Fathmath Thaufeeq Appointed as New CEO of Visit Maldives

Fathmath Thaufeeq Appointed as New CEO of Visit Maldives

By Author

Published on December 27, 2023

In a significant move for Maldives tourism, the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), also known as Visit Maldives, has welcomed Fathmath Thaufeeq as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. Thaufeeq steps into this role succeeding Thoyyib Mohammed, who has been a key figure in guiding the country's tourism, especially during challenging times.

With a Master's in Business Administration from the University of West England, Thaufeeq is not new to leadership roles. Her previous positions include Admin and Procurement Manager at WAMCO and HR & Admin Manager at Jalboot Maldives. These roles, along with her work at ALIA and the Environmental Protection Agency, have equipped her with a diverse skill set, making her an ideal leader for MMPRC.

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Thaufeeq is enthusiastic about her new role. She believes in the power of partnerships and is committed to working closely with industry partners to achieve new heights in tourism. She is open to discussions and collaborations, aiming to promote top-notch tourism practices in the Maldives.

MMPRC, under Thaufeeq's leadership, continues its mission to promote the Maldives globally. The Corporation is active in 15 key markets, including India, where it is represented by Think Strawberries. Their strategy includes travel trade shows, brand campaigns, digital marketing, and media engagement, all aimed at showcasing the Maldives' beauty and hospitality to the world.


IHCL Signs Amã Stays & Trails Bungalows in Port Blair

IHCL Signs Amã Stays & Trails Bungalows in Port Blair

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 4, 2026

amã Stays & Trails, the premium homestay offering from Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), has announced the signing of a new cluster of bungalows in Port Blair, marking its entry into the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO, IHCL, said, “As travel preferences continue to evolve towards experience-led stays, the homestay segment has emerged as a strong driver of growth. With a portfolio of over 370 bungalows across India, the expansion of amã Stays & Trails to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, marks the brand’s foray into the island destination reflecting our focus on building a diversified presence across leisure destinations. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Abhishek Singh for this project.”

The upcoming amã Stays & Trails, Port Blair will feature ten bungalows set in lush green surroundings, located within walking distance from Manjery beach. The property will include a restaurant along with a range of amenities such as a fully equipped gym, spa, meditation and yoga decks, and a swimming pool. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore activities like snorkelling in clear waters and experiencing the region’s unique colonial and tribal heritage.

Known for offering stays that reflect local culture and heritage, amã Stays & Trails continues to expand its presence across scenic destinations in India. The portfolio already includes over 370 bungalows across locations such as Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Pondicherry, and Sikkim, among others.

Mr. Abhishek Singh, Founder & Chairman, Terra Rex Realty and Terra Rex Energy, said, “Port Blair, a historic town and the gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL’s amã Stays & Trails on this project to bring these experiences to life for our guests.”

Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is known for its scenic beaches such as Chidiya Tapu and landmarks like the Cellular Jail, offering visitors a mix of natural beauty and historical significance.

With this signing, IHCL continues to strengthen its presence in leisure destinations, while expanding its homestay portfolio to meet the rising demand for experience-driven travel.


The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Unveils Mother’s Day Punjabi Feast

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa Unveils Mother’s Day Punjabi Feast

By Hariharan U

Published on May 4, 2026

The Kitchen by Chef Deepa is celebrating Mother’s Day with a specially curated Punjabi feast that brings the warmth of home-cooked meals to the table.

Founded by Chef Deepa Arora, the brand is known for its authentic, pure vegetarian Amritsari cuisine rooted in tradition and family recipes. This limited-edition Mother’s Day menu reflects that philosophy, offering dishes inspired by the comfort and nostalgia of meals prepared at home.

Designed as a heartfelt tribute, the menu features a range of classic flavours with a playful twist on naming, starting with Ta(Ma)tar Shorba and Amritsari Lassi. Starters include Malai Paneer Tikka, Matar Tikki, and Rajma Tikki, followed by signature mains such as Paneer Makhani, Dal Makhni, Mushroom Palak, and Aloo Matar.

The meal is complemented by Masala Pulao, Makhanwale Tawa Laccha Parathas, and accompaniments like Tomato Onion Raita, papad, and fresh salads. Guests can end on a sweet note with Mango Phirnee, bringing together seasonal flavours with traditional dessert elements.

Speaking about the offering, Chef Deepa Arora shared, “A mother’s love is often expressed through food. This menu is my tribute to every mother who has ever cooked with care and brought families together at the table.”

Operating as a cloud kitchen, The Kitchen by Chef Deepa continues to deliver authentic Amritsari flavours across Chennai, blending convenience with a strong emotional connection to food.

With its focus on authenticity, comfort, and emotion, the special menu offers a meaningful way to celebrate the occasion—bringing families together over flavours that feel familiar and heartfelt.


Rise Infraventures Closes 45,000 Sq Ft GCC Office Deal

Rise Infraventures Closes 45,000 Sq Ft GCC Office Deal

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 4, 2026

Rise Infraventures has successfully closed a 45,000 sq. ft. GCC office space deal within the DLF portfolio for a leading global insurance broking firm. The transaction stands out not just for its size, but for the way it was structured to meet specific client needs within a limited timeframe.

The requirement came with its own set of challenges. The client was looking to expand and relocate quickly, while also wanting to stay within a building they strongly preferred. With limited availability in such scenarios, the situation required a more thoughtful and flexible approach.

Rise Infraventures addressed this by working closely within the existing ecosystem and identifying an opportunity that could benefit all parties involved. The team advised an existing energy company to shift to a space that better suited its budget and changing workplace needs. This move helped free up a larger office space, which was then made available for the incoming firm.

Speaking about the deal, Sonakshi Wadhawan, CBO, Rise Infraventures, said:

“This was a well-aligned mandate where the client was keen to expand within the DLF ecosystem, with clear timelines and space expectations in place. While availability is often a constraint in such scenarios, it also presents an opportunity to think more collaboratively. By working closely with an existing energy occupier and understanding their evolving workspace and cost priorities, we were able to facilitate a relocation that suited them better, while unlocking the required space for the incoming firm. The process came together smoothly through parallel coordination, resulting in a timely and efficient outcome that worked well for both occupiers.”

The deal highlights Rise Infraventures’ approach of going beyond regular transactions by focusing on practical solutions within existing setups. By aligning timelines, occupier needs and available inventory, the team was able to turn a complex requirement into a smooth and balanced outcome for everyone involved.

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