British national and seasoned hospitality professional, El-Masri brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the luxury hospitality sector.