AGP Executive Report

Mariculture Push: Maldives is moving to build mariculture into a major industry, with five planned locations across Raa, Meemu, Thaa and Bodu Thiladhunmathi, and a lagoon near Maaniyaafushi; seaweed farming is already scaling fast, producing about 63 tonnes of dried seaweed monthly for regular export. Food Systems & Supply Resilience: MIC hosted a forum on strengthening institutional food systems in the Maldives, bringing together government, health and education stakeholders and showcasing a Singapore-developed ambient, shelf-stable meal solution that needs no kitchen infrastructure. Tourism Growth & Marketing: Visit Maldives launched a UK luxury push with Gold Medal, running until 31 July, using trade guides, in-store displays, targeted emails and training for call-centre staff; meanwhile, the Maldives welcomed its one millionth tourist of 2026. Low-Carbon Island Mobility: The Maldives plans up to 100 electric hydrofoil boats under the Navier Network, starting with five vessels by year-end to cut emissions from the current fuel-powered fleet. Hospitality Recognition: Several resorts and GMs earned Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026 honours, including Grand Park Kodhipparu’s GM and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon’s GM. Fisheries Focus: President Muizzu highlighted reforms at MIFCO, aiming to keep fish purchase prices at MVR 20/kg and improve access to long-term trade benefits for Maldivian fish products.

Mariculture Push: Maldives is moving to make mariculture a major industry, with five planned development areas across Raa, Meemu, Thaa and Bodu Thiladhunmathi plus a lagoon near Maaniyaafushi, banking on seaweed cultivation that already produces about 63 tonnes of dried seaweed monthly for export. Food Systems Upgrade: Maldives Inflight Catering (MIC) hosted a forum on strengthening institutional food systems, spotlighting supply-chain and island-dispersion challenges and introducing a shelf-stable ambient meal solution that needs no kitchen infrastructure. Electric Island Mobility: The Maldives plans up to 100 electric hydrofoil boats under the Navier Network, starting with five vessels by year-end, aiming to cut emissions from the country’s fuel-powered fleet. Tourism Milestone: The Maldives welcomed its one millionth tourist of 2026 at Velana International Airport, citing resilience despite air-corridor disruptions. Fisheries Reform: President Dr Muizzu said reforms at MIFCO are improving efficiency, targeting MVR 20/kg fish purchase prices and working to secure long-term trade benefits. Hospitality Recognition: Grand Park Kodhipparu and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa both earned Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026 honours for leadership, pools and house reefs.

Tourism Milestone: The Maldives welcomed its one millionth tourist of 2026 at Velana International Airport, with Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen and Visit Maldives CEO Ibrahim Shiuree citing resilience despite Middle East air-corridor disruptions. Green Transport: The country plans to deploy up to 100 electric hydrofoil boats under the Navier Network, starting with five vessels by year-end, aiming to cut noise, fuel use and emissions from the current fleet of about 3,000 fuel-powered boats. Resort Recognition: Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives was named a Travel + Leisure “Best Resorts for Families” winner, while Machchafushi Island Resort earned “Best House Reefs” recognition—both reinforcing the Maldives’ family and marine-led tourism edge. Industry Skills: Niva Dhigali, with MATI, ran Discover Tourism sessions for Raa Atoll and Maduvvaree students, giving hands-on exposure to housekeeping and culinary roles. Payments Push: The Maldives expects PayPal’s entry to open more international payment gateways, supporting the Maldives 2.0 push for digital industries and online services.

Electric Transport for Tourism: Maldives plans to deploy up to 100 electric hydrofoil boats via Navier Network, starting with five vessels by year-end and scaling to 95 more over three years, aiming to cut noise, fuel use and emissions while upgrading island transfers for visitors. Fisheries Push: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu says fisheries reforms are improving MIFCO efficiency, with the government targeting a fish purchase price of MVR 20/kg and working to secure longer-term trade benefits for Maldivian fish products. Digital Payments: PayPal’s entry into the Maldives is expected to open the door for more international payment gateways, supporting the Maldives 2.0 push to grow digital industries and services. Tourism Talent Pipeline: Niva Dhigali and MATI ran Discover Tourism sessions for Raa Atoll students, giving hands-on exposure to housekeeping and kitchen work to build future resort careers. Resort Recognition: Six Senses Laamu was named Maldives’ top family resort in Travel + Leisure awards, while Alila Kothaifaru Maldives received a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026. Aquaculture Growth Signal: FAO reports global aquatic production hit a new high in 2024, driven mainly by aquaculture expansion in Asia.

Fisheries Push: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu says Maldives is revitalising fisheries, citing MIFCO efficiency reforms and aiming to keep fish purchase prices at MVR 20/kg, while working to secure UK tariff benefits and improve yellowfin tuna market access. Trade Finance Boost: IsDB’s ITFC opened its 2026 annual meetings in Baku with three agreements to expand trade finance, Shariah-compliant funding, and private sector growth, including meetings with Maldives and other member states. Digital Payments: Maldives Economic Development Minister Ahmed Mohamed Saeed says PayPal’s entry could unlock more international payment gateways and support the Maldives 2.0 push for digital industries, with talks also underway with Google. Tourism Marketing: Visit Maldives Corporation and Maldiviana launched a month-long Russian-focused digital campaign to drive targeted traffic to official Maldives tourism channels. Travel Industry Watch: UK ATOL holder Trav Expert Ltd has ceased trading, putting some flight-and-holiday bookings at risk—customers are urged to check ATOL certificates and booking types. Aquaculture Outlook: FAO reports global aquatic animal and algae production hit a record 235 million tonnes in 2024, led by Asia’s aquaculture expansion. Sports & Community: MAWC hosted a FIFA World Cup 2026 match ball handover for Maldivian football legends, linking the tournament to local sport development.

Fisheries Focus: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu says Maldives is making strong progress revitalizing fisheries, including MIFCO efficiency reforms and a push to keep the fish purchase price at MVR 20/kg, while working to resolve yellowfin tuna fishermen’s challenges. Digital Payments: PayPal’s entry into the Maldives is expected to open the door for more international payment gateways and digital services, supporting the Maldives 2.0 push to diversify into digital industries. Trade Finance: IsDB’s ITFC signed agreements at the 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings to strengthen trade finance, private sector growth and regional cooperation, with Maldives among the engaged countries. Tourism Marketing: Visit Maldives launched a month-long joint digital campaign with Maldiviana targeting Russian travellers to boost visibility and drive traffic to official tourism channels. Resort & Hospitality Moves: MAWC hosted a FIFA World Cup 2026 match ball handover for Maldivian football legends, while Versa Hospitality announced “Versa Keys” loyalty launching 1 Oct 2026. Travel Industry Watch: UK travel firm Trav Expert Ltd ceased trading as an ATOL holder, putting some flight-and-holiday bookings at risk. Air Connectivity: French bee will add triangular Paris–Malé–Colombo services from 19 Dec 2026.

Aquaculture Boost: FAO reports global aquatic animal and algae production hit a record 235 million tonnes in 2024, with Asia driving 76% of output and nearly three quarters coming from aquaculture—good news for seafood supply chains. Digital Payments Push: Maldives Economic Development Minister Ahmed Mohamed Saeed says PayPal’s entry could open the door for more international e-wallets and strengthen the Maldives 2.0 digital economy, with talks also flagged on a new Google project. Tourism Outlook: The IMF says tourism remains a key growth engine for the Maldives, but expects growth to slow to around 1% in 2026 due to weaker tourism and higher energy costs. Travel Tech Shift: Phocuswright Europe highlights how AI is changing travel’s “operating system,” moving from search-led booking to trusted, context-driven experiences. Maldives Hospitality Moves: Finolhu appoints Ibrahim Riyaz as Front Office Manager, while JW Marriott Maldives launches an Overwater & Beach Villa Escape package. Industry Events & Deals: Visit Maldives and Maldiviana launch a Russian-focused digital campaign; Travel Meet Asia 2026 opens in Jakarta with a 20% bigger exhibition space. Local Sports & Community: Dhiraagu backs the Dhiraagu Malé Open Swimming Competition (Aug 21-22) and DGG/MINISO run a “Guess the Score” football promotion.

Digital Payments: Economic Development Minister Ahmed Mohamed Saeed says PayPal’s entry into the Maldives should unlock more international e-wallets and payment providers, supporting the Maldives 2.0 push to expand digital industries and services. Tourism Demand: Visit Maldives Corporation and Maldiviana launch a month-long digital campaign targeting Russian travellers, aiming to boost online engagement and drive traffic to official Maldives tourism channels. Resort Careers & Hospitality: Finolhu appoints Ibrahim Riyaz as Front Office Manager, bringing 18+ years of luxury hospitality experience to strengthen guest experience delivery. Sports & Community: Dhiraagu Malé Open Swimming Competition 2026 is set for 21–22 August at Rasfannu, with organisers linking mass participation to marine protection awareness. Travel Marketing & Loyalty: Versa Hospitality rolls out “Versa Keys,” a tiered loyalty programme launching 1 October 2026, while Dhiraagu and MINISO run a “Guess the Score” football promotion for prizes. Marine Restoration: Ventive Hospitality launches a 3D-printed reef restoration initiative at Anantara Dhigu Maldives to support coral regeneration and biodiversity. Industry Recognition: OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru earns Tripadvisor “Best of the Best” 2026 status, placing it among the top 1% of hotels worldwide.

Tourism Outlook: The IMF says tourism remains a key pillar for Maldives growth, but expects slower expansion in 2026 (around 1%) due to weaker tourism and higher energy costs, with a gradual recovery in 2027. Resort Recognition: Canareef Resort Maldives clinched Tripadvisor’s 2026 “Best of the Best” award, placing it among the top 1% of properties worldwide. Wellbeing Push: Mandara Spa marks 30 years, reflecting how Maldives wellness has shifted from occasional indulgence to a core, experience-led guest expectation. Luxury Positioning: Soneva is reframing its concept from “Barefoot Luxury” to “Bare Luxury,” focusing on “Just What Matters” and more flexible, guest-tailored service. Marine Restoration: Ventive Hospitality launched a 3D-printed reef restoration initiative at Anantara Dhigu Maldives to support coral regeneration and biodiversity. Connectivity Upgrade: Navier and JIH Global Investment plan a $100m Navier Network to deploy up to 100 electric hydrofoil boats, aiming to modernise resort-to-island travel. Industry Events: Visit Maldives Corporation appointed Event Maldives and Print Lab as official partners for the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026. Local Business & Safety: Maldives Police reported 36 scam cases last week, with losses of MVR 118,370.05, urging caution in online shopping.

Electric Mobility for Tourism: Navier and JIH Global Investment plan a $100m “Navier Network” to deploy up to 100 electric hydrofoil boats, starting later this year, to connect Maldives airports, resorts and islands with faster, quieter water taxis. Reef Restoration in Resorts: Ventive Hospitality launched a 3D-printed Artificial Clay Reef initiative at Anantara Dhigu Maldives with 13 modular structures near its coral nursery to support coral recovery and biodiversity. Digital Payments: Visa rolled out “Click to Pay” in Sri Lanka to speed up online checkout and reduce abandoned carts—relevant for regional e-commerce growth. Tourism Industry Partnerships: Visit Maldives Corporation signed with CROSSROADS Maldives to host World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026 on 27 September, while VMC also appointed Event Maldives and Print Lab as official partners. Hospitality Recognition: OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru won Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best (top 1% worldwide). Local Consumer Safety: Maldives Police reported 36 scam cases last week with losses of MVR 118,370, mainly e-commerce fraud.

Maldives Tourism & Hospitality: Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is pushing babymoon travel with wellness-led prenatal programmes across Landaa Giraavaru, Kuda Huraa and Voavah, while Four Seasons also spotlights the 2026 Surfing Champions Trophy through surfer Mason Ho’s “different eras” approach. Resort Development: Sun Siyam Vilu Reef has unveiled 50 new Ocean Signature Villas with Pool and Slide, adding 48 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom overwater retreats. Digital Payments & Retail: Dhiraagu Fintech runs a one-day MVR 1 pizza promotion with Pizza Buona (Maafannu and Hulhumalé Phase 1), limited to the first 500 customers per outlet. Safety & Consumer Protection: Maldives Police report 36 scam cases in a week, with losses of MVR 118,370.05, mostly e-commerce fraud; authorities urge buyers to verify sellers and avoid advance payments. Sustainability & Marine Industry: Anantara Dhigu Maldives partners with rrreefs on a 3D-printed clay reef installation to support coral regeneration and biodiversity. Green Jobs Skills: A new South Asia study flags that green jobs already make up a large share of employment in the region, including the Maldives, with workers often needing skill adaptation rather than full career change.

Scam Watch: Maldives Police report 36 scam cases in the past week, with losses of MVR 118,370.05; e-commerce fraud led with 26 cases, and officers recovered MVR 164,240.60. Police say scammers used messaging apps, phone calls, phishing links and Facebook Marketplace, often tricking victims into advance payments for goods never delivered. Digital Payments: Dhiraagu Fintech runs a one-day MVR 1 pizza promotion with Pizza Buona on 18 June (Maafannu and Hulhumalé Phase 1), limited to the first 500 customers per outlet for takeaway via DhiraaguPay. Tourism Deals: Grand Park Kodhipparu launches “Summer Made Seamless” with enhanced inclusions across existing meal plans, including complimentary speedboat transfers for qualifying Bed & Breakfast bookings. Resort Recognition: Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa and Centara Ras Fushi Maldives both earn Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026, placing them among the top 1% globally. Marine Conservation: Anantara Dhigu Maldives partners with rrreefs on a 3D-printed clay reef installation, while Siyam World unveils “Wreck to Reef,” turning a tuna freighter into a living reef in Noonu Atoll. Community & Environment: World Cleanup Day Leaders Academy Asia 2026 will be hosted in K. Himmafushi (19–22 June), and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru plus Dhawa Ihuru join Dhiffushi for tree planting and a beach clean-up that collected 641.2kg of waste.

Tourism Trade: Kerala is pushing a big Middle East push with Indo-Arab Connect 2026 in Kochi (Aug 31–Sep 2), targeting 3 lakh Arab tourists and INR 25,000 crore in impact, with Ayurveda, medical value travel, luxury hospitality and wellness at the centre. Maldives Hospitality Awards: Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa and Centara Ras Fushi Maldives both earned Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2026 recognition, placing them among the top 1% of listings worldwide. Marine Conservation & Resorts: Anantara Dhigu Maldives and rrreefs unveiled a 3D-printed clay reef installation, while Siyam World launched “Wreck to Reef,” turning a tuna freighter into a future living reef. Local Environment Action: World Cleanup Day Leaders Academy Asia 2026 will be hosted in K. Himmafushi (Jun 19–22), bringing leaders from 23+ countries to build waste-reduction plans. Business & Community: Dhiraagu launched “Pitch for Purpose,” an employee-led CSR programme, and Bank of Maldives partnered with the Netball Association of Maldives to back youth tournaments. Tourism Economy Watch: Maldives Monetary Authority says tourism growth stayed positive in Q1 2026, though key indicators softened amid Middle East-related travel uncertainty. Plastic Rules: Government published new regulations tightening enforcement of single-use plastics restrictions, with penalties and a retail ban on small plastic bags from September.

Luxury Tourism Offers: Niyama Private Islands rolls out a summer escape with champagne, half-board dining, sunset cocktails, and active lagoon experiences like cycling, kayaking and snorkelling. Foodservice & Training: American Specialty and BBM bring foodservice training and live demonstrations to Maldivian kitchens, expanding the local menu toolkit beyond mayonnaise into sauces, dips and toppings. Environmental Leadership: The Maldives hosts the World Cleanup Day Leaders Academy Asia 2026 in K. Himmafushi (19–22 June), bringing together leaders from 23+ countries to push waste-reduction plans ahead of September. Marine Conservation in Resorts: Anantara Dhigu partners with rrreefs on a 3D-printed clay reef installation, while Siyam World launches “Wreck to Reef,” turning a tuna freighter into a living reef ecosystem. Banking & Youth Sports: Bank of Maldives partners with the Netball Association of Maldives for junior tournaments, and launches a weekly $1,000 draw for new Dollar Debit Card users. Tourism Signals: Maldives Monetary Authority reports tourism growth stayed positive in Q1 2026, though bookings and revenue momentum slowed. Plastic Rules: Government tightens enforcement on single-use plastics with new penalties and a retail ban on small plastic bags from September.