AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Connectivity: Australia’s direct flights to the Maldives are already paying off. As of 6 June, 20,878 Australians visited the Maldives—up 16% from 17,957 last year—after the Malé–Melbourne route launched in partnership with Luxury Escapes, cutting travel time and boosting Australia to the ninth-largest source market. Public Health: The Maldives Health Protection Agency confirmed four more measles cases, bringing the year’s total to 15, with authorities urging isolation for suspected cases and warning people to avoid gatherings if they have fever and rash symptoms. Diplomacy: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu received France’s new Non-Resident Ambassador Rémi Lambert, with talks covering tourism, maritime cooperation, marine conservation, climate change and regional security. Media & Society: Minivan News has relaunched as the Maldives Independent, aiming to rebuild with investigative journalism and a membership programme. Environment & Resorts: NH Maldives Kuda Rah marked World Ocean Day with lagoon cleaning and coral planting, while Milaidhoo also hosted student-led marine conservation activities. Tourism Finance: Visit Maldives Corporation reported its strongest financial performance in eight years at its AGM, with 2025 self-generated income rising to MVR 32.54 million and tourism receipts topping USD 5.57 billion.

Tourism Boost: Australia’s direct flights to the Maldives are already paying off, with 20,878 Australian visitors recorded as of 6 June—up 16% year-on-year—after the Malé–Melbourne route launched in late May. Public Health: The Maldives Health Protection Agency confirmed four more measles cases, bringing the total this year to 15, and urged suspected patients to isolate and the public to avoid crowds while symptoms are present. Diplomacy & Cooperation: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu received France’s new non-resident ambassador, Rémi Lambert, with talks covering tourism, maritime cooperation, marine conservation, climate change and regional security. Ocean Stewardship: NH Maldives Kuda Rah and Milaidhoo marked World Ocean Day with lagoon clean-ups and coral planting, while Six Senses Kanuhura backed the Lhaviyani Turtle Festival 2026. Media & Business: Visit Maldives reported its strongest financial performance in eight years, and the Maldives Independent relaunched Minivan News’ investigative push to rebuild its newsroom. Travel Rules: A reminder for arrivals—complete the free IMUGA Traveller Declaration on the official portal within 96 hours of your flight.

Tourism & Connectivity: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives marked the start of the inaugural Australia–Maldives direct air link with a Luxury Escapes-led familiarisation and media activation, highlighting Maldivian’s weekly Melbourne–Malé service as a faster route to boost Australian demand. China Market Push: The Maldives showcased tourism resources and luxury resort offerings to Chinese travellers at a Beijing promotion event, aiming to deepen travel ties and tap outbound growth. Maldives Hospitality Spotlight: Accor’s MGallery Collection announced V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, an all-villa resort in South Ari Atoll with 42 villas and design inspired by Maldivian heritage. Finance & Policy: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu appointed Hassan Zareer as Finance Minister after Moosa Zameer’s resignation, while Fitch assigned Bank of Maldives a ‘CCC-’ long-term rating with a Stable Outlook, citing strong standalone resilience. Environment & Food Safety: World Environment Day saw Sun Siyam Iru Veli launch a coral planting initiative, and President Muizzu called for stronger food safety systems and new regulations under the Food Safety Act. Ocean Economy: Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said ocean research and marine resource identification are key to diversifying the economy and protecting livelihoods.

Finance Shake-up: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu appointed Hassan Zareer as Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises after Moosa Zameer resigned for health reasons, with Zareer taking the oath and bringing decades of taxation and finance experience. Ocean-Led Growth: Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said ocean research and marine resource identification are central to diversifying the economy and protecting livelihoods, warning that warming seas are already affecting fish stocks. IMF Talks: The Finance Ministry met an IMF Executive Director to boost cooperation, including technical support and capacity building. Banking Update: Fitch assigned Bank of Maldives ratings of ‘CCC-’ (stable) and ‘CCC+’ locally, citing the bank’s resilience while noting the sovereign rating ceiling. Environment Funding: Maldives will allocate $454,000 annually from the Maldives Green Fund for environmental protection and conservation, announced on World Environment Day. Food Safety Push: President Muizzu called for stronger food safety systems, border controls, and tougher hygiene standards across society. Tourism & Reefs: Sun Siyam Iru Veli launched a coral planting initiative, while Anantara marked its 10,000th baby coral planting. Hospitality Talent: Marriott Maldives graduated 40 apprentices from its apprenticeship programme, expanding local career pathways in tourism.

Food Security Shock: UN agencies warn the Strait of Hormuz crisis is turning into hunger elsewhere, with higher oil and transport costs worsening food insecurity in Somalia and Afghanistan. Maldives Environment Funding: President Muizzu says the Maldives Green Fund will receive an extra $454,000 annually for protected areas, wildlife, research, public awareness and capacity-building. UN Diplomatic Win: The Maldives secures its first-ever seat on the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, aiming to better represent small island states on climate and development. Tourism & Resorts: Anantara marks 10,000th baby coral planting; Marriott Maldives graduates 40 apprentices; and MGallery opens V Villas Maldives at Mirihi with 42 all-villa stays. Local Policy: The President calls for stronger food safety systems, with new regulations under the Food Safety Act and tighter border controls. Regional Travel Context: Sri Lanka waives tourist visa fees for 40 countries, but leaves Bangladesh out.

Food Safety Push: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu marked World Food Safety Day by calling for stronger food safety systems, border controls, and new regulations under the Food Safety Act, urging businesses, health professionals and consumers to play their part. Green Fund Boost: The Maldives Green Fund will receive an extra $454,000 annually for environmental protection and conservation, including protected areas, wildlife, research and public awareness. UN Diplomatic Win: The Maldives secured its first-ever seat on the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, winning 183 votes and aiming to better represent small island interests on climate and development. Tourism & Skills: Marriott Maldives graduated 40 apprentices from its 2026 programme, building local talent across front office, housekeeping, food & beverage, culinary and maintenance. Maldives-India Ties: Malé hosted “Rhythms Beyond Borders” celebrating Maldives–India friendship, while Health Minister Geela met India’s high commissioner to deepen cooperation in healthcare and social development. Finance Watch: Government spokesperson Mundhu said Fitch’s upgrade reflects fiscal reforms, but warned international concerns also focus on past money printing and debt. Resort Updates: Amilla Maldives partnered with The Clay Studio Maldives to launch a pottery and ceramic space, adding a new cultural experience for guests.

Environment & Funding: President Mohamed Muizzu says the Maldives Green Fund will add US$454,000 annually for environmental protection, including protected areas, wildlife, research, public awareness, and school and civil society projects. Global Diplomacy: The Maldives wins its first-ever seat on the UN ECOSOC for 2027–2029, with officials calling it recognition of long advocacy on climate and small-island economic vulnerability. Finance & Policy Debate: Government spokesperson Mohamed Hussain “Mundhu” downplays the Fitch upgrade (CC to CCC-) and points to deeper worries raised by international lenders over past money printing and debt. Maldives–India Ties: Malé hosts “Rhythms Beyond Borders” celebrating Maldives–India friendship, while Health Minister Geela meets India’s high commissioner to discuss stronger cooperation in healthcare and social development. Tourism & Resorts: Amilla Maldives partners with The Clay Studio Maldives to launch a pottery and ceramic space for guests; Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru unveils a major refresh; and MGallery opens V Villas Maldives at Mirihi with villas from $600/night. Sustainability Research: A new study warns mangrove forests may lose carbon-storing power as sea levels rise, with parts potentially shifting from absorbing to emitting carbon.

UN Diplomacy: The Maldives won its first-ever seat on the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for 2027–2029, securing 183 votes and a platform to push climate and development priorities for small island states. Climate & Oceans: A new study warns mangrove forests may start losing carbon storage as sea levels rise, with parts potentially shifting from absorbing to emitting carbon. Maldives–India Ties: Malé hosted “Rhythms Beyond Borders” celebrating Maldives–India friendship, while Health Minister Geela Ali met India’s High Commissioner to deepen cooperation in healthcare and social development. Tourism & Travel Updates: UK visitor numbers keep climbing, with 80,580 arrivals from the UK so far in 2026; meanwhile, Air Arabia outlined phased international flight resumptions including Maldives services. Resort News: Amilla Maldives partnered with The Clay Studio Maldives to launch an island pottery and ceramic studio, and MGallery opened V Villas Maldives at Mirihi with luxury overwater options. Safety Watch: Maldives authorities are investigating possible factors behind the deaths of five Italian divers in a deepwater cave.

Luxury Hospitality: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has unveiled a major refresh in North Malé Atoll, adding redesigned villas, an expanded Marine Lab and new dining—doubling down on “barefoot luxury” with Maldivian heritage touches. Wellness Tourism: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau is rolling out International Yoga Day programmes at AVI Spa, including Aqua Yoga and Floating Sound Therapy, while The Westin Maldives marks Global Wellness Day with “Reset at Westin.” New Resort Openings: MGallery Collection debuted V Villas Maldives at Mirihi in South Ari Atoll, a 42-villa private-island retreat with ocean-inspired design and multiple dining concepts. Marine & Environment: A new report warns mangrove forests may lose carbon-storing power as sea levels rise, even as they protect coasts—an issue that hits island nations hardest. Tourism Numbers: Maldives welcomed 951,222 visitors so far in 2026; UK arrivals reached 80,580 as of 2 June, with resorts hosting most guests. Safety & Diving: Maldives is investigating the deaths of five Italian divers in a deepwater cave dive, including whether they went deeper than expected.

Marine Safety & Accountability: Maldives authorities are investigating why five Italian divers died in a deepwater cave dive, including whether they went deeper than expected, after the group entered the Devana Kandu site under a research permit. Tourism Numbers: The Maldives welcomed 951,222 tourists in 2026 so far, with UK arrivals hitting 80,580 as of 2 June—down 4.1% year-on-year but showing recovery after Middle East-linked travel disruptions. Sustainable Tourism Spotlight: World Environment Day coverage highlights how the Maldives has built sustainability into tourism—from marine conservation and reef restoration to renewable energy—while asking what comes next for the industry. Wellness in the Spotlight: Multiple Global Wellness Day items land for Maldives resorts, including community-focused #JoyMagenta celebrations and resort programmes like “Reset at Westin” and JW Marriott’s extended wellness journey. Luxury Resort Pipeline: A new wave of branded and high-end openings is set to reshape the Maldives, with Baccarat, Nobu, Bulgari and others pushing further into the next resort boom. Regional Cooperation: Maldives is elected Vice-Chair of a key UN committee, while ECOSOC elections also place the Maldives among Asia-Pacific members.

Tourism Watch: Maldives welcomed 80,580 UK visitors so far this year, making the UK the third-largest source market, as total arrivals hit 951,222 in 2026 and May showed signs of recovery after Middle East-linked travel disruptions. Diving Safety: Maldives authorities are investigating the deaths of five Italian divers in a deepwater cave, including whether they went deeper than expected, after permits were issued for soft-coral research at Devana Kandu. Youth Online Safety: President Dr. Muizzu announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 16 within 12 months. Global Diplomacy: Maldives was elected Vice-Chair of the UN General Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee for the 81st session, with Hussain Azhaan Mohamed representing the country. Wellness & Community: Global Wellness Day 2026 (#JoyMagenta) is set for June 13 with Maldives-wide activities, while resorts including Westin and JW Marriott are rolling out island wellness programmes. Resort News: Nova Maldives launches a year-round Maldivian dining series, and MGallery debuts V Villas Maldives at Mirihi.

Tourism Update: Maldives is seeing a steady rebound, with 951,222 tourists recorded so far in 2026 and UK visitors reaching 80,580 as of 2 June—making the UK the country’s third-largest source market, after China and Russia. Safety & Investigation: Authorities are probing the deaths of five Italian divers in a deepwater cave dive, including whether the team went deeper than expected, after permits were issued for coral research at the Devana Kandu site. Social Policy: President Dr. Muizzu has announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 16, with implementation expected within the next 12 months. UN Diplomacy: The Maldives was elected unanimously as Vice-Chair of the UN General Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee for the 81st session, reflecting continued international confidence in its multilateral work. Resort & Business Buzz: New luxury brands and experiences keep rolling in, including V Villas Maldives at Mirihi (MGallery Collection) and Taj Exotica’s Sol & Sea overwater dining concept.

UN Spotlight on Climate Readiness: Sri Lanka’s Climate Summit 2026 will focus on whether businesses are ready for climate-linked rules, investment expectations and financing demands, with regional leaders and agencies set to discuss resilience, governance and climate finance. Maldives-UN Role: The Maldives was elected Vice-Chair of the UN General Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee, with Hussain Azhaan Mohamed representing the country in the 81st session. Digital Safety for Kids: President Muizzu announced plans to ban children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms within a year, aiming to curb cyberbullying and grooming while keeping education access. Tourism & Resorts: Gili Lankanfushi is rolling out moonlit noctotourism experiences, while Taj Exotica Maldives launched Sol & Sea, an intimate overwater Indian coastal dining concept for 16 guests. Business & Insurance: Brokerslink expanded internationally by adding affiliates in Guatemala, El Salvador and the Maldives. Sports: Raaraa Pro 2026, the Maldives’ kiteboarding competition, kicked off in Dhiffushi (June 1–6).

Child Safety Online: President Muizzu says the Maldives will ban children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms within a year, targeting apps seen as risky for cyberbullying and grooming, with consultations and legal amendments planned. Public Health: HPA confirms two more measles cases in Greater Malé, bringing the total to 11, and urges residents to ensure full two-dose vaccination while a community vaccination push is prepared. Tourism & Travel Deals: Kuoni extends its fixed-price “out-of-date-range” flight programme to end-2027 (with some routes into Jan 2028), including Maldives among key destinations. Maldives Culture & Recognition: Maldivian artist Raya Mansoor named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 (arts), after growing Oevaali Art Shop from Maldives to Singapore. Sports: Raaraa Pro 2026 kicks off in Dhiffushi (June 1–6), expanding kiteboarding beyond slalom into freestyle. Hospitality Updates: Taj Exotica Maldives launches Sol & Sea, an intimate 16-guest overwater Indian coastal dining experience. Business Links: Brokerslink adds Trust Edge Risk Solutions in the Maldives to strengthen its international insurance network.

Child Safety Policy: President Mohamed Muizzu says the Maldives will ban children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms, targeting cyberbullying, online grooming and harmful content; the government will study overseas rules, consult tech firms and aim to roll out the framework within a year after public consultations. Public Health: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed two more measles cases in Greater Malé, bringing the total to 11, and urged residents to ensure children have received two vaccine doses while a community vaccination push is planned. Tourism & Travel: Raaraa Pro 2026, the Maldives’ top kiteboarding event, kicked off in Dhiffushi on 1 June, expanding beyond slalom to include freestyle and spotlighting island-based adventure tourism. Business & Connectivity: Dhiraagu was named “Telco of the Year–Small Markets” at the Twimbit Telecom Awards 2026, citing network excellence and progress toward nationwide mobile and fibre access. Insurance Expansion: Brokerslink added three new affiliates, including Trust Edge Risk Solutions in the Maldives, strengthening its regional insurance reach.

Child Safety & Digital Policy: President Mohamed Muizzu says the Maldives will restrict children under 16 from accessing certain social media platforms, citing cyberbullying, online grooming and harmful content; the framework is expected to be finalised after consultations and rolled out within a year. Public Health: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed two more measles cases in Greater Malé, bringing the total to 11, and urged residents to ensure they have received two vaccine doses while a targeted vaccination drive is planned. Tourism & Connectivity: Maldivian’s inaugural direct air service between Australia and the Maldives is being celebrated, with Centara Grand Lagoon hosting an Australian delegation ahead of the weekly Malé–Melbourne flights. Business & Insurance: Brokerslink expands its international network by adding three new broking affiliates, including Trust Edge Risk Solutions in the Maldives. Telecom: Dhiraagu was named “Telco of the Year–Small Markets” at the Twimbit Telecom Awards 2026, highlighting network and digital transformation progress. Hospitality Updates: W Maldives launches “Escape Remix,” letting guests split a four-night stay between overwater and beach villas from June 2026.