Amidst the enchanting turquoise waters, Dusit Thani Maldives beckons as a sanctuary of exclusive and multifaceted luxury. Rifaa Ath Saeed, Director, Sales and Marketing, Dusit Thani Maldives, delves into the preferences of Indian outbound travel and highlights the latest travel trends affecting the Maldives. With sharp insight, she provides a comprehensive view of the challenges, opportunities, and significant impact of Indian tourism on the Maldivian market.
The potent combination of natural beauty, luxury, and exclusivity makes Maldives a highly attractive destination for Indian tourists seeking an indulgent holiday experience. The attraction of the Maldives has been driven by proximity, accessibility, improved connectivity with direct flights, and a growing middle class with disposable income for travel. While the Indian market has experienced a compelling dip in recent months, it remains a crucial segment for luxury resorts in the Maldives, promising long-term potential and growth.
Thai Hospitality in Maldivian Paradise
Dusit Thani Maldives seamlessly combines Thai hospitality with the captivating attraction of the Maldives, offering an unparalleled experience. Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll – Maldives’ first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Dusit Thani Maldives is just 35 minutes away by seaplane or domestic transfer. With 94 luxurious villas and residences, including beachfront and overwater options such as the exclusive Ocean Pavilion, it offers the ultimate Maldivian escape. Each villa features lavish amenities, private pools, and mesmerising ocean panoramas.
The culinary extravaganza includes tantalising seafood at the Sea Grill, authentic Thai delights at Benjarong, global flavours at The Market, and delightful cocktails at the relaxed Sand Bar. At Dusit Thani Maldives, guests can enjoy signature Devarana wellness treatments and explore turquoise lagoons and vibrant reefs, ideal for water activities. The resort also features the Baan Sanook Kids Club, which offers a range of activities for children, and a marine biology centre that provides insights into local marine life conservation.
Highlighting the resort’s unique features, Rifaa said, “Dusit Thani Maldives differentiates itself from other luxury resorts in the Maldives through its unique blend of Thai hospitality and Maldivian charm, offering guests a truly distinctive experience.” She further emphasises, “One of the key aspects that truly sets Dusit Thani Maldives apart is its emphasis on sustainability and environmental conservation. The resort is committed to protecting the local marine ecosystem, and guests can participate in various conservation activities, such as coral planting and marine life monitoring, to contribute to these efforts.”
The resort being located just 10 minutes away from Hanifaru Bay provides a unique opportunity as it stands out as a truly extraordinary destination within the Maldives, celebrated for its unique natural beauty and biodiversity. Recognised as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, this bay offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness the marvels of marine life in a pristine environment.
Rekindling the Indian Connection
Tourist arrivals from India to the Maldives have dangerously dropped by over 42 per cent in the initial four months of this year compared to the corresponding period last year. This alarming decline stems from strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Highlighting the importance of the Indian market, Rifaa said, “India is one of the key markets for the resorts and to attract it back to the destination, we have implemented several strategies to spark engagement. We have also been actively analysing travel trends to understand the underlying factors contributing to this decline.”
She further shared “We have launched targeted marketing campaigns that emphasise the unique experiences we offer to our guests. They highlight the cultural elements of India blended with the culture of the brand Dusit, such as Indian cuisine, the brand’s famous Thai cuisine, and special packages for families and honeymooners. Additionally, we continue to collaborate closely with our partners in the subcontinent with attractive offers to ensure better visibility. We have also increased our presence on digital platforms and social media to directly engage with potential travellers, showcasing the beauty and exclusivity of Dusit Thani Maldives. Through these efforts, we aim to re-establish Dusit Thani Maldives as a preferred destination for Indian travellers, offering them an unparalleled blend of luxury, culture, and personalised hospitality.”
Dusit Thani Maldives offers a range of special offers, packages, and incentives for trade partners, including travel agencies, tour operators, and other industry partners. These may include attractive promotional offers, complimentary upgrades, special packages for leisure groups, and exclusive deals for repeaters.
Understanding Indian Travellers
Rifaa provides valuable clarity into the distinct booking patterns and seasonal trends exhibited by Indian guests, significantly impacting a resort’s operations and offerings in the Maldives. She articulates, “Indians often prefer all-inclusive packages that include meals, beverages and activities, allowing them to relax without worrying about additional costs. They are increasingly interested in wellness experiences, water sports, immersive excursions, and cultural experiences. They appreciate resorts that cater to their culinary preferences and offer customised cuisine options.”
Indian travel to the Maldives typically coincides with school holidays and festive seasons. They often opt for shorter stays, and with large families travelling together, they prefer larger villas and family-friendly cultural experiences. Guests from the subcontinent frequently have specific dietary preferences, so resorts that cater to these preferences can attract more guests from the subcontinent.
Commitment to Sustainability
Dusit Thani Maldives places a high priority on sustainability in its operations. The resort has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and is deeply committed to protecting the local ecosystem. The resort actively participates in coral planting, marine life monitoring, and other conservation efforts. The resort has implemented elaborate energy-efficient practices and water-saving measures to reduce its carbon footprint.
Embracing ‘Sustainability’ as one of the four key pillars of Dusit Graciousness. ‘Tree of Life’ is Dusit’s new group-wide sustainability programme, specially created to ensure the timely delivery of the Dusit promise of positive impact.
