AGP Executive Report

World Travel Awards buzz: THE OZEN COLLECTION swept top honours at the 33rd World Travel Awards, with OZEN Reserve Bolifushi winning “Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa” for a fourth straight year, while OZEN Life Maadhoo also took an Indian Ocean title. Tourism policy pressure: Industry lobbying failed to delay the Maldives’ new 17% tourism GST extension to overseas travel firms’ margins from Oct 1, with ABTA warning the lack of clarity and consultation could hurt UK trade. Aviation & access: Maldivian opened a modernised seaplane terminal at Velana, adding lounges, a children’s area and improved facilities, as officials said the airline is back on track after earlier debt. Hospitality leadership: Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026 (Oct 5) welcomes Dhivehi Insurance as Insurance Partner under “Resilience and Reinvention: Talent, Technology & Transformation.” Safety focus: A Maldives Safety and Security Conference 2026 opened, stressing that visitor safety is built by daily work across the sector. Consular update: Egypt secured the release of detained doctor Peter Semaan Marzouk after foreign ministry contacts with Maldivian authorities. Wildlife moment: Seven sea turtle hatchlings began their ocean journey at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives.

Maldivian Aviation & Safety: Maldivian opened a modernised seaplane terminal at Velana International Airport, adding air-conditioned comfort and new passenger facilities including lounges, a children’s play area and a viewing deck, as officials said the airline is back on track after earlier debt and operational troubles. Tourism Risk Focus: The Maldives Safety and Security Conference 2026 kicked off at Barceló Nasandhura, bringing together resorts, regulators and emergency responders to tackle tourism risks, emergency preparedness and even cybersecurity, with Gage named main partner. Ras Malé Governance: Former President Mohamed Nasheed urged a legal framework for the proposed Ras Malé waterfront and marina, calling for the contract to be submitted to Parliament, while the Attorney General said the project will be governed under a new Real Estate Act. Diplomatic/Consular Update: Egypt secured the release of an Egyptian doctor detained in the Maldives, with consular support coordinated via the Egyptian embassy in Sri Lanka. Tourism Recognition: World Travel Awards coverage highlighted Maldives-linked regional wins and the Maldives hosting the WTA Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean gala, reinforcing the destination’s role as a tourism awards hub. Drug Seizure: Indian authorities seized drugs worth over Rs 18 crore allegedly bound for the Maldives by sea, arresting suspects and launching investigations.

Parliament & Ethics: Three Maldivian MPs received nearly MVR 1M in gifts, with spending details unclear in the latest financial statements. Mega-Project Governance: AG says the USD 20b Rasmale’ waterfront and marina will follow new real estate laws, not existing tourism rules, as opposition questions the 99-year lease. Tourism Safety Focus: The Maldives Safety and Security Conference 2026 opened at Barceló Nasandhura, with Gage named main partner, bringing resorts, regulators and first responders to tackle tourism risks including cybersecurity and emergency response. Tourism Performance: Maldives was named Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination for 2026 at World Travel Awards, also winning Leading Green, Dive and Honeymoon titles. Resort Updates: Cora Cora Maldives reopened after island rehabilitation; Cora Cora’s return follows ongoing upgrades across the premium all-inclusive segment. Awards & Brand Buzz: The Postcard Hotel collected 12 World Travel Awards Asia honours; Kuda Villingili earned highly commended for long-haul family stays. Trade & Partnerships: UNDP-backed Dhirun art-led biodiversity finance pilot concluded in Malé, linking tourism and conservation through a 130% pricing model. Air & Travel Connectivity: Emirates Holidays signed an MoU with Kenya’s KATA to boost outbound travel to Dubai and destinations including Maldives.

World Travel Awards Buzz: Maldives swept five World Travel Awards in the Indian Ocean categories on World Tourism Day, taking Leading Destination, Leading Dive, Leading Green, and Leading Honeymoon titles, plus Visit Maldives named Leading Tourist Board—with more than 15 local tourism and hospitality brands also honoured at CROSSROADS Maldives. Tourism Numbers: September arrivals rose 1.3% year-on-year to 134,339 (total 2026 arrivals: 1.59m), with resorts still the main stay choice (73.6%). GST Pressure (India): OTOAI urged Maldives to reconsider a 17% Tourism GST from Oct 1, 2026 for overseas travel trade, warning it could raise holiday costs and disrupt bookings. Resort Milestones & Events: Meyyafushi marks its first anniversary (Nov 1–3) with wellness, coral planting and chef-led dining; Fushifaru celebrates nine years (Oct 20–24) with guest chef challenges and conservation activities; Oaga ArtResort launches a Halloween Dhathuru on Oct 31. On-the-ground Update: Malé’s Ameenee Magu redevelopment zone (segment 2) has been asphalted to ease daily commuter disruption. Industry Platform: Hotel Asia Maldives 2026 opened with its Culinary Challenge and runs through the expo week, spotlighting hospitality suppliers and partners.

World Travel Awards buzz: The Maldives swept five big World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean titles at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 Sept, including Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination, Dive, Green and Honeymoon, plus Visit Maldives Corporation as Leading Tourist Board. Hotel Asia Maldives 2026: The 20th edition of the hospitality expo and International Culinary Challenge kicked off this week, running through 30 Sept at Hulhumalé and Malé, spotlighting chefs, suppliers and resort operations. Tourism rebound numbers: September tourist arrivals rose 1.3% year-on-year to 134,339, with resorts still taking the biggest share of stays (73.6%). Sustainable energy push: Maldives more than doubled renewable capacity from 53MW to 126MW as solar and storage expand, aiming to cut diesel use and emissions. Digital-first tourism message: President Muizzu and Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen backed AI and digital skills for a future-ready, resilient tourism sector—while leaders like Sun Siyam’s Ahmed Siyam stressed keeping human connection at the core. Workforce pay dispute: Parliament was urged to amend the Employment Act so tourism service charges can’t be converted into MVR, protecting workers’ value.

Renewables Push: Maldives more than doubled renewable energy capacity from 53MW to 126MW, adding solar plus battery storage across 23 islands—aiming to cut diesel use by 3.1 million liters and prevent about 8,400 tonnes of CO2 annually. World Tourism Day Focus: President Muizzu and Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen both urged a resilient, sustainable, future-ready tourism model powered by digital innovation and AI—while keeping nature, culture and “human connection” at the heart of hospitality. Worker Pay Protection: Parliament was asked to speed up an Employment Act amendment to stop employers converting tourism service charges into MVR, requiring employees to receive the full value in dollars or the foreign currency collected. Industry Events & Talent: Hotel Asia Maldives marks its 20th edition with the International Culinary Challenge (Sept 27–30) and Hotel Asia Exhibition (Sept 28–30) in Hulhumalé, spotlighting chefs, suppliers and training. Trade Recognition: World Travel Awards 2026 in the Maldives honoured regional tourism leaders, with St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort taking major Indian Ocean titles. Resort Pipeline: Atmosphere Core signed its 10th Maldives resort, ONE Banyan Amaraa Faru (opening March 2027).

World Tourism Day 2026: Maldives tourism leaders used the day to push “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” with Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen and President Mohamed Muizzu backing AI and digital tools to boost resilience, skills, and visitor experiences—while industry figures stressed that human connection must stay at the heart of hospitality. Industry & events: Hotel Asia Maldives gears up for its 20th edition (27–30 Sept) with the International Culinary Challenge at MNU and Hulhumalé, plus the Hotel Asia Exhibition—supported by major sponsors and partners. Resort updates: Atmosphere Core signed its 10th Maldives resort, ONE BANYAN Amaraa Faru, set to open March 2027 in Kaafu Atoll. Trade & connectivity: Visit Maldives and NHGAM wrapped up the CIS roadshow in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Almaty, targeting key trade partners from Russia and the region. Sustainability & wildlife: Police flagged a viral stingray cruelty case near Malé Fish Market jetty, reminding that protected ray species are legally safeguarded. Policy & investment debate: Housing Minister Abdulla Muthalib responded to controversy around Eagle Hills’ planned $20bn Rasmale’ waterfront and marina, stressing state land ownership and rejecting claims of automatic inheritance.

World Travel Awards 2026: The Maldives hosts the Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 September, spotlighting top airlines, resorts and tourism brands as the event runs alongside World Tourism Day. Trade & partnerships: Visit Maldives, NHGAM and MATATO wrapped up a three-city I AM Maldives CIS roadshow in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Almaty, bringing 26 Maldivian companies to engage over 250 trade professionals. Hotel industry updates: SS Media signed on as media partner for Hotel Asia 2026, while Villa Hakatha returns as a Silver Sponsor for the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026 and JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll appoints Chef Bir Yadav as Executive Chef. Travel safety & environment: Police flagged a viral stingray cruelty case after a foreigner allegedly dragged a cowtail stingray near Male’ Fish Market jetty; protected species laws were cited. Weather: Maldives Met Office warns of rain and rougher seas in northern/central atolls through the weekend, with improvement expected from Sunday. Visa news: Maldives and Belarus sign a reciprocal visa-free deal allowing up to 30 days per visit (up to 90 days total per year). Air connectivity: flydubai launches daily Dubai–Pokhara flights, boosting access to Nepal’s Annapurna gateway and expanding regional links.

World Travel Awards in the Maldives: Travel and tourism leaders will gather at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 September for the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala, powered by Bank of Maldives, coinciding with World Tourism Day. Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026: Villa Hakatha returns as Silver Sponsor for the 5 October GM Forum, themed “Resilience and Reinvention: Talent, Technology & Transformation,” with a focus on leadership and resilient resort operations. Luxury openings & dining buzz: JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll appoints Chef Bir Yadav as Executive Chef, while The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort unveils “Chapter X” festive celebrations for its 10th anniversary (20 Dec 2026–7 Jan 2027). Wellness as a new luxury draw: A Maldives wellness festival spotlighted “wellness retreats” blending movement, sound healing and community experiences. Travel connectivity: flydubai launches daily DXB–Pokhara flights, strengthening links to Nepal’s Annapurna gateway—good news for regional travel demand. Entry ease: Maldives and Belarus sign a reciprocal visa-free deal for up to 30 days (details on start date pending). Weather watch: Maldives Met Office warns of rain, thunderstorms and rougher seas through the weekend, improving from Sunday.

Air Connectivity: flydubai launched daily non-stop Dubai–Pokhara flights, adding Western Nepal access and bringing its Nepal schedule to 35 weekly flights (with 4 daily to Kathmandu), strengthening Dubai’s role as a South Asia hub and boosting onward travel links for Maldives-bound passengers. Weather Watch: Maldives Met Office says rain and rougher seas will persist through the weekend, with improvement expected from Sunday as winds ease and wave heights drop. Visa Updates: Maldives and Belarus signed a reciprocal visa-free agreement for up to 30 days per trip (up to 90 days total in a calendar year), though start dates weren’t announced yet. Tourism Industry: Visit Maldives partnered with ROGUE by Naju as official styling partner for World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026, spotlighting local talent ahead of the Maldives-hosted ceremony. Resort & Product News: The Nautilus Maldives debuted in the MICHELIN Guide with Two MICHELIN Keys, while Cinnamon’s Ellaidhoo and Hakuraa Huraa both secured double wins at Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2026. Culture & Experiences: Eri Maldives welcomed artist Ismail Maaish for a Beach Shack mural takeover inspired by the island’s house reef and marine life.

Aviation & Connectivity: flydubai has launched daily non-stop Dubai–Pokhara flights, creating the first direct link to Western Nepal and boosting access to the Annapurna region, with Emirates codeshare reach across 140+ destinations. Visa Policy: Maldives and Belarus signed a reciprocal visa-free deal allowing up to 30 days per trip (max 90 days in a calendar year), with an implementation date still pending. Awards & Brand Buzz: Visit Maldives partnered with ROGUE by Naju as styling partner for World Travel Awards 2026; Cinnamon’s Ellaidhoo and Hakuraa Huraa both secured double wins at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards 2026; The Nautilus Maldives debuted in the MICHELIN Guide with Two MICHELIN Keys. Resort & Experience Updates: GM Forum 2026 will host a panel on building resilient resort organisations amid uncertainty; Eri Maldives welcomed artist Ismail Maaish for a Beach Shack mural takeover. Policy Pressure on Tourism: ABTA escalated concerns to the Maldives president over proposed GST/tax changes affecting UK travel sellers, warning of the need for consultation. Culture Spotlight: Anantara’s Sambe and Rilwan are sharing Maldivian culture with guests through storytelling and traditional performances.

Maldives Tourism Policy & Taxes: ABTA has escalated concerns to the Maldives president over proposed GST changes that would extend registration and compliance duties to foreign tour operators from Oct 1, with UK industry warning the rules aren’t fit for purpose and could hit commercial viability. International Pushback: Russia’s tour operators association ATOR also warned the 17% GST extension would effectively double-tax Russian margins and urged Maldives to suspend the requirements. Blue Economy & Diplomacy: China’s ambassador says Maldives can “make its Blue Economy bluer” by pairing Chinese tech and capital with local resources, while also flagging China-funded hospital and Malé–Vilimalé road works expected to start late this year or early next. Aviation for Tourism: PIA says it plans direct flights to the Maldives after fleet expansion, tying launch timing to new aircraft delivery. Resort & Marine Experiences: Pullman Maldives Maamutaa identified six individual Indo-Pacific leopard sharks on its house reef, adding to national research efforts. Tourism Business & Talent: Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026 (5 Oct) will tackle talent, retention and next-gen leadership, with Manta Air, ALIA and STO Energy backing the event. Travel Access: Maldives and Belarus signed a mutual visa exemption deal, enabling visa-free travel for up to 30 days per entry (up to 90 days total in a calendar year). New Lifestyle Offerings: S Hotels & Resorts expanded its SunRay Social & Swim Club to SAii Lagoon Maldives, bringing daytime programming and lagoon-focused activities. Major Investment: Eagle Hills’ $20bn Ras Malé waterfront and marina plan is positioned to boost long-term tourism revenue, with government revenue linked to TGST and a share of master developer income.

Aman Maldives: Amanolu is officially named for Vaavu Atoll, set to open in 2028 with 52 keys plus 16 branded residences, anchored by a dedicated wellness island and private island residences. Air Connectivity: Pakistan International Airlines says it plans direct flights to the Maldives after fleet expansion, with timing tied to new aircraft availability—aimed at boosting tourism and people-to-people links. Visa Ease: Maldives and Belarus signed a mutual visa exemption deal at UNGA in New York, allowing up to 30 days single-entry and up to 90 days total across multiple entries in a calendar year. Resort & Hospitality Growth: Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026 adds ALIA and STO Energy as associate and platinum sponsors, with a panel spotlighting talent retention and next-gen leadership for resort operations. Yachting Infrastructure: Maldives Ports Limited pushed the Uligan yacht marina EOI deadline to Oct 5, targeting a high-quality maritime and tourism hub in Haa Alif. Tourism Policy & Costs: Russian tour operators’ association ATOR warned Maldivian tax changes from Oct 1 could create unacceptable extra taxation for Russian businesses. Wellness & Lifestyle: SAii Lagoon Maldives expands SunRay Social & Swim Club, bringing a daytime-focused beach club concept to the Maldives.

Saudi-Maldives Ties: President Muizzu says Maldives is ready to deepen economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia beyond aid, spotlighting tourism, infrastructure, housing, renewables and logistics as the two mark Saudi National Day at Kurumba Maldives. Tourism Trade & Connectivity: NHGAM, Visit Maldives and MATATO kick off the “I AM Maldives” CIS roadshow in Moscow, pushing local island tourism via B2B sessions and launching the 2026–27 magazine. Air Links for Visitors: Pakistan International Airlines plans direct Maldives–Pakistan flights once fleet expansion adds aircraft, aiming to boost tourism and people-to-people travel. Marina Push in the North: Maldives Ports Limited extends the Uligan (Haa Alif) yacht marina EOI deadline to Oct 5, targeting a high-quality maritime and tourism hub with hotels, dining and watersports. Hospitality Industry Pulse: Hotel Asia 2026 (Sept 27–30) returns as the key Malé/Hulhumalé trade gathering for resort procurement, F&B and hospitality tech. Luxury Recognition: OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI retains its MICHELIN Key for a second year, reinforcing Maldives’ premium positioning. Policy & Research: MMA opens MVR 5m research fund applications (deadline Oct 13), with tourism and sustainable economy among priority areas.

Aviation & Connectivity: Pakistan International Airlines says it plans to launch direct Maldives–Pakistan flights once new aircraft arrive, aiming to boost tourism, trade and people-to-people links. Tourism Diplomacy: NHGAM, Visit Maldives and MATATO kicked off the “I AM Maldives” CIS roadshow in Moscow, bringing together Maldivian resorts, guesthouses and travel partners for B2B networking. Mega-Development Watch: UAE developer Eagle Hills and the Maldives government signed commercial terms for a US$12bn Maldives Waterfront and Marina project in Ras Malé—while opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed warned that concentrating investment around Malé could worsen atoll depopulation. Luxury Signals: OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI retained its MICHELIN Key, reinforcing the Maldives’ high-end positioning. Industry Events & Finance: Bank of Maldives renewed as Banking Partner for the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026, and the World Travel Awards Asia/Oceania/Indian Ocean gala is set to return to the Maldives with BML as Platinum Title Sponsor. Business Travel Deal: Clarendon Travel booked a record £322k Maldives New Year stay for a family of 14 at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. Local Community: Velaa Private Island marked six years of its Fehikuramaa initiative across 13 inhabited islands in Noonu Atoll.

Maldives Waterfront Push: Abu Dhabi’s Eagle Hills has signed commercial terms for a USD 20bn Maldives Waterfront and Marina in Ras Malé, pitched as a way to ease the country’s US dollar crunch and drive major tourism, jobs and local business opportunities. Industry Spotlight: The Nautilus Maldives debuted in the MICHELIN Guide with Two MICHELIN Keys, adding to the Maldives’ growing global luxury credentials. Awards & Partnerships: Visit Maldives welcomed Allied Insurance as World Travel Awards insurance partner, while Bank of Maldives signed on as Platinum Title Sponsor for the WTA Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean gala returning to the Maldives on 27 Sept 2026. Policy & Compliance: MIRA opened GST registration for foreign tour operators under amended rules, a move industry groups have warned could affect offshore booking platforms. Tourism Business News: Claridon Travel (UK) landed a record-breaking £322k Maldives booking for Sun Siyam Iru Fushi over New Year. Travel Connectivity: Etihad Guest will partner with Maldivian to let members redeem miles across Maldivian’s domestic network, boosting access beyond Malé. Resort Updates: OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI retained its MICHELIN Key, and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo completed a Coral RISE reef restoration installation of 100 Reef Stars and 1,500 coral fragments. Security Watch: Maldives Police seized 156 vape cartridges and cash in Hulhumalé Phase II as part of an investigation into illegal vaping trade and suspected money laundering.