The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) marked International Women’s Day 2025 by celebrating the leading women in the tourism industry through the TAAI WoW Awards. Among the distinguished awardees, Smt. Salma Fahim, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, was presented with the TAAI Women of Wonder (WoW) Scroll of Honour for her remarkable contributions to Karnataka’s tourism sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Niranjan S Bhargava, Chairman, TAAI Karnataka Chapter, stated, "Ms. Salma Fahim has played a pivotal role in driving Karnataka's tourism growth and promoting sustainable travel initiatives. Her dedication and leadership make her a deserving recipient of the TAAI WoW Award in 2025."

The TAAI WoW Awards recognized 75 women leaders across India, acknowledging their efforts in shaping the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. The event highlighted the crucial role of women professionals in driving innovation and excellence in the tourism sector.

Dignitaries Present at the Award Ceremony

From left to right in the photograph:

• Mr. Balaji, Treasurer, TAAI Karnataka
• Mr. Amish Desai, MC Member, TAAI
• Smt. Salma Fahim, IAS, Secretary, Karnataka Tourism
• Mr. Niranjan S Bhargava, Chairman, TAAI Karnataka
• Mr. Jitendra Shetty, Secretary, TAAI Karnataka

About Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI)

Established in 1951, TAAI is India's oldest and largest travel and tourism association, supporting industry growth through 2,500+ member companies across the country. With 20 regional units, TAAI plays a key role in aviation, inbound & outbound tourism, MICE, adventure tourism, and sports tourism.

For further details, contact:

• Mr. Niranjan S Bhargava – Chairman, TAAI Karnataka Chapter
• Email: karnataka@taai.in

With this recognition, TAAI continues to celebrate and empower women leaders, reinforcing their impact in shaping the future of Indian tourism.

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Mumbai Indians, making the Maldives the Official Tourist Destination Partner for the 2025 cricket season. This marks Visit Maldives’ first collaboration of this kind in India, emphasizing the country’s commitment to strengthening its position as a top travel destination for Indian tourists.

Cricket & Tourism: A Winning Partnership

With Mumbai Indians being one of the most successful and widely followed cricket teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), this partnership presents a unique opportunity to engage millions of Indian cricket fans. Given that India remains one of the top source markets for Maldivian tourism, the collaboration is expected to drive substantial growth in Indian tourist arrivals, with a target of 200,000 visitors in 2025.

"Cricket has a special place in the hearts of millions, and we believe this collaboration will inspire Indian travellers to choose the Maldives as their ideal getaway," said Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & Managing Director of Visit Maldives.

A Mumbai Indians spokesperson echoed the sentiment, stating, "Cricket and holidays are all about creating lasting memories. We are excited to showcase the Maldives to our global fanbase and create new travel experiences for them."

Positioning Maldives as the Ultimate Getaway

Through a mix of digital activations, exclusive experiences, and on-ground events, the Maldives will be promoted as the go-to luxury travel destination for Indian travellers. The country’s pristine beaches, high-end resorts, and seamless connectivity to India make it a top choice for holidaymakers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers alike.

This strategic alliance between Maldives tourism and Mumbai Indians is set to redefine sports-driven travel promotions, further cementing the Maldives’ global appeal as a luxury escape.

What do the moon and manta rays have in common? They both play a crucial role in one of the ocean’s most breathtaking natural spectacles—the mass gathering of manta rays in Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Thanks to the groundbreaking research of the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme, based at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, travelers now have a scientifically backed chance to witness these gentle giants in action. The team has combined two decades of manta tracking, moon phase analysis, and tidal movements to predict the Manta Hot Dates for 2025—the optimal times when these marine marvels are expected to congregate in vast numbers.

2025 Manta Hot Dates

• May 10 – 14 | May 25 – 29
• June 9 – 13 | June 23 – 27
• July 8 – 12 | July 22 – 26
• August 7 – 11 | August 21 – 25
• September 5 – 9 | September 19 – 23
• October 5 – 9 | October 19 – 23
• November 3 – 7 | November 18

A Front-Row Seat to the Ocean’s Grand Performance

With over 4,477 manta sightings recorded in 2024—alongside 26 whale sharks and nine devil rays—the waters around Landaa Giraavaru offer an unparalleled marine adventure. Guests visiting during the Manta Hot Dates can join the exclusive Manta Watch experience, which includes:

Manta-on-Call speedboat safari – Get alerted via a personal phone the moment mantas are sighted nearby.
Dolphin cruise – Witness playful dolphins leaping across the Indian Ocean.
Coral frame propagation – Contribute to marine conservation by helping restore coral reefs.
Round-trip shared seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport.
Daily breakfast at Café Landaa or Blu Restaurant.

For those who prefer spontaneity, the resort’s Manta-on-Call program offers a real-time adventure—guests receive a direct call the moment manta rays are spotted, allowing them to rush to a speedboat and snorkel with these oceanic giants on their terms.

More Than a Spectacle—A Conservation Mission

Since its inception in 2005, the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme has played a vital role in protecting manta rays worldwide. Project Manager Elspeth Strike explains,

“Seeing a guest’s face light up as they spot a manta for the first time is unforgettable. At Landaa Giraavaru, we combine conservation with education—offering managed experiences that allow people to connect with these incredible creatures while helping ensure their future.”

Manta sightings are seasonal and subject to weather conditions and the moods of these gentle giants.

To book your Manta Watch adventure at Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, click here, email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com, or call +960 66 00 888.