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.


Canberra: A Slow, Family-First Escape for Indian Travellers

Canberra: A Slow, Family-First Escape for Indian Travellers

By Hariharan U

Published on January 23, 2026

As Indian travellers move away from hurried itineraries and packed sightseeing schedules, destinations that offer space, calm and shared experiences are gaining popularity. Canberra, recently ranked among the world’s most relaxing cities to live in for 2026, fits seamlessly into this evolving travel mindset. Known for its unhurried rhythm, clean spaces and easy navigation, the city offers Indian families the chance to slow down and truly reconnect.

Multi-generational travel is fast becoming a defining trend for Indian holidays. Parents, grandparents and children are now travelling together, seeking destinations that balance comfort, safety and meaningful engagement. With a growing number of Indian millennials choosing family trips and skip-generation holidays on the rise, the need for inclusive destinations has never been stronger. Canberra stands out by offering exactly that balance.

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Blending culture, nature and accessibility, Canberra welcomes visitors of all ages. Iconic landmarks such as the Australian Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia provide enriching experiences without the rush of crowded tourist hubs. Open spaces like the Australian National Botanical Gardens and the National Arboretum Canberra offer peaceful settings for relaxed walks and family picnics.

Nature lovers can explore Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park, where gentle trails, wildlife spotting and scenic drives cater to different energy levels. While grandparents enjoy lakeside strolls and quiet moments, children can run free in green parks or engage with nearby interactive spaces.

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For young explorers, Canberra offers playful learning experiences that keep curiosity alive. Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre features over 200 hands-on exhibits, making science engaging for all ages. Cockington Green Gardens adds charm with its miniature landmarks and steam train rides, while the National Zoo & Aquarium offers close encounters with wildlife. Lake Burley Griffin remains a favourite for families, whether through relaxed boating, paddleboarding or simply soaking in the scenery.

Couples seeking a quieter, romantic escape also find Canberra appealing. From sunrise balloon flights to leisurely lakeside walks, the city encourages unhurried moments. Café hopping, gallery visits and award-winning dining experiences at places like Pialligo Estate, Beltana Farm and Lunetta add to the city’s understated charm. Evenings often end with intimate conversations over a drink at cosy bars such as Molly or Bar Rochford.

Whether it is a child’s first international holiday, a relaxed trip for grandparents, or a couple’s slow travel escape, Canberra adapts effortlessly to every phase of life. Its welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful infrastructure and gentle pace make it especially appealing to Indian families seeking comfort and connection.

As multi-generational travel continues to shape Indian tourism choices, Canberra is steadily emerging as a destination that feels both refreshing and familiar, a city designed for every generation.


Sandwizzaa Strengthens Mumbai Presence with New Outlet in Malad

Sandwizzaa Strengthens Mumbai Presence with New Outlet in Malad

By Hariharan U

Published on January 23, 2026

Mumbai-based QSR brand Sandwizzaa has strengthened its presence in the city with the launch of a new outlet in Malad, continuing its steady expansion across the market it calls home. Known for its indulgent sandwiches and comfort-focused offerings, the brand remains closely tied to the everyday food habits of Mumbai’s neighbourhoods.

Since its early days, Sandwizzaa has built loyalty by becoming part of customers’ daily routines, offering quick meals, familiar flavours, and consistent quality. The Malad outlet follows the same philosophy, opening in a suburb known for its mix of residential communities, offices, colleges, and high daily footfall, making it a natural fit for the brand’s walk-in, repeat-visit model.

Commenting on the expansion, Pankaj Sharma, Director, Sandwizzaa, said, “Mumbai has always been central to Sandwizzaa’s story. Every outlet we open here feels personal because it comes from listening to our customers and understanding how they eat every day. Malad stood out as a neighbourhood that values convenience, familiarity, and value, which aligns perfectly with what Sandwizzaa represents.”

The Malad outlet offers Sandwizzaa’s full range of vegetarian sandwiches, fries, beverages, and comfort favourites, staying true to the brand’s core promise of affordability and consistency. In addition to its signature sandwiches, the outlet serves thick milkshakes, frappes, and classic tea and coffee options, catering to both quick bites and relaxed pauses through the day.

Designed as an easy walk-in space, the outlet is positioned to serve students, office-goers, and residents alike, encouraging frequent visits rather than occasion-led dining. With this addition, Sandwizzaa continues to grow across Mumbai through a measured, sustainable expansion strategy that prioritises neighbourhood relevance over scale alone.

The brand has also recently been recognised with Zomato’s Best Fast Food Award, reinforcing its standing within Mumbai’s competitive QSR landscape.


ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Ties Up with FLXHO to Strengthen Corporate Hospitality Presence in Gurugram

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Ties Up with FLXHO to Strengthen Corporate Hospitality Presence in Gurugram

By Hariharan U

Published on January 23, 2026

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has entered into a strategic alliance with FLXHO Hotels & Residences to accelerate sales growth and strengthen its market presence in Gurugram, one of India’s most significant corporate and technology hubs. The partnership brings FLXHO Cyber One, a 68-room property located in DLF Phase 3 on MG Road, under The Hoften brand, expanding ALIVAA’s footprint in the city.

With this addition, ALIVAA now oversees a strong Gurugram network comprising one flagship ALIVAA hotel and five The Hoften properties. The move is aimed at leveraging ALIVAA’s established distribution strength, corporate relationships, and sales expertise to drive higher occupancy and revenue across its Gurugram cluster.

Gurugram, often referred to as the Millennium City, continues to be a major base for Fortune 500 companies, multinational offices, and a rapidly growing startup ecosystem. This has resulted in sustained demand for efficient, well-connected corporate accommodation. The alliance positions ALIVAA to cater more effectively to this demand by integrating FLXHO Cyber One’s inventory into its commercial strategy.

FLXHO Cyber One joins The Hoften, ALIVAA’s business-focused brand designed for corporate travellers who value efficiency, connectivity, and functional comfort. The brand is positioned to appeal strongly to large corporate accounts seeking consistency and reliability across multiple locations within the city.

Commenting on the alliance, Vikramjit Singh, Founder, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, said, “Securing leadership in high-yield urban centres like Gurugram is central to our vision. This alliance marks the beginning of a long-term relationship with FLXHO, with plans to co-develop multiple future assets. It reinforces ALIVAA’s position as a preferred partner for owners focused on strong sales performance and professional management.”

Akash Bhatia, CEO – Managed & Franchise Business, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, added, “The FLXHO alliance is a calculated step to scale our mid-market sales capabilities. This is our fifth Hoften property in Gurugram and it allows us to offer corporate clients a reliable, high-volume network that drives stronger conversions and consistent value.”

Sharing his perspective, Nipun Bhandari, Founder, FLXHO, said the partnership would help unlock the full commercial potential of FLXHO Cyber One through ALIVAA’s extensive market reach and distribution strength. Sidharth Aggarwal, COO, FLXHO, noted that the collaboration aligns with FLXHO’s vision of offering flexible, adaptive living solutions for modern professionals.

The alliance was facilitated by Harpreet Chatwal, who highlighted that the integration of FLXHO’s asset into ALIVAA’s sales engine is expected to translate directly into higher occupancy and improved market share for both brands.

Through this partnership, ALIVAA and FLXHO aim to set a stronger benchmark in Gurugram’s corporate hospitality segment, combining flexible living concepts with a focused, performance-driven sales approach.

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