Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) held an exclusive media meet on the morning of 11th May 2023 to inform the local media about the ‘Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023’. The event is set to be held from 30th May to 02nd June 2023. The media meet was an opportunity for local journalists to ask questions regarding the conference, and to learn about the selected participants and the unique experiences that await them.
Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC / Visit Maldives) has signed with several supporting companies as the partners of the Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023. These companies are Crossroads Maldives as host property; Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) as seaplane partner; Maldivian as domestic airline partner; Jalboot Maldives as sea transport travel partner; Dhivehi Raajjeyge Gulhun Public Limited (Dhiraagu) as technology and communication partner; Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) as sustainable fisheries partner; and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) as supporting partner.
The Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023, to be held from 30th May to 2nd June, brings together 70+ content creators from around the world to weave their Maldivian stories at the largest gathering of travel writers, journalists, bloggers, influencers, and media experts in the Sunny Side of Life. We invited them to experience & explore our island nation and express their thoughts through videos, photos, articles & social media posts.
Learn about the ancient culture, heritage, and history of the Maldives. Test out your cooking skills with fresh tropical ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and more!
Set against the backdrop of the Anchorage of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa, a 30-minute speedboat ride from Crossroads Maldives, the workshop begins with a Marine Presentation by the resident Marine Biologist, Kate Sheridan.
Experience the flavours of the Maldives at the gastronomy workshop on a private sandbank, Atoll Villa Sandbank, just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Crossroads Maldives.
The cultural workshop will take participants on a journey to learn about the unique culture, heritage, and traditions of the Maldives – one of the most ancient seafaring cultures of the world. Seated on cushions and mats on the beach at Crossroads Maldives, participants are escorted to the area with traditional dhandi jehun dances.
The conference will feature pop-up stalls with arts, crafts, and traditional treasures inspired by the Sunny Side of Life. Discover authentic products from Maldivian artisans. The Pop-Up Stalls will be available during the Conference.
The Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023 features discussions on relevant and trending topics, such as the power of narratives, and stories from around the world.
Immerse yourselves in the beauty, experiences, and hospitality of the Sunny Side of Life. Enjoy the best of what the Maldives offers as per your preferred choice of activities at 08 different regions of the Maldives.
Welcome to Haa Alif and Haa Dhaalu, the northernmost region of the Maldives. Within it lies the historically significant island of Utheemu. As the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, a revered figure who fought against the Portuguese in the 16th century, Utheemu boasts the well-preserved Utheemu Ganduvaru, the Sultan’s childhood residence turned museum. Explore this atoll with its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and the opportunity to delve into Maldivian history, all while immersing yourself in the cultural richness of the Maldives.
Accommodation: Barefoot Eco Hotel | Hondaafushi Island Resort
Kaafu, also known as Malé Atoll, is the central atoll of the Maldives as it houses both the capital island and the main international airport. There are a wide variety of resorts dotting the area, and the largest number of residents and guest house accommodations can also be found here. As the cultural, political and social hub of the Maldives, it’s no wonder the atoll is teeming with ancient sites, museums, and the most diverse cuisine culture found in the nation.
Accommodation: Wish Hotel Huraa | Taj Exotica Resort & Spa | Maagiri Hotel | Grand Park Kodhipparu
Raa Atoll is fast becoming a hotspot among visitors to the Maldives lately, as the road less travelled becomes more and more vogue. The atoll is famous for the unexplored underwater reserves, perfect for snorkelling points and diving, as well as excellent surf spots and sailing routes. One of the islands of Raa Atoll, Rasgetheemu, was the first capital of the Maldives. Legend says that a Sinhalese prince got stranded with his bride- the daughter of the Sri Lankan King- in Rasgetheemu, and this is where the Maldivian monarchy began.
Accommodation: Cora Cora Maldives | Joali Being Resort | Furaveri Island Resort
Ari Atoll consists of Alifu Alifu Atoll and Alifu Dhaalu atoll, altogether with 105 islands in total. Ari Atoll is one of the largest atolls in the Maldives. If you have never seen a green-on-green landscape stretching deep into a powder blue sky, then Alifu Alifu will surprise and delight you. South Ari Marine Park, in Alifu Dhaalu, is incredibly unique as it is the only year around whale shark aggregation site of its kind in the world. Experts believe that the marine park serves as a secondary nursery to mostly juvenile male individuals.
Vaavu Atoll is a haven for nature lovers. Known throughout the Maldives as perhaps one of the best atolls for fishing in the country, sports fishing is one of the favourite pastimes around here. It is the smallest administrative atoll in the Maldives in terms of population, with many uninhabited islands that remain untouched to this day. Felidhoo, the capital island, is also famous for their intense love of local music and dance, especially boduberu.
Laamu Atoll has the longest stretch of islands connected by land in the Maldives and is the largest atoll in the nation. The atoll consists of 88 islands, 11 of which are inhabited. Laamu is famous for its beautiful unspoiled reefs perfect for snorkelling and diving, and vast, vividly coloured wetlands found in very few areas of our island nation. The cuisine of Laamu Atoll is equal parts unique and interesting, with many tourists and Maldivians alike travelling here to try their one-of-a-kind ‘golha riha’.
Accommodation: Six Senses Laamu | Reveries Diving Village
Fuvahmulah is one of the most beautiful islands in the southern Maldives. The only one-island atoll in the country, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is around 13,000 hectares (4.5km long) with plenty of mangroves, lakes and wetlands. This atoll is the best place in the Maldives to dive for guaranteed tiger shark sightings. Fuvahmulah also has the only beach break in the Maldives, making it a haven for divers, surfers, and lovers of nature-alike.
Escape to the lush haven of Addu City and immerse yourself in the wonders beyond the equator. A magically distinctive place imbued with rich history and magnificent panoramas. Addu Atoll has some 24 islands, the 4 largest of which are inhabited and connected via a link road for ease of travel. Don’t forget to visit the Nature Park to try your luck at seeing the Dhondheeni, a beautiful little bird native to only this atoll in the Maldives.