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.


Della Resorts Unveils Curated Luxury Retreat for the Republic Day Long Weekend

Della Resorts Unveils Curated Luxury Retreat for the Republic Day Long Weekend

By Hariharan U

Published on January 18, 2026

As the Republic Day long weekend approaches, Della Resorts & Adventure is inviting travellers to step away from city life and indulge in a curated luxury retreat set amidst the scenic hills of Lonavala. Designed for guests seeking a refreshing escape without travelling far, the Republic Day Retreat offers a relaxed yet indulgent holiday experience close to Mumbai and Pune.

Available from January 25, the retreat features a luxury overnight stay complemented by a complimentary breakfast, a specially curated buffet dinner, and live entertainment, creating an effortless setting for guests to unwind and celebrate the long weekend in comfort.

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Ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends, the experience blends comfort, indulgence, and entertainment, allowing guests to slow down and enjoy a thoughtfully planned staycation. With its expansive property, multiple dining venues, and signature hospitality, Della Resorts continues to position itself as a preferred destination for short luxury escapes.

The Republic Day Retreat is offering an attractive premium getaway option for travellers looking to mark the national holiday with a memorable and relaxing experience in the hills of Lonavala.


Ibiza Holiday Rentals Plunge as Spain Tightens Crackdown on Overtourism

Ibiza Holiday Rentals Plunge as Spain Tightens Crackdown on Overtourism

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 18, 2026

Ibiza has seen a sharp decline in short-term holiday rentals in 2025 as Spain’s efforts to curb overtourism and regulate holiday homes begin to show results. According to tourism lobby Exceltur, the number of short-term tourist lets on the island dropped by nearly 50 percent compared to the previous year.

The supply of holiday rentals in Ibiza is now around 80 percent lower than in 2017, highlighting the scale of the crackdown. Across Spain, short-term rental listings fell by 4 percent in the second half of 2025 compared to a year earlier, marking the first nationwide decline on record. However, trends varied across the country’s 25 largest cities.

Spanish authorities have been tightening regulations in response to growing concerns from local residents, who say rising rents and property prices are being fuelled by tourist demand. In Ibiza, the local government has stepped up inspections to identify and remove unauthorised holiday rentals from the market.

Other popular destinations are also taking strong measures. Barcelona has announced plans to ban all holiday homes by 2028 as part of its long-term strategy to manage tourism pressure. Mallorca has joined Ibiza in enforcing stricter controls, with both islands recording the steepest drops in short-term rental supply.

However, not all regions are seeing a slowdown. Coastal cities such as Malaga and Almeria have continued to expand their tourist accommodation offerings, according to Exceltur, indicating uneven impact across Spain.

Exceltur vice president Oscar Perelli said that new rules requiring property owners to register homes before listing them on platforms such as Airbnb have played a key role in reducing supply. These regulations aim to bring better oversight and balance to the housing market.

Despite the restrictions, holiday homes continue to attract a significant share of visitors. Nearly one-third of tourists in Spain still choose rental homes, which generally remain more affordable than hotels. Holiday rentals had outpaced hotel growth for several years as Spain’s tourism boom placed it alongside France as one of the world’s top travel destinations.

Meanwhile, Ibiza recorded Spain’s highest hotel revenue per room last year at 170 euros, reflecting a 6 percent increase from 2024. The figures suggest that while rental supply is shrinking, demand for accommodation on the island remains strong.


Wendy’s Strengthens Presence in Gujarat With New Dine-In Outlets

Wendy’s Strengthens Presence in Gujarat With New Dine-In Outlets

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 18, 2026

Rebel Foods, the master franchise holder for Wendy’s in India, has announced the launch of two new Wendy’s dine-in restaurants in Gujarat, located in Ahmedabad and Anand. The move further strengthens the brand’s footprint in the state, which continues to emerge as an important growth market for organised quick service restaurant brands.

The newly opened outlets are designed to cater to both dine-in and takeaway customers, offering modern and welcoming spaces that reflect Wendy’s bold and flavour-forward brand identity. With this expansion, Wendy’s brings America’s Most Loved Burgers closer to consumers in Gujarat, aligning with the growing demand for global food experiences in the region.

Customers at the new Gujarat locations can enjoy Wendy’s globally popular Frosty dessert, along with a diverse menu that offers one of the widest flavour ranges in the Indian gourmet QSR segment. The menu features global inspirations such as Argentina’s Chimichurri, Louisiana’s Cajun, Korean fiery Buldak, American BBQ, India’s Tandoori, and Mexico’s Nachoburg, offering a truly international burger experience under one brand.

Commenting on the expansion, Ankush Grover, co-founder & global CEO of Rebel Foods, said, “Gujarat continues to be a strong growth market for us, driven by a young consumer base and increasing demand for global food experiences. The launch of dine-in restaurants in Ahmedabad and Anand reflects our commitment to expanding Wendy’s presence in Gujarat while offering formats that align with evolving consumer preferences.”

As Wendy’s continues to scale across India, the brand remains focused on Gen Z and Millennial consumers who seek bold flavours, authenticity, and globally relevant dining experiences. Through flavour-led innovation, contemporary store formats, and strong cultural relevance, Wendy’s is well positioned to grow across both urban centres and emerging markets.

Rebel Foods is steadily expanding Wendy’s presence in India through a hybrid model that combines traditional dine-in restaurants with cloud kitchens, supported by a technology-driven operating platform. In just over five years since entering the Indian market, Wendy’s has grown to over 200 locations nationwide, strengthening its presence across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.

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