Maldives (Commonwealth Union)_ JOALI Maldives has been conferred with the prestigious title of Best Resort of the Year during the Tourism Awards Function held this year. Situated on the serene Muravandhoo island in the Raa atoll, JOALI clinched this accolade at the National Tourism Day Gala and Maldives Tourism Awards Function, which unfolded at the Social Center. This event was organized by the Ministry of Tourism, marking the celebration of Tourism Day 2023.
The Gala Night saw the presence of government officials, foreign dignitaries, industry stakeholders, and nominees vying for the distinguished awards. It provided a platform to honor eminent figures in the tourism sector. Inaugurated in October 2018, JOALI Maldives, reachable by a 45-minute flight from the capital Malé City, was bestowed with the title of Best Resort of the Year. This exquisite resort boasts 73 private beach and water villas and residences.
The accolades did not stop there, as other notable establishments also secured recognition. Ocean Group Private Limited earned the title of Best Water Sports Center, while Rasdhoo Divers Kuramathi received the Best Divers Center award. Voyage Maldives Private Limited was recognized as the Best Travel Agency. This year’s honors invited nominations in five categories for 59 accolades. During the nomination period, 88 individuals submitted 225 applications across multiple categories, of which 31 were honored at the event.
This year’s awards season featured a novel category called the “Tourism Professionals Award,” which recognized individuals who met the criteria in various ways. Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, the Minister of Tourism, expressed optimism during the event and shared that the forthcoming five-year tourism master plan is poised to elevate the Maldives’ tourism industry to new heights. He emphasized the plan’s potential to usher more Maldivians into the tourism sector and increase bed capacity.
The government’s fifth Tourism Master Plan is of paramount importance, with a significant focus on achieving set targets, including augmenting bed capacity. This master plan is geared towards enhancing the tourism sector and enriching the services offered to tourists. Additionally, the government envisions expanding tourism across the archipelago that constitutes the Maldives, underscoring the country’s commitment to furthering its tourism industry. It is worth noting that tourism was established in the Maldives in 1972, and over the past five decades, it has captivated intrepid travelers with its timeless, picturesque beauty.
