Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives will host a series of activities for the inaugural Kandooma Manta Month, raising awareness about manta ray conservation among their guests. Last year, the resort embarked on a week-long celebration, which kicked off on World Manta Day and received positive guest feedback. As a result, the event will be extended to a month-long celebration this year, starting 1st September 2024.
“We’re excited to dedicate an entire month to celebrating manta rays. This initiative is not just about raising awareness, it’s about giving our guests the chance to connect with nature, learn about conservation, and contribute to the preservation of one of the ocean’s most majestic species,” said Mark Eletr, the General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.
“As an avid diver, I’ve had the privilege of encountering manta rays in their natural habitat, and it’s truly a humbling experience. These creatures symbolize the beauty and mystery of the ocean, and it’s our duty to ensure their survival for future generations. Through our Kandooma Manta Month activities, we aim to inspire our guests to join us in protecting these gentle giants,” added Mark.
Last year, a group of guest divers accompanied by Mark rescued a Giant Oceanic Manta Ray from ghost nets, which was later identified by The Manta Trust and added to their database. “We were thrilled when The Manta Trust named the rescued Manta Ray ‘Kandooma’ in acknowledgement of the team who freed him, and the waters where he was located,” said Mark.
Key Highlights of World Manta Ray Month include guided scuba dives and snorkeling excursions to observe mantas in their natural environment and the threats they face, as well as learning about their behaviors through information sessions conducted by in-house experts.
The resort also recently introduced a new jewelry line which is based on Manta Rays, and a contribution from each pendant sold, will be donated to the ‘Manta Trust’. In addition, their Kids’ Marine Explorers Program offers a fun and educational program where kids can learn about manta rays, participate in hands-on activities, and become certified “Kandoo Ambassadors”.