News
Maldives state of mind: premium tour operator LOTİ and Visit Maldives held a gastronomic evening in Moscow
On June 24, premium tour operator LOTİ hosted an exclusive private dinner for partners with the support of Visit Maldives Corporation. The evening became a true celebration of the art of slow travel and island luxury.
The concept of the event was built around immersing guests in the atmosphere of the archipelago, where luxury is defined not only by exceptional service, but also by a unique state of mind – a feeling of absolute harmony, tranquility and the beauty of the present moment.
For this special occasion, the team of Assunta Madre restaurant created a bespoke culinary set, inspired by the nature and spirit of the Maldives. The menu featured the finest seafood, fresh fish and contemporary gastronomic combinations, elegantly interpreting the character of the Indian Ocean through the creative vision of the Executive Chef Catello Sansone. He personally introduced each course, sharing the origins of the ingredients, the philosophy behind the flavor pairings and the idea behind every dish.
The atmosphere of the evening was elevated by live music: each course was accompanied by a jazz ensemble, enhancing the emotional experience and transforming the dinner into a multi-sensory journey where gastronomy, music, aesthetics and the art of travel came together as one.
“Just fifty years ago, the Maldives was a largely unknown archipelago of small fishing islands. Today it’s one of the world’s most luxurious and recognizable destinations – a true symbol of exclusive leisure and hospitality. This remarkable transformation has been made possible by a visionary tourism development strategy, a deep commitment to preserving the country’s natural heritage and the tremendous efforts of the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Maldives and the hospitality industry over many years. The Maldives has created a truly unique tourism product unlike any other in the world, and we are proud to be part of this success story.” – commented LOTİ.
The growing interest in the destination is also reflected in LOTİ results for the 2025–2026 season. Demand for the Maldives on board the Lujo BlackJet business-liner more than tripled compared to the previous season, with overall occupancy rates reaching 98%. Over 6400 seats were sold throughout the season – 1.8 times more than the previous year. Interest traditionally peaked during the New Year holidays, when flights operated daily and achieved a record-breaking load factor of 110%. One of the key highlights of the season was the introduction of guaranteed villas at leading Maldivian resorts, offering discerning travelers exclusive access to some of the destination's most sought-after accommodations.
The strong momentum continues into the next season: LOTİ winter 2026-2027 occupancy rate has already exceeded 20%, confirming continued interest in the archipelago and strengthening the Maldives status as a leading global luxury tourism destination.
The evening became yet another reflection of LOTİ's philosophy: the most memorable journeys begin long before boarding a plane – with emotion, inspiration and a dream.