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Month: July 2021

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Visit Maldives takes part in a Destination Webinar targeting the Singapore travel trade

Visit Maldives takes part in a Destination Webinar targeting the Singapore travel trade

Visit Maldives, The High Commission of Maldives in Singapore and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives in collaboration with Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) conducts a destination webinar on 30th June 2021. Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Guesthouse Association of Maldives (GAM), Association of Travel Agents (ATA), and the National Boating Association Maldives (NBAM) took part alongside Visit Maldives
in the event.

The objective of the webinar is to connect with the Singapore travel trade community to share the latest information on Maldives and to create destination awareness. Furthermore, highlighting the safety provided by the natural socially-distanced geography and stringent safety measures in place.

During the Webinar, Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed, Managing Director of Visit Maldives addressed the importance of the Singapore market to Maldives and highlighted the current marketing strategies to promote the destination.

“With the blessings of a natural socially-distanced scattered geography and overwhelmingly breathtaking beauty, the Maldives is unlike any other tourist destination in the world. The scattered alluring islands and the uniquely-Maldivian ‘one-island-one-resort’ concept transforms Maldives into one of the safest destinations to travel to right now.” Stated Thoyyib Mohamed, the Managing Director of Visit Maldives, during the destination Maldives webinar.

Visit Maldives presented a destination video showcasing the alluring scenery of the Maldives, the four tourism products (resorts, guesthouse, liveaboards, hotels) and the unique experiences offered in Maldives. In addition, the different segments of Maldives tourism and marketing efforts were highlighted.

The one hour interactive session will share the latest information on the current travel protocols to the Singapore travel trade members. The webinar commenced with a welcome speech by Ms Eman Hassan, Deputy High Commissioner to Maldives followed by Introductory remarks by H.E. Ibrahim Shaheeb, High Commissioner to Maldives. Afterwards, an overview of NATAS was provided by Mr. Steven Lee, President of Natas, followed by remarks from Dr.Naushad Mohamed, Deputy Minister of Tourism. The Ministry of Tourism presented a presentation titled ‘The Maldives Tourism - Post COVID-19” detailing future plans and opportunities for the travel trade community.

The webinar connected with over 30 travel trade members in the Singapore market and provided the chance to identify future opportunities and collaborations with NATAS.

The South East Asia market is one of the most important markets to the Maldives with immense potential for growth. Visit Maldives aims to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis and promote Maldives by strengthening connections with destinations in the SEA market. Therefore, the webinar with NATAS plays a crucial role in addressing urgent inquiries and strengthening Maldives’ brand presence in the Singapore market.

In 2019, over 14,990 travelers arrived from the Singapore market ranking Singapore as the 19th top source market for Maldivian tourism. The Singaporean border is currently closed for international leisure travel however, Visit Maldives aims to keep the destination presence across the market. Visit Maldives concluded Travel Meet Asia- MICE & Corporate and IMM Asia Virtual in the month of June 2021.

Maldives reopened its borders for tourists of all nationalities on 15th July 2020, with rigorous procedures in place to ensure the safety of tourists and tourism workers. Tourists are required to fill an online health declaration form within 24 hours prior to their departure, as well as have a negative PCR test result, conducted 96 hours prior to their departure.

The administration of the COVID-19 vaccine was initiated on 1st February 2021 with the government of Maldives set to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to all citizens and residents of the country in the upcoming months. Visit Maldives together with the Ministry of Tourism launched the "I'm Vaccinated" campaign in order to share a positive message regarding the vaccination of staff working in the tourism sector as well as promoting the initiatives
undertaken to ensure the Maldives remains one of the safest destinations in the world for travelers. The ultimate target is to make Maldives the destination with the first fully vaccinated tourism sector in the world.

Aeroflot – Samara, The Ideal Place For A Summer Vacation

Aeroflot – Samara, The Ideal Place For A Summer Vacation

Samara was founded in the 16th century and has preserved its historical buildings. In Soviet times, it was supplemented with monumental architecture, and in our time - with buildings, the description of which often requires the word "most".

Visit the Observation Deck , which the townspeople call "Helicopter". It is located in the center of the Samarskaya Luka - the largest and most incredibly beautiful Volga bend. A breathtaking view of the city and the Zhiguli mountains opens up from here . It is best here at the height of summer - warm, green, boats and motor ships sail along the river.

SU flight schedule from Moscow to Samara:

Sector Flight No Departure  Arrival Frequency
SVO-KUF SU1602 06:25 09:10 1,2,3,4,5,6
SU1210 08:10 11:05 DAILY 
SU 1208 10:20 13:05 1,2,3,4,5
SU1212 13:45 16:35 4,5,6
SU1202 14:45 17:30 4,6
SU1214 17:05 19:50 7,2,3,4,5,6
SU1216 22:35 01:25+ 1,2,3,4,5
Sector Flight No Departure  Arrival Frequency
KUF-SVO SU1217 06:35 07:20 2,3,4,5,6
SU1603 10:00 10:50 1,2,3,4,5,6
SU1203 10:15 11:10 4,6
SU1211 12:05 13:00 DAILY
SU1209 14:15 15:05 1,2,3,4,5
SU1213 17:25 18:25 4,5,6
SU1215 20:40 21:30 7,2,3.4,5,6
‘I’m Vaccinated’ Microsite Launched!

‘I’m Vaccinated’ Microsite Launched!

As part of the ‘I’m Vaccinated campaign, Visit Maldives launches a microsite giving the most up to date information about the vaccination process within the tourism industry. The website can be accessed at vaccinated.visitmaldives.com

This microsite includes the number of tourist industry staff vaccination as well as information regarding registration for vaccination of employees and the latest HPA guidelines. In addition, the microsite will include updates from the campaign as well as promotional videos, pictures and stories that reflect the immense efforts undertaken by the tourist establishment aligned with the campaign.

Visit Maldives requests industry partners to provide their vaccination updates, news, press releases, images, videos, and other necessary information to lafwa@visitmaldives.com to ensure that all industry news regarding the vaccination campaign is covered on the microsite.

His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih launched the COVID-19 Dhifaau campaign on 1st February 2021 with the aim to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to all citizens and residents of the country. As of 23rd June 2021, 96% of resort employees have received the first dose of the vaccine while 70% of the resort employees are fully vaccinated.

During April 2021, Visit Maldives in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism launched the "I'm Vaccinated" campaign in order to share a positive message regarding the vaccination of staff working in the tourism sector as well as promoting the initiatives undertaken to ensure the Maldives remains one of the safest destinations in the world for travelers.

Under this campaign, the ultimate target is to make Maldives the first fully vaccinated tourism sector in the world. Along with the unique geographical formation of the islands which offer natural physical distancing, and the stringent health and safety measures in place, a fully vaccinated tourism sector will become an added advantage in encouraging tourists to visit the destination.

The campaign will uplift the destination's beautiful name in the global market and reassure travelers that Maldives will further remain as one of the safest destinations to travel to during this unprecedented time. In addition, the campaign will also assure travelers from all over the world of the immense effort and investment into ensuring the safety of both the local population and travelers.

Maldives reopened its borders for tourists of all nationalities on 15th July 2020, with rigorous procedures in place to ensure the safety of tourists and tourism workers. Tourists are required to fill an online health declaration form within 24 hours prior to their departure, as well as have a negative PCR test result, conducted 96 hours prior to their departure.

 

Philippine Airlines – Top Laoag Tourist Spot

Philippine Airlines – Top Laoag Tourist Spot

Tourism has become a major economic driver of Laoag City, paving the way for new commercial investments and infrastructure development. Laoag City, aside from being the capital of the province and the central hub for trading, it is also the merging point and jump-off location to other tourist destinations in Ilocos Norte. It is where bus stations, jeep and van terminals going to other municipalities of the province are located.

Places of Interest

Aurora Park
Aurora Park is situated at the center surrounded by the St. William Cathedral Church, Laoag City Hall, Marcos Hall of Justice, Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol and the Sinking Bell Tower. The plaza was called Plaza de Alfonso XII after the King of Spain. In the same plaza, there is a multi-tiered obelisk erected in 1881, dedicated to the Spanish King Alfonso XII for terminating the Tobacco Monopoly. Today, the Obelisk still stands and had defied deterioration through the passing of the time.

Laoag City Hall
The City Hall, once known as the The Casa Tribunal, is located on the western side of the town Aurora Park. It is made of bricks with roof of tiles. It houses the Executive and Legislative division of the city, as well the Treasury and other departments. Built during the Spanish era, an amount of 4,028.32 pesos was realeased on July 18, 1861 for its construction.

Bangui Windmills
Situated near the Bangui Bay in Ilocos Norte, Bangui Windmill Farm is the right destination for tourists who want to explore the northern region. It was Southeast Asia’s largest wind farm until its next-door neighbor, the Burgos Wind Farm, took the title in 2014. Even with the title stripped, it still draws more tourists than the Burgos Wind Farm because of its accessibility.

Maira-ira Cove
Branded as “The Blue Lagoon”, the Maira-ira Beach is one of the best beaches of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. That place is like the main attraction after enjoying the sights of many tourist spots such as Timmangtang Rock and Bantay Abot Cave along the road to the lagoon.

Sta. Monica Church
The Santa Monica Parish Church (Spanish: Iglesia de Santa Mónica), commonly known as the Sarrat Church, is a Roman Catholic parish church in Barangay San Leandro, Poblacion, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It was built in 1779 and was originally known as San Miguel Church. The Santa Monica Church complex includes the convent connected to the church by an elevated three-level brick stairway.

PAL operates two weekly flights every Tuesday & Friday from Manila – Laoag – Manila. 

Route Flight Departure Arrival Frequency
MNL-LAO PR 2196 1230 1345 Tue & Fri
LAO-MNL PR 2197 1425 1525 Tue & Fri
Rail Europe – The Magic of Beautiful Places

Rail Europe – The Magic of Beautiful Places

The Grand Tour of Switzerland passes by a multitude of hidden gems – such as many places listed in the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites (ISOS). We’ve picked a selection of 5 villages to whet your appetite. You can learn more about these fascinating places here.

Morcote
From here, a spectacular Way of the Cross leads up about 400 steps to the pilgrimage church of Santa Maria del Sasso. A beautiful stream and multiple wayside shrines accompany those making the ascent. Once you arrive at the top, the church sits enthroned like a patroness, presiding over the village.

Pleujouse
Away from major lines of communication in a rugged topography, Pleujouse is situated at the entrance to a narrow valley that forms a magnificent wooded background. The fortified rocky peak overlooks a number of orchards, drawing attention to the fact that the traditional local economy is based mainly on the cultivation of damsons, a small purplish red plum from which Damassine AOP.

Sent
Sent's overall appearance is characterised largely by the emigration that has played a key economic role here since the 17th century. As in many mountain regions, many natives of Sent emigrated abroad, particularly to Italy. Some of these made their fortunes as mercenaries, confectioners or tradespeople, building impressive houses in their home village

Saint-Saphorin
The enchanting winegrowing village of Saint-Saphorin lies in the heart of the Lavaux vineyards, just at the foot of the first slope of Mont Pèlerin. Since the village was once threatened by landslides, the authorities decided to build arcades, on which the facades of the houses were then constructed. It is for this reason that Saint-Saphorin is also known as a fortified village.

Ernen
For centuries, Ernen lay on the Gomm valley road and therefore on the access route to the passes over Furka and Grimsel. With the opening of Furkastrasse on the opposite side of the valley in 1861, the old waypoint suddenly found itself apart from the traffic on the pass. The local economy collapsed and the settlement virtually stopped developing until the middle of the 20th century.