Male’, Maldives, 18 July 2024 – In a remarkable recognition of their exceptional services to female divers, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO and their dive center partner, TGI Maldives, have received the “Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Diving” award from PADI®. This accolade places the Maldives’ renowned resort back on the global tourism map for its dedication to inclusivity and empowerment in the diving community.
PADI, the world’s largest diving organization, operates in 180 countries and has issued over 30 million diving certifications. With more than 6,600 PADI dive centers and resorts worldwide, receiving this award is a significant achievement for TGI Maldives and OBLU NATURE Helengeli.
Celebrating its 10th global event, PADI’s Women In Diving Initiative and annual PADI Women’s Dive Day aim to increase female participation in diving. The award acknowledges TGI Maldives and OBLU NATURE Helengeli for breaking barriers and inspiring more women to explore the underwater world.
The award ceremony, held on the picturesque shores of Helengeli island, was attended by notable figures such as Dr. Abdulla Niyaz, Minister of State for Tourism of the Republic of Maldives; Matt Wenger, PADI Regional Manager for Maldives; and Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC). In conjunction with the award, the resort hosted a PADI Women’s Dive Day Celebration event from July 14th to 17th, inviting ten female journalists and women dive instructors from TGI Maldives.
Highlighting the importance of promoting female diving in the Maldives, Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal stated, “As the world’s most desirable holiday destination, the Maldives has evolved significantly over the past 30 years. We now cater to a diverse range of tourists, including a growing number of female travelers seeking freedom and independence. PADI’s award to OBLU NATURE Helengeli and TGI Maldives underscores their commitment to creating exceptional diving experiences for all. The Ministry of Tourism congratulates the teams for their excellence in promoting female diving.”
Matt Wenger, PADI’s Regional Manager, emphasized, “Positive promotion and support for female diving have been central to PADI’s mission since 1966. Through our Pillars of Change, we focus on fostering diversity and inclusion in the diving community. We are thrilled to honor TGI Maldives and OBLU NATURE Helengeli for encouraging more women to embrace the underwater world.”
OBLU NATURE Helengeli offers a paradise for female divers of all experience levels. From ocean scuba diving at renowned sites to snorkeling vibrant coral gardens, guests can encounter manta rays, turtles, octopi, sharks, and schools of tropical fish. The resort also integrates diving with its ELE|NA spa experience, offering relaxing treatments and therapies for divers.
Receiving the award on behalf of TGI Maldives and OBLU NATURE Helengeli, dive center Operations Manager Greta Marcelli and resort General Manager Ali Shakir expressed their gratitude: “Our partnership at OBLU NATURE Helengeli continually strives to enhance guest experiences both on the island and in the ocean. This award is a testament to our commitment to providing top-notch hospitality and diving adventures, positioning our resort as a leader in the Indian Ocean for all divers.”
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO is located at the tip of the North Malé Atoll and is accessible via a scenic 50-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. For more information and to book your stay, visit their website.
