GENERAL INFORMATION NOTE

Transcription

1 27 th JOINT MEETING OF THE UNWTO COMMISSION FOR EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC (CAP) AND THE UNWTO COMMISSION FOR SOUTH ASIA (CSA) & UNWTO REGIONAL MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON POSITIONING TOURISM IN A WIDER SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTEXT Bandos Island Resort, Republic of Maldives 3-5 June 2015 GENERAL INFORMATION NOTE

2 1. VENUE The 27 th Joint Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and the UNWTO Commission for South Asia (CSA) and the UNWTO Regional Ministerial Conference on Positioning Tourism in a Wider Socio-economic Context will be held at Bandos Island Resort & Spa in the Maldives from 3-5 June, Bandos Island Resort & Spa (meeting venue) Bandos, North Malé Atoll, 08480, Maldives. TEL: FAX: sales@bandos.com.mv WEBSITE: Bandos Island Resort & Spa is located just 7 km away from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. It takes just about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the Island via speed boat. Bandos Island Resort and Spa is one the oldest and well-established resorts in the Maldives. It is ideal for both business and leisure customers. The resort has a total of 215 rooms and has 6 food and beverage outlets serving local, Indian and Western cuisine, be it a la carte or set menus. Other facilities offered in the resort include a spa, a swimming pool, a gym, meeting and conference rooms etc. ABOUT MALDIVES Aerial View of Bandos Island Resort & Spa Spread over an area of roughly 90,000 square miles in the Indian Ocean, off the south western coast of India, Maldives is a chain of 1190 coral islands. With most of the land mass of the country, which is about 27% of its territory, lying barely a meter above sea level, Maldives is an idyllic haven for people who are looking to get away from their fast-paced lives and enjoy a truly relaxing atmosphere. Out of 1,190 islands only 200 islands are inhabited by locals and another 112 islands are developed as Resorts. The population of the Maldives is closing on 400,000. The daily livelihood of the residents mainly depends on two industries: Tourism industry and the Fisheries Industry. The tourism Industry is the largest contributor to the Maldivian economy approximately 30% of the GDP and the largest contributor of foreign exchange. Since the establishment of the tourism industry in 1972 with a unique 1

3 one island, one resort concept, the industry has evolved and has become a well-established luxurious holiday destination in the world. HISTORY OF TOURISM IN THE MALDIVES Sun, Sea, Sand & Surf combined with genuine smiles and a soothing atmosphere, Maldives seems to be nature s custom made answer for every holiday maker s needs. From romantic getaways, to funfilled family holidays; singles retreat with vivid night life to just spending lazy days dozing in the sun. The Maldivian tourism industry is renowned for its versatility. Although Maldives has been offering hospitality to travelers as far back as its history goes due to its position in the middle of a very well-used sea route between Africa & Asia, United Nations development mission who visited Maldives in the 1960s did not recommend tourism in this beautiful island nation, claiming that it was not a feasible option. The birth of tourism in its current form can be traced back to the arrival of the Italian traveler George Corbin in October Mr. Corbin, who had been on a trip to Sri-Lanka, India and Minicoy to discover new opportunities struck gold when he came across Maldives while searching the map for Virgin Islands. Upon arriving in the Maldives with the Italian travel photographer Frenchesco Benini, he soon figured out the untapped potential of the pristine white beaches, isolated breezy islands and the abundant and varied marine gardens that surrounded it. "I saw the potential of what these beautiful islands could offer to tourists." 1 said Mr. Corbin. After his trip, Mr. Corbin returned to his homeland and proceeded to write an article and to publish a book in 1973 titled Duemila Isole Felici meaning - Happy Two Thousand Islands, in which the splendid scenery of Maldives was brought alive by the pictures taken by Mr.Benini. In response, the first tour for 22 Italian writers and photographers to Maldives on charter flight on 16th February 1972, was arranged as a joint effort by Mr. Corbin and a group of Maldivian entrepreneurs. The young men who learned the business of hospitality through trial and error are now amongst the front runners in the tourism industry. We had nothing in the Maldives then, nothing. No banks, no airport, no telephones; only ham radio or Morse code with Colombo. Even the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) experts said that tourism would never succeed because there were no facilities, no infrastructure. 2 Mr. Maniku, one of the pioneers of the tourism industry, explained. In the 42 years that followed, despite being a herculean task for a country with such limited means, the Maldivian Tourism industry has been transformed into a multi-million dollar golden goose. THE CAPITAL CITY MALÉ The capital of Maldives is Malé City, which is home to one third of the country s total population. The island covers approximately 5.79 km 2. Turning back the pages of history Malé has been the Capital of this small Island Nation since the time of the early Sultanate. During the last decade Malé has become densely populated with approximately 105,000 residents. The island has become a concrete jungle. Narrow streets filled with motor bikes and cars rushing and navigating their way through busy streets. Malé has truly evolved into a modern city. 1. Niyaz Ahmed, Tourism in the Maldives: 25 years of sustainable development (Malé, Maldives: Ministry of Tourism, 1998). 2. Ibid. 2

4 The architecture and atmosphere are modern, however memoirs of Maldivian history and culture can still be seen among the narrow streets of Malé. A wonderful example of this is Hukuru Miskiyy, (Friday Mosque) built in 1656 and containing finely fluted coral block walls. Inside the mosque are some of the oldest wood and stone carvings. Close by is the Sultan Park and the National Museum. The Sultan Park is filled with lush vegetation including giant Banyan Trees while the National Museum exhibits some of the important historical artifacts of the Maldivian culture and heritage. Aerial View of an Island Aerial View of Malé 2. TRANSFER ARRANGEMENTS AND AIRPORT MEETING SERVICE The Ministry of Tourism of the Maldives will warmly welcome all registered delegates who have provided their flight details at an exclusive VIP Lounge located in Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (aka Malé International Airport). Transportation will be provided for all participants and delegates from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport to the respective official resort/hotels for participants holding confirmed bookings. Travel arrangements between Bandos Island Resort & Spa and the capital Malé will be arranged by the host government and the schedule will be made available to all the delegates. In order to organize this service, delegates are requested to complete and return the attached registration form indicating their arrival, departure and accommodation details latest by 4 th May No airport tax will be charged to anyone arriving in the Maldives directly, but will be included in their ticket fare when they purchase it. 3. ACCOMMODATION The hotels listed below offer the participants special discounted rates, in limited numbers and on a firstcome, first served basis. Payment by credit card and bank transfer is accepted, though credit card is highly recommended. Rooms will be blocked for delegates from 2 nd June to 6 th June 2015, after which date availability cannot be guaranteed. Participants are encouraged to book accommodation as early as possible. 3

5 Bandos Island Resort & Spa (at meeting venue) Bandos, North Malé Atoll, 08480, Maldives Name of the person: Mr. Abdullah Hassan TEL: FAX: resv@bandos.com.mv, Cc: abdulla@bandos.com.mv WEBSITE: ROOM TYPE Single Double Standard Room Garden Villa Jacuzzi Beach Villa Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa Furanafushi Island, North Malé Atoll, 08240, Maldives Name of the person: Mr. Areef Tel: Fax: sheraton.maldives@sheraton.com, Cc: Solih.Ali@starwoodhotels.com Website: ROOM TYPE Rate (for both single and double) Deluxe (BDKN) Island Cottage (ICKN) Rates are for a minimum stay of 4 nights. 4

6 KURUMBA MALDIVES Vihamanafushi, North Malé Atoll, 08340, Maldives Name of the person: Mr. Ibrahim Naeem Tel: /393 Fax: Cc: (ask for special rate for UNWTO conference) Website: ROOM TYPE Rate (for both single and double) Superior Room Deluxe Room Deluxe Bungalow Rates are for a minimum stay of 4 nights. Marble Hotel (in Malé) Kanba aisa rani higun, Malé, 20335, Maldives Name of the person: Ms. Shazra TEL: FAX: reservations@marble.mv, Cc: saleema@marblehotel.net / shazra@marblehotel.net WEBSITE: ROOM TYPE Single Double Superior Deluxe Super Deluxe Executive Suites

7 Beehive Hotel M.Baheeju Palace, Shaheed Ali Higun, Male 20-05, 20339, Maldives Name of the person: Ms. Aishath Suryna Tel: Fax: Website: ROOM TYPE Single Double Superior Deluxe Business Deluxe Studio Mookai Hotel (in Malé) Mookai Hotel, Meheli Goalhi, Malé Name of the person: Ms. Malaz Phone: Fax: ROOM TYPE Single Double Standard

8 Holiday Maker Inn (Hulhumalé Greater Malé Area) LOT NO & 10819, Unigas Magu, Hulhumalé Name of the person: Ms. Layal TEL: ROOM TYPE Double Deluxe 70 Super Deluxe 80 Family Suite 135 Beach Sunrise (Hulhumalé Greater Malé Area) PlotNo10718 KaaniMagu, Hulhumalé 20025, Maldives Name of the person: Mr. Ibrahim Manik TEL: FAX: - reservations@beachsunriseinn.com, Cc: ibrahimamanik@gmail.com WEBSITE: ROOM TYPE Double Deluxe 65 Super Deluxe 75 Please note that all the prices of the hotels above are quoted in USD and include breakfast, 10% Service Charge and Tourism Goods and Service Tax (TGST, 12% of Room rate). Please note that the government taxes are subject to change without prior notice. 7

9 4. TECHNICAL TOUR Technical Tour A Tour of Clubmed Finolhu Villas, K. Gasfinolhu (A resort powered fully by clean energy) The new Eco-nature Villas are nestled in the tiny, beautifully preserved island of Gasfinolhu in the heart of the Indian Ocean. The eco-friendly Villas respect all the norms for eco construction. They provide the perfect balance between modern luxury and the natural charm of the Maldives. The new sustainably designed exclusive resort has been designed respecting the local environment, and has adopted sustainable inclusions of the highest standard. All Villas are built to the highest ecofriendly standards in a beautiful natural setting, using energy saving construction techniques and solarpowered energy. The resort uses eco-chic design by Tokyo-born, New York-based designer Yuji Yamazaki and Club Med interior designer Meriem Hall. The concept for the design of the Villas was communication through space with the aim of creating a setting that is comfortable, even homely, using a unique blend of refinement, exclusivity and eco-friendly design. Architectural features that optimise passive energy and elements that are in sync with the property s idyllic natural surroundings are used throughout the Club Med resort. The entire resort is equipped with solar roofs that produce 100 per cent of the property s energy requirements. The sensitive design of the resort ensures that guests are able to receive high end luxury without creating unnecessary negative impact on the environment. Sitting on stilts above the crystal-clear turquoise water and powdery white sand that make the Maldives one of the most recognisable and desirable holiday destinations in the world, the villas are conceived to be the last word in luxury while still intimate, subtle and comfortable, using a palette of colours including ocean blue, green, and orange that blend in with the natural surroundings. Club Med Finolhu Villas are accessed using a 20 minute speedboat ride from the Maldives international airport. Additional activities and recreational facilities at the Club Med Kani Premium Resort are available five minutes away via boat Seaplane Tour A seaplane is the ultimate experience in sightseeing tours; it provides you with the opportunity to fly above a true paradise on earth. You will fly over the hue-shifting seas of the Maldives, the turquoise lagoons, fascinating resorts, pristine Virgin Islands and the even more vibrant inhabited islands. Test your luck and see if you can spot the occasional manta and sting rays, schools of fish, and playful dolphins as they dip and vault through the crystal clear waters beneath. Bring a camera, because these are moments that you definitely want to capture, both in memory and pictures: You might just snap one for the ages! 8

10 SPOUSE TOUR MALE CITY TOUR (CAPITAL CITY) - 3RD JUNE 2015 Male City Male is truly a beautiful city. At a first glance it looks like a city district plucked out and placed gently on the tranquil waters of the Maldives. Male is the most urbanized and populated island in contrast to the other more aesthetic islands of the nation. The city is always brimming with life, providing visitors with an opportunity to see the modern day lives of the Maldivian people. Besides this, the city also houses many different historical and cultural sites that will be covered during the city tour. Male Friday Mosque (Male Hukuru Miskiy) Constructed in 1658, it is the oldest mosque in Male. The mosque was built under the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I. The mosque complex comprises of the mosque building, a large minaret, and a cemetery with tombs and mausoleums of past kings and dignitaries. The Mosque pays homage to the talented craftsmanship of the Maldivian people: From the intricately designed coral walls to the lacquer work done on the timber roof structure. With its fine carvings, the entrance steps, carved wooden doors, lacquer calligraphy and decoration, the quality of workmanship is 9

11 among the best in the Maldives. The mosque is one of the many that were declared as UNESCO World Heritage sites under Coral Stone Mosques of Maldives (2013). Muliaage (Presidential Palace) Located within close proximity of the Friday Mosque, Muliaage was the official residence of the President. With its construction commenced in 1914, it was commissioned by Sultan Muhammad Shamsudheen III for his son and heir Prince Hassan Izzuddin. Over the decades that passed after its construction, Muliaage has lost and regained the title of Official Residence of the Maldivian President throughout the different presidencies. The residence provided its hospitality to the likes of Queen Elizabeth II during Ibrahim Nasir s presidency, as well as India s Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi under President Maumoon abdul Gayoom. Grand Friday Mosque and Islamic Centre Not to be confused with the Friday Mosque, the Grand Friday Mosque and Islamic Centre also known as Islamic Centre, is an architectural landmark of Male. The mosque, officially named Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam is the largest mosque in the Maldives, and also one of the largest in South Asia. The Islamic Centre houses a conference hall, and Islamic library and a number of offices. The Centre also encompasses The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, which replaced the former Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs. It also serves as a tourist attraction, due to the beautiful architecture of the mosque: The magnificent golden dome is evident on the skyline of Male. Besides the golden dome, the interior walls are also beautifully decorated. 10

12 National Museum The first National Museum of the Maldives was opened in 1952, by the Prime Minister of that time Mohamed Amin Didi. The museum has a large collection of historical artifacts, ranging from stone objects to fragments of royal antiquities from the Buddhist era to the rule of Islamic monarchs. The three-story old building was located in Sultan Park; a part of the Maldivian Royal Palace compound dating back to the 17 th Century. The new building, presented to the Maldives by the Chinese government was officially opened on 26 th July 2010, the Maldives Independence Day. The new building is also located in Sultan Park. VISIT TO A LOCAL ISLAND (K. HURAA) - 4TH JUNE 2015 Kaafu Atoll Huraa, is an island 20 kilometres north of Male with a population of less than a Huraa is well-known for the mangroves that are grown on a huge portion of the island. Besides the Mangrove, they are well known for their skill with handicraft. During the visit, the following activities will be covered. 11

13 Mangrove tour The mangroves in Huraa are an embayment mangrove, meaning the mangrove vegetation surrounds a bay. Island-like vegetation clumps can also be seen within the bay. The water-level of the bay is related to the tidal changes and movement of water to and from the open sea; which is connected through a narrow channel. The Mangrove bay contains unique vegetation and is a resting place for protected birds of the Maldives. Ten species of plants are found in the Huraa mangrove, these include four species of true mangroves and five mangrove associate plants Cultural handicraft Maldivian artisans are capable of creating breath-taking pieces of work. With time staking intricate designs produced from memory, Maldivian lacquer works are a wonder to look at. To showcase the talented workers behind these artistic pieces, a visit to an old artisan will be scheduled. His works include the creation of miniature dhoni s (Small boats) and other handicrafts from used material like coconut husks and saw dust. Maldivian cuisine and cultural dance (boduberu) 12

14 Maldivian Cuisine might not be as rich and diverse as its neighbours, but there are definitely elements that are considered truly Maldivian. Lunch will be served in a traditional Maldivian setting, with live boduberu (cultural performance). Maldivian dishes are well known for their use of fish (mainly tuna). However being located amongst the trade routes, different seasonings and ingredients have been slowly added to the Maldivian food culture. Maldives cuisine comprises Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan, as well as oriental tastes blended into a unique cuisine. 5. REGISTRATION AND BADGES Participants are requested to complete the attached registration form and to return it to the meeting coordinators of both UNWTO and Host government of Maldives indicated below under item 10, latest by 4 th May Badges and information kits will be distributed to participants on arrival or at the registration desk at the meeting venue from 14:00 to18:00 on 2 nd June and from 07:30 to 08:45 on 3 rd June SOCIAL PROGRAMME The Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Maldives, H. E. Mr. Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor will host a welcome reception on 3rd June 2015 at 18:00 (by invitation only). On 4th June 2015 at 19:00, the Farewell Dinner will be hosted by the Government of the Maldives and the tourism industry. 7. TRAVELLING TO THE MALDIVES AIRLINE CONNECTIONS For information on all major airlines travelling to the Maldives, please visit: VISA REQUIREMENTS No prior visa is required to arrive in the Maldives. Tourist visa is granted to all nationalities on arrival to the Maldives. All participants and delegates must be holders of a valid passport or proper travel document. The maximum number of days granted on arrival would be 30 days. CUSTOMS REGULATIONS Below is a list of items which are completely banned Narcotics and psychotropic substances. Pornographic material (including sex toys) such as books, magazines, films, videos, DVDs and software. Religious materials offensive to Islam. Live pigs. Idols (for worship). According to Maldivian Law No: 4/1975 (Import prohibition Act), importation of liquor and alcoholic products without prior approval is prohibited. Hence, it is advised not to purchase liquor and alcoholic products on the flight or duty free shops while en route to the Maldives as these items will be confiscated upon arrival at the airport. However, liquor, beer and other such alcoholic beverages are 13

15 available at all tourist resorts. These have been imported under special license issued prior to their importation. For more Information regarding restricted items please visit the following website 8. PRACTICAL INFORMATION EXCHANGE RATE The Maldivian Rufiyya (MVR) is the Maldivian Currency. Bank Notes are available in denominations of MVR 500/-, MVR 100/-, MVR 50/-, MVR 20/-, MVR 10/- and 5/-. Coins are available in denominations of MVR 2/-, 1/-, 50 Laari (MVR0.50) and 25 Laari (MVR 0.25). United State Dollars (USD) are widely used and accepted in Malé and throughout the Maldives. However bank notes must be relatively new with no marking or tears. The exchange rate of United State Dollars is 1 USD = MVR CREDIT CARDS Major credit cards such as AMEX, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at resorts, hotels, restaurants and stores. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are available at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport and in the capital, Malé but not in tourist resorts. CLIMATE Although it is warm throughout the year, there are slight variations in the temperature during certain periods determined by the two monsoons. The Northwest monsoon from November to April is mostly dry with very little wind, while the Southwest monsoon from May to October brings some rain and wind. Being on the equator, the monsoons are mild and the temperature varies very little and the humidity rate is high. For more information about weather in the Maldives, please visit During the month of June, as it falls within the rainy monsoon period it could rain. TIME ZONE Maldives is 5 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +5) CLOTHING Participants are advised to bring tropical wear. However formal attire (Business Suit) is required at official meetings. (Note: nudity in any public area or beaches in the Maldives is against the Maldivian Law, offenders will be punished according to Law and regulations of Maldives.) OFFICAL LANGUAGE The Official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, however English is widely spoken and understood. The official language of the conference and the meeting will be English. ELECTRICITY Electricity in the Maldives runs at AC (standard flat pin plug). BUSINESS HOURS Government offices and Banks are open from 8:00 am to 3:00pm from Sunday to Thursday. 14

16 Banks and the Government offices are closed on the weekends and Public Holidays. (Note: Friday and Saturday are the Weekends in the Maldives). Shops, restaurants and cafes in Malé are generally opened from 8:00am to 10:00pm. All shops will be closed during prayer times and will reopen after prayers (15 minutes). HEALTH Member States in the region of South Asia are not required to have any vaccinations to enter Maldives. However if a delegate or participant is arriving from yellow fever and cholera infected countries, they would require an international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever and cholera to enter the country. 9. SAFETY AND SECURITY The Government of the Maldives will ensure the safety and security of all participants and delegates. All necessary precaution will be taken to ensure that the Conference and the Meeting will proceed efficiently. 10. MEETING CO-ORDINATORS For further information, please contact the meeting coordinators both from UNWTO and the host country. UNWTO Secretariat Ms. Christine Brew Senior Programme Assistant Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific Tel: (34) Fax: (34) cbrew@unwto.org Ms. Wendy Wu Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific Tel: (34) Fax: (34) asia6@unwto.org Host Country Ms. Maryam Gasim Deputy Director General Ministry of Tourism Maldives Tel: (960) Fax: (960) maryam.gasim@tourism.gov.mv Mr. Ali Shinan Assistant Director Ministry of Tourism Maldives Tel: (960) Fax: (960) ali.shinan@tourism.gov.mv 15