AGP Executive Report

Health Aid: India has delivered 20,000 measles vaccine doses and about three tonnes of medical supplies to the Maldives as cases rise, with officials urging masks and quick care for symptoms. Tourism Revenue: Maldives Inland Revenue Authority says May collections fell short, blaming lower tourist arrivals linked to Middle East disruptions, hitting GST and tourism land rent. Public Safety: Maldives Police posthumously promoted Senior Sergeant Ahmed Asif to Sub-Inspector after he died during a maritime operation; an investigation is ongoing. Governance & Accountability: Police also detailed its probe into former Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan Waheed, responding to corruption and money-laundering claims. Bilateral Ties: Maldives and Japan reaffirmed cooperation ahead of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with focus on tourism, infrastructure and climate resilience. Tourism Outlook: Visit Maldives reported its strongest financial performance in eight years at its AGM, citing 2025 arrivals of over 2 million and receipts above $5.57bn. Business & Travel: Universal Boatyard launched the UNICRAFT 55 for the dive and excursion market, while Sheraton Maldives appointed Aminath Nadheema as Executive Housekeeper.

Tourism & Revenue: Visit Maldives says it logged its strongest financial performance in eight years, with 2025 income hitting MVR32.54 million and reporting over 2 million arrivals and USD5.57bn in receipts. Public Health: India sent 20,000 measles vaccine doses and about three tonnes of medical supplies to support Maldives as confirmed cases rise to 15. Government Revenue Watch: Maldives Inland Revenue Authority reports May collections fell 5.8% year-on-year to USD132.99m, blaming lower tourist arrivals and weaker GST, tourism land rent and quota fees. Law & Order: Police posthumously promoted officer Ahmed Asif to Sub-Inspector after he died during a maritime operation; police also detailed an investigation into former Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan Waheed over corruption and money-laundering claims. Diplomacy: Maldives and Japan reaffirmed cooperation ahead of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Business & Trade: Visit Maldives is showcasing the destination at the China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, supporting Maldivian firms to reach Chinese and South Asian buyers. Hospitality Awards: Sun Siyam won two International Property Awards Asia Pacific for design work at Sun Siyam Pasikudah and Sun Siyam Iru Fushi.

Public Health Aid: India sent 20,000 measles vaccine doses and about three tonnes of medical supplies to support Maldives immunisation efforts as confirmed measles cases rise to 15. Public Safety: Maldives Police posthumously promoted Officer Ahmed Asif after he died during a maritime operation; an investigation is ongoing. Tourism Revenue Watch: MIRA says May government revenue fell 5.8% year-on-year to USD 132.99m, blaming lower tourist arrivals that hit GST, tourism land rent and quota fees. Diplomacy: Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef and Japan’s ambassador reaffirmed strong Maldives–Japan ties ahead of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Immigration Probe: Police responded to claims by former Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan Waheed, detailing allegations of corruption and money laundering tied to a 2025 immigration operation. Regional Travel Update: Sri Lanka waived tourist ETA fees for nationals of 40 countries (including Maldives-linked reciprocal arrangements), but travellers still need to apply via ETA. Tourism Spotlight: Milaidhoo Maldives was named in Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best 2026, placing it among the top 1% of hotels worldwide.

India–Maldives Diplomacy: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and former FM Abdulla Shahid joined global leaders in congratulating Narendra Modi after he became India’s longest continuously serving elected prime minister, hitting 4,399 days and surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru; Modi also thanked US President Donald Trump and signalled a push to deepen India–US ties. Tourism & Events: Visit Maldives Corporation and CROSSROADS Maldives signed the host property agreement for the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026, bringing major industry attention to the Maldives. Environment in the Resorts: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives marked World Environment Day and World Ocean Day with tree planting, reef awareness and coral planting, plus reef clean-up dives and beach clean-ups. Cruise Tourism: A Chinese cruise ship is set to visit the Maldives on 23 June, the first such visit from China, with preparations to showcase the destination. Business/Payments: Mastercard appointed Zakia Sultana as Bangladesh country manager, while Nepal’s NCHL connected Nepal’s payment system to India’s UPI for cross-border remittances.

Tourism & Trade: 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 major regional tourism stakeholders to the Maldives. Environment & Resorts: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives marked World Environment Day and World Ocean Day with tree planting, reef awareness coral planting, and house-reef clean-up dives, while NH Maldives Kuda Rah held lagoon cleaning and coral planting activities to restore marine habitats. Air Connectivity: Maldivian direct flights to Australia are already boosting arrivals, with 20,878 Australians visiting as of 6 June—up 16% year-on-year—after the Malé–Melbourne route launched with Luxury Escapes. Public Health: The Health Protection Agency confirmed four more measles cases, bringing the total to 15 this year, with authorities urging isolation for suspected cases and mask use at healthcare facilities. Business & Finance: Visit Maldives reported its strongest financial performance in eight years at its 2025 AGM, and the Maldives Independent relaunched Minivan News with a renewed push for investigative journalism. Diplomacy: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu received France’s new ambassador, Rémi Lambert, with talks covering tourism, maritime cooperation, marine conservation, climate change and regional security.

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.