Dubai, UAE-: Pulse Hotels & Resorts, a global hospitality development company in the Maldives, has identified key travel trends among GCC travellers in 2024. These include a marked preference for wellness travel and voluntourism at Nova Maldives and adventure-driven family travel at Kandima Maldives. This shift aligns with the global ‘Travel with Purpose’ movement, encouraging guests to prioritise meaningful journeys that maintain their wellness routines, foster connections with local cultures, contribute to sustainable practices, and tick off bucket-list activities. With these trends expected to gain further momentum, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for travel.
Wellness travel has emerged as a standout trend among GCC-based travellers, with Pulse Hotels & Resorts witnessing a significant increase in guests seeking rejuvenation and holistic experiences throughout 2024. Nova, a soulful island destination, has been at the forefront of this movement, offering underwater meditation, moonlight breathwork sessions, and unique voluntourism programs. These initiatives allow guests to contribute to marine conservation efforts, creating opportunities for meaningful engagement with the environment. Experts predict that wellness travel and voluntourism will continue to dominate the travel landscape in 2025, appealing to those seeking immersive and impactful experiences.
In response to evolving travel preferences, Kandima launched the Maldives’ first and longest e-go-kart fast track at its game-changing active lifestyle island (desti)nation in October 2024. This groundbreaking oceanfront asphalt e-go-kart circuit, designed for thrill-seekers, offers an exhilarating experience set against the island resort’s picturesque surroundings. With speeds of up to 80 km/h and 10 adrenaline-pumping turns, this is no ordinary island activity.
The e-go-kart track is part of Kandima’s broader commitment to innovation and adventure, ensuring unforgettable moments for families seeking unique travel experiences. By combining cutting-edge attractions with the natural beauty of the Maldives, Kandima continues to captivate GCC families, making it a top choice for those looking to create lasting memories. Alongside this, Kandima boasts a wide range of bucket list activities such as sea-bobbing, underwater diving, parasailing and much more.
Althaf Mohamed Ali, Chief Operating Officer of Pulse Hotels & Resorts, remarked: “The Maldives continues to resonate deeply with GCC travellers, who seek more than just relaxation. They desire meaningful experiences that allow them to connect with nature, themselves, and the local culture. At Nova, we’ve designed offerings like underwater meditation, moonlight breathwork sessions, and voluntourism initiatives to cater to these evolving preferences. Similarly, Kandima has redefined family travel by blending adventure with cutting-edge innovation.”
He added, “This shift toward thoughtful and sustainable travel reflects a broader evolution in how GCC travellers approach their holidays. Wellness travel, voluntourism, and activity-driven vacations are not just trends but a testament to a more conscious and connected way of exploring the world. As the Maldives remains a top destination for GCC tourists, its proximity—a mere four-hour flight—and unmatched beauty continue to make it an unbeatable choice.”
With GCC travellers leading the way in embracing immersive travel experiences, Pulse Hotels & Resorts remains committed to staying ahead of the curve. By blending innovation, wellness, and adventure, Kandima and Nova aim to redefine luxury travel for the modern traveller in 2025 and beyond.
