Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru is celebrating a major environmental milestone—15 years of the Maldivian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme (MSTCP) and the planting of the 9,000th coral frame in partnership with Reefscapers. These achievements reflect a continued dedication to marine preservation through science, care, and education.

The journey began in 2010 when the country’s first Turtle Rehabilitation Centre was established at Landaa Giraavaru. Since then, more than 500 injured turtles have been rescued and treated, with over 280 successfully returned to the wild. Around the same time, a coral regeneration partnership with coastal oceanographer Thomas Le Berre led to a coral propagation method that has since become a global model. Today, it supports one of the Indian Ocean’s largest artificial reef systems, now spanning over 3 acres.

The MSTCP has introduced many innovations over the years, including an ocean enclosure, on-site veterinarians, and modern medical tools like underwater ultrasound scanners and laser therapy devices. At the same time, coral frames have helped revive reef habitats and attract vibrant marine life such as eagle rays, reef sharks, and turtles.

One of the programme’s most touching initiatives is the Flying Turtles project, which finds permanent homes in international aquariums for turtles unable to survive in the wild. A notable example is Trooper, a turtle rescued in 2018 and later fitted with prosthetic flippers after severe injuries. Trooper has become a symbol of resilience and marine rehabilitation success.

The impact goes beyond the ocean. Through the Junior Marine Savers programme at Kuda Huraa, young guests learn hands-on conservation skills, while outreach efforts connect with schools, NGOs, and scientists to build broader community engagement.

“These 15 years have been a journey of learning, innovation, and hope,” said Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager. “From rehabilitating turtles to planting our 9000th coral frame, we remain committed to protecting marine life and inspiring global awareness for ocean conservation.”

With turtle care, coral restoration, and community-driven conservation at its core, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives continues to inspire a deeper connection with the ocean and a legacy of marine stewardship.

India and the United Kingdom have officially concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), ushering in a new era of professional mobility and bilateral trade between the two nations. Signed on May 6, 2025, the agreement aims to streamline visa procedures and support Indian professionals looking to work in the UK.

The FTA provides simplified entry routes for a range of professionals, including contractual service providers, business visitors, investors, intra-corporate transferees, and independent professionals like yoga instructors, musicians, and chefs. The UK has expanded the list of eligible occupations, but applicants must meet stringent criteria regarding experience and qualifications.

One of the most notable provisions is the waiver of national insurance contributions for UK-based companies that second Indian employees. This exemption applies for the first three years, reducing costs for employers and encouraging more cross-border professional placements.

While critics in the UK have raised concerns about possible impacts on local jobs and increased immigration, British authorities have clarified that this FTA does not alter the country’s points-based immigration system. According to Douglas Alexander, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, the agreement strictly pertains to temporary business mobility, not permanent immigration.

The long-term benefits are significant. Bilateral trade is projected to grow by GBP 25.5 billion (approximately USD 34 billion) annually by 2040, signalling stronger economic cooperation between the fifth and sixth largest economies in the world.

Overall, the India–UK FTA is a major step toward mutual economic growth, offering smoother pathways for Indian professionals and fostering deeper trade relationships between the two nations.

Carnival Cruise Line has announced a new partnership with Cantaloupe, Inc., a global provider of self-service commerce technology, to enhance guest experiences at Celebration Key, Carnival’s exclusive upcoming destination on Grand Bahama, opening July 19, 2025. The collaboration brings self-service kiosks powered by Cantaloupe to the island, enabling cashless, quick, and seamless ordering at all food and beverage outlets.

Using Cantaloupe’s advanced point-of-sale (POS) solutions, guests can simply scan their Sail & Sign cards, extending Carnival’s onboard cashless payment system to this new off-ship location for the very first time. This move is aimed at creating a frictionless and familiar environment for travelers, allowing them to enjoy the destination without the hassle of cash or physical credit cards.

“Cantaloupe is excited to power this experience by providing a frictionless, technology-driven solution that will simplify guests’ dining and service experiences,” said Tom Lapham, Senior Vice President of Cheq at Cantaloupe, Inc. He noted that the technology is designed to handle high volumes of transactions with real-time updates, ensuring reliable and efficient service even during peak demand.

Celebration Key, designed as a premier cruise destination, will feature multiple dining and beverage venues where Cantaloupe’s kiosks will be installed, giving guests complete control over their food and beverage purchases.

Richard Morse, Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage at Carnival Cruise Line, shared, “Our collaboration with Cantaloupe is critical to making Celebration Key a destination that is full of fun and takes the worry out of carrying cash for our guests. Through this partnership, we’re able to offer an experience that extends the ease and familiarity of onboard dining to our exclusive destination.”

Cantaloupe’s POS solutions are already known for their high performance in high-traffic venues. With this partnership, the company is marking a significant step in its expansion into the travel and hospitality sectors, reaffirming its commitment to delivering world-class digital and self-service solutions tailored for large-scale operations.

As guests explore the vibrant offerings at Celebration Key, they can now do so with greater freedom and ease, thanks to this strategic technology-driven alliance.