AGP Executive Report

Tourism Finance: Visit Maldives Corporation says it logged its strongest financial performance in eight years at its 9 June AGM, with 2025 self-generated income of MVR32.54m and tourism receipts topping USD5.57bn (+16.4%), as the Maldives welcomed over 2 million arrivals. Digital Food Controls: A new “Food Passport” concept is described as moving from rationing to digital permission—linking identity, payment and eligibility into tighter access rules as shortages worsen. Hospitality Design & Awards: Sun Siyam won two International Property Awards Asia Pacific for hotel interiors in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, while Milaidhoo Maldives earned Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best 2026 (top 1% of hotels). Industry & Trade: Visit Maldives is showcasing the destination at the 10th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, supporting Maldivian exhibitors and pushing China-linked travel routes. Sustainability: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives and other resorts mark World Environment Day/World Ocean Day with tree planting, reef work and clean-ups. Governance & Skills: MNU’s Faculty of Arts awarded Dean’s Awards to four media and public relations students, and LUX* South Ari ran a tourism career exploration programme with MATI. Energy Policy Watch: Environmental groups urged the ADB to halt funding for waste-to-energy “false solutions” at ACEF 2026.

Tourism & Trade: Visit Maldives is taking the “Sunny Side of Life” to the 10th China–South Asia Expo in Kunming, supporting Maldivian exhibitors and pushing new resort and travel offerings to Chinese and South Asian buyers. Market Access: The Maldives is set to welcome its first Chinese cruise ship visit on 23 June, a boost for cruise tourism as China remains the top source market. Air Connectivity: Direct flights are driving a 16% jump in Australian arrivals to 20,878 visitors as of 6 June, following the Malé–Melbourne launch. Sustainability: Environmental groups urged the ADB to halt waste-to-energy funding, while Maldives resorts keep marking World Environment Day and World Ocean Day with reef clean-ups, coral planting, and marine conservation. Industry People: Sun Siyam promoted Masdhooq Saeed to cluster general manager and appointed Ibrahim Jaaweedh and Ibrahim Baasith to operations leadership roles across its Maldives properties. Hospitality Recognition: Milaidhoo Maldives earned Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best 2026, placing it in the top 1% of hotels worldwide. Cruise/Marine Ops: NH Maldives Kuda Rah hosted lagoon cleaning and coral planting activities with its dive partners.

Tourism & Connectivity: Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) and CROSSROADS Maldives signed the host property agreement for the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026, kicking off preparations to bring the regional ceremony to the Maldives. Tourism Performance: VMC’s AGM reported its strongest financial performance in eight years, with 2025 self-generated income of MVR 32.54m and tourism receipts topping USD 5.57b. Direct Air Boost: Maldives–Australia direct flights are already lifting arrivals, with 20,878 Australians visiting as of 6 June (+16%), after the Malé–Melbourne route launch. Cruise Growth: The Maldives is set to welcome its first Chinese cruise ship on 23 June, with Maya saying cruise tourism continues to expand. Industry Skills: LUX* South Ari Atoll, with MATI, hosted students for a career exploration programme covering culinary, service and housekeeping experiences. Sustainability in Action: Multiple resorts marked World Environment Day and World Ocean Day with tree planting, reef clean-ups and coral planting, including Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, NH Maldives Kuda Rah, and Milaidhoo. Finance & Governance: Hassan Zareer was appointed Maldives Finance Minister following Moosa Zameer’s resignation. Ocean Economy: Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Minister Ahmed Shiyam said ocean research and marine resource identification are central to diversifying the economy.

World Travel Awards push: Visit Maldives Corporation and CROSSROADS Maldives signed the host property agreement for the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026, kicking off preparations and reinforcing the Maldives’ pull with key regional tourism markets. Cruise tourism grows: The Maldives is set to welcome its first Chinese cruise ship visit on 23 June, with MAYA saying preparations are underway and noting cruise arrivals have already topped 14,000 this year. Tourism performance: VMC’s AGM reported its strongest financial performance in eight years, with 2025 self-generated income at MVR 32.54m, alongside record momentum for the wider sector. Direct air links boost arrivals: Australia–Maldives direct flights are driving a 16% jump in arrivals, and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives marked the inaugural Australia–Maldives link with a Luxury Escapes familiarisation visit. Marine and environment action: Alila Kothaifaru, NH Maldives Kuda Rah, and Milaidhoo all ran World Environment Day/World Ocean Day activities including tree planting, reef awareness, lagoon clean-ups and coral planting. Local skills for hospitality: LUX* South Ari Atoll and MATI hosted students for a tourism career exploration programme covering culinary, service and housekeeping experiences. Ocean research focus: Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Minister Ahmed Shiyam said ocean research and marine resource identification are key to diversifying the economy and strengthening sustainability.

Maldives Tourism in China: The Maldives Embassy in China and tourism partners staged a Maldives-themed showcase in Beijing on June 6, highlighting updated flight links, resort experiences and new partnerships to keep the destination top-of-mind for Chinese travellers. Air Connectivity Boost: Direct flights are already lifting Australian arrivals: 20,878 Australians visited the Maldives as of June 6, up 16% year-on-year, following the Malé–Melbourne non-stop route launched with Maldivian and Luxury Escapes. Industry Performance: Visit Maldives Corporation reported its strongest financial year in eight years at its June 9 AGM, with 2025 self-generated income of MVR 32.54m and tourism receipts above USD 5.57bn. Ocean Stewardship at Resorts: NH Maldives Kuda Rah marked World Ocean Day with lagoon cleaning and coral planting, while Milaidhoo hosted student-led marine conservation activities in Baa Atoll. Marine Economy Focus: Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Minister Ahmed Shiyam said ocean research and marine resource identification are key to diversifying the Maldivian economy and improving sustainability. Hospitality Moves: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru shared plans for its “Learn with Legends” summer camp, and Grand Park Kodhipparu pushed its “Summer Lagoon Living” campaign for the ninth anniversary.

Tourism Connectivity: Australia–Maldives direct flights are already lifting arrivals, with 20,878 Australian visitors recorded by 6 June—up 16% year-on-year—after the Malé–Melbourne route launched less than a month ago. Ocean Stewardship: NH Maldives Kuda Rah and Milaidhoo marked World Ocean Day with lagoon clean-ups and student-led marine conservation, while Six Senses Kanuhura backed the Lhaviyani Turtle Festival 2026 for a third year. Industry Performance: Visit Maldives Corporation reported its strongest financial performance in eight years at its 9 June AGM, citing higher self-generated income and continued tourism momentum. Wellness & Hospitality Trends: Four Seasons is rolling out a family-focused “Learn with Legends” summer camp, and Coco Collection launched a two-island wellness escape for Global Wellness Day and International Yoga Day. Trade & Compliance: Japan is training customs officers abroad, including from the Maldives, to better tackle counterfeits in the fast-growing e-commerce flow. Policy & Resources: Maldives plans more ocean research to diversify the economy, with Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam linking marine science to future value addition in fisheries and aquaculture.

Direct Air Connectivity: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives hosted a Luxury Escapes-led familiarisation visit to mark the inaugural Australia–Maldives direct air link, with Maldivian’s weekly A330 service connecting Malé and Melbourne. Finance & Policy: President Muizzu appointed Hassan Zareer as Finance Minister after Moosa Zameer’s resignation, as the government pushes ahead on fiscal and public enterprise priorities. Ocean-Led Diversification: Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Minister Ahmed Shiyam said ocean research is central to economic diversification, value addition in fisheries and aquaculture, and resilience to climate impacts. Banking Stability: Fitch assigned Bank of Maldives ratings of CCC- (Stable) and CCC+ locally, citing strong standalone resilience despite sovereign constraints. Marine Conservation in Resorts: Sun Siyam Iru Veli launched a coral planting initiative for World Environment Day, while Anantara marked its 10,000th baby coral planting. Hospitality Growth: Accor’s MGallery Collection opened V Villas Maldives at Mirihi (42 villas) and Marriott graduated 40 apprentices from its Maldives apprenticeship programme. Wellness Tourism Push: Coco Collection launched a two-island restorative retreat for Global Wellness Day and International Yoga Day. Regional Trade & Ports: Sri Lanka’s delegation, including Maldives participation, explored Indian Ocean port development, digital transformation and supply-chain efficiency at a US-led forum.

Finance & Governance: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu appointed Hassan Zareer as Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises after Moosa Zameer’s resignation, with Zareer bringing decades of taxation, auditing and compliance experience, including a brief Bank of Maldives chair role. Ocean-Led Diversification: Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam says ocean research and marine resource identification are central to economic diversification, food security and resilience as climate impacts hit fish stocks and the government pushes value addition and aquaculture. Food Safety Push: Muizzu called for stronger food safety systems ahead of World Food Safety Day, pointing to new regulations under the Food Safety Act, tighter border controls and better monitoring and testing. Reef Restoration in Resorts: Sun Siyam Iru Veli launched a coral-planting initiative for World Environment Day, inviting guests into hands-on reef restoration via its Adopt a Coral programme. Hospitality & Skills: Marriott Maldives graduated 40 apprentices from its apprenticeship programme, building local talent across front office, housekeeping, F&B, culinary and maintenance. Luxury Tourism Trends: Grand Park Kodhipparu’s ninth anniversary campaign pitches Maldives summer as a wellness-and-marine season, while Soneva unveiled “Bare Luxury” and Huvafen Fushi earned Condé Nast Traveller Triple Crown recognition. Transport & Trade Links: A U.S.-facilitated forum on Indian Ocean ports and supply chains brought together delegates including the Maldives to discuss port development, digital transformation and trade financing.

Food Safety & Public Health: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu urged stronger food safety systems and collective action on World Food Safety Day, pointing to new regulations under the Food Safety Act, tighter border controls, and better monitoring and testing. Hospitality Skills & Jobs: Marriott Maldives’ Apprenticeship Programme (MIMAP) graduated 40 apprentices across front office, housekeeping, food & beverage, culinary, and electrical maintenance, reinforcing local talent pipelines for the tourism workforce. Marine Conservation in Resorts: Anantara marked its 25th anniversary by overseeing the planting of its 10,000th baby coral, with Dr Oriana Migliaccio leading reef restoration efforts. Luxury Hospitality Updates: .Here Baa Atoll and Finolhu appointed Shumaes Rasheed as Director of Public Relations and Marketing, while Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru rolled out a major refresh including an expanded Marine Lab and new dining options. Finance Sector Calendar: Maldives Monetary Authority extended registration for the Maldives Financial Expo to 6 June and launched Maldives Financial Sector Awards, with applications open until 28 June. Sustainable Transport for Islands: Navier and JIH plan to deploy zero-emissions hydrofoil boats in the Maldives, starting with five in 2026 and scaling up to 100. Global Shipping Shock: UN-linked reporting says the Strait of Hormuz disruption is feeding into higher energy and transport costs, worsening hunger and clinic strain in vulnerable countries.

Food Safety Push: President Muizzu urged stronger, data-driven food safety systems and collective action, pointing to new regulations under the Food Safety Act, tighter border controls, and better monitoring and testing. Hospitality Skills Pipeline: Marriott Maldives’ Apprenticeship Programme (MIMAP) graduated 40 apprentices across front office, housekeeping, food & beverage, culinary, and electrical maintenance, building local career pathways in tourism. New Resort Openings & Upgrades: MGallery Collection opened V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, while Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru rolled out a major refresh including redesigned villas and an expanded Marine Lab. Wellness Tourism Calendar: InterContinental Maldives and The Westin Maldives marked Global Wellness Day with island yoga, sound therapy, and “Reset” experiences, alongside community #JoyMagenta activities. Marine & Marine-Linked Business: Navier plans to deploy zero-emissions hydrofoil boats in the Maldives under a sustainable maritime corridor concept. Finance Expo Deadline: Maldives Monetary Authority extended registration for the Maldives Financial Expo to 6 June, with awards applications open until 28 June. Tourism Sustainability Spotlight: World Environment Day coverage highlighted how the Maldives is strengthening its sustainability leadership as expectations rise.

Maldives Financial Expo: The Maldives Monetary Authority has pushed the registration deadline for the Maldives Financial Expo to 6 June (from 1 June). The expo runs 2–4 July at Hulhumalé Central Park and will feature banks, insurers and other financial institutions, alongside the MMA’s Maldives Financial Sector Awards (applications open until 28 June) spanning financial inclusion, literacy, digital finance, SME services and green finance. Sustainable marine transport: Navier and JIH Global Investment of Dubai plan to bring dozens of zero-emissions vessels to the Maldives, targeting 100 boats with an initial five deployed in 2026 under a “sustainable maritime corridor” concept linking airports, resorts, villas and local islands. Luxury hospitality launches: MGallery Collection opened V Villas Maldives at Mirihi in South Ari Atoll, adding 42 villas (including four new overwater pool villas) and a land-and-sea dining lineup. Wellness programming: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau is rolling out International Yoga Day experiences at AVI Spa, including Aqua Yoga and Floating Sound Therapy, while the Maldives also gears up for Global Wellness Day 2026 with community-focused #JoyMagenta activities. Resort culture & craft: Amilla Maldives partnered with The Clay Studio Maldives to launch the island’s first dedicated pottery and ceramic production space with guest workshops.

Tourism & Hospitality Launches: Amilla Maldives teamed up with The Clay Studio Maldives to open the island’s first pottery and ceramic production space, with guest workshops for all ages. New Property Openings: MGallery Collection debuted V Villas Maldives at Mirihi in South Ari Atoll, adding 42 villas (including four new overwater pool villas) and a full dining lineup. Wellness Programming: InterContinental Maldives rolled out a Global Yoga Day programme at AVI Spa, while The Westin Maldives and other resorts mark Global Wellness Day with “Reset” style experiences. Sustainable Tourism Spotlight: The Standard, Maldives is running June activities tied to World Environment Day and World Ocean Day, including plant-based and zero-waste dining plus tree planting. Marine & Industry Tech: Navier and JIH Global Investment plan to bring 100 zero-emissions vessels to the Maldives starting with five in 2026. Finance & Trade Sector: Maldives Monetary Authority extended Maldives Financial Expo registration to 6 June and launched Financial Sector Awards; separate coverage notes a $1bn trade-finance push across Africa by MCB. Aviation Watch: Global Airlines says it’s considering launching services to the Maldives before end-2026.

MMA Expo Update: The Maldives Monetary Authority has pushed the Maldives Financial Expo registration deadline from 1 June to 6 June, with the expo set for 2–4 July at Hulhumalé Central Park; the event will also feature the Maldives Financial Sector Awards, with applications open until 28 June across areas like financial inclusion, digital finance, SME services and green finance. New Resort Openings: MGallery Collection has debuted V Villas Maldives at Mirihi in South Ari Atoll, adding 42 villas (including four new overwater pool villas) with a quiet-luxury, ocean-led design by Studio Gronda. Wellness Push: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is rolling out International Yoga Day programming at its AVI Spa, including Aqua Yoga and Floating Sound Therapy, while the Westin Maldives marks Global Wellness Day (June 13) with “Reset at Westin.” Marine & Sustainability Spotlight: The Standard, Maldives is running a June programme tied to manta ray season, World Environment Day and World Ocean Day, blending plant-based dining, zero-waste activities and tree planting. Marine Transport Deal: Navier and JIH Global Investment plan to bring 100 zero-emissions hydrofoil vessels to the Maldives, starting with five boats in 2026, as a sustainable maritime corridor for airports, resorts and islands. Tourism Industry Context: A new report-style piece highlights how the Maldives is entering a fresh resort boom phase, driven by record arrivals, private residences and airport expansion.

Marine Science & Security (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka’s maritime ambitions are held back by weak ocean monitoring and fragmented marine science infrastructure, with the piece arguing it’s a national security and economic resilience gap, not just an academic issue. Sustainable Tourism (Maldives): World Environment Day coverage spotlights how the Maldives has built sustainability into tourism—marine conservation, renewables, reef restoration and responsible hospitality—and asks what comes next as expectations rise. Wellness & Community (Maldives): Global Wellness Day 2026 in the Maldives is set for June 13 with a #JoyMagenta theme, plus resort-led programmes like Westin’s “Reset at Westin” and JW Marriott’s extended wellness journey. Financial Sector (Maldives): The Maldives Monetary Authority moved the Maldives Financial Expo registration deadline to 6 June (2–4 July at Hulhumalé Central Park) and launched Financial Sector Awards across areas including green finance and digital finance. Marine Transport (Maldives): Navier and JIH plan to bring dozens of zero-emissions hydrofoil vessels to the Maldives, starting with five boats in 2026, aiming for a sustainable maritime corridor linking airports, resorts and islands. Resort Development (Maldives): MGallery Collection debuts V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, adding 42 villas and new dining concepts.

Eco-Industry Push: The EU-backed Eco-Industrial Park capacity-building programme in Sri Lanka has launched, bringing over 1,100 stakeholders together to help policymakers, park operators, manufacturers and communities adopt greener, resource-efficient industrial practices. Maldives Finance & Expo: The Maldives Monetary Authority has extended the Maldives Financial Expo registration deadline to 6 June (from 1 June), with the expo set for 2–4 July at Hulhumalé Central Park, alongside Maldives Financial Sector Awards focused on inclusion, literacy, digital finance, SMEs and green finance. Sustainable Maritime Deal: Navier and Dubai’s JIH Global Investment plan to bring 100 zero-emissions hydrofoil boats to the Maldives, starting with five in 2026, aiming to link airports, resorts, private villas and local islands via a “sustainable maritime corridor.” Tourism & Wellness Calendar: The Standard, Maldives rolls out a June programme blending manta-ray season experiences with World Environment Day and World Ocean Day activities, while Global Wellness Day in the Maldives (13 June) is set to feature community events under #JoyMagenta. Hospitality Design Spotlight: Mauroof Jameel’s exhibition at the National Art Gallery traces five decades of Maldivian resort architecture, from early island resorts to modern branded spectacle. Local Labour Debate: Malé City Mayor Adam Azim defended the use of expatriate workers in markets, citing local staffing shortages and existing employment quotas. Global Aviation Interest: UK long-haul startup Global Airlines says it aims to move its A380 into MRO “by the end of this year,” with reports pointing to a possible Maldives route before end-2026.

Sustainable Marine Transport: Navier and JIH Global Investment have agreed to bring 100 zero-emissions hydrofoil boats to the Maldives, starting with five in 2026, aiming to link airports, resorts, private villas and local islands. Financial Sector Push: The Maldives Monetary Authority extended the Maldives Financial Expo registration deadline to 6 June (from 1 June), with the expo set for 2–4 July at Hulhumalé Central Park, alongside Financial Sector Awards focused on inclusion, literacy, digital finance, SMEs and green finance. Resort & Tourism Development: A new wave of luxury properties is landing in the Maldives, including V Villas Maldives at Mirihi (MGallery Collection) and Taj Exotica’s Sol & Sea overwater dining for just 16 guests, while W Maldives rolls out Escape Remix to mix overwater and beach stays. Wellness Calendar: JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa announced a Global Wellness Day programme (13–15 June) culminating in International Yoga Day on 21 June. Local Workforce Debate: Malé Mayor Adam Azim defended the use of expatriate workers in local markets, saying staffing shortages leave businesses reliant on foreign labour. Diplomacy: The Maldives condemned Israeli settlers’ storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque, calling it a violation of international law and urging accountability.