AGP Executive Report

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.

Child Safety Online: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says the government will restrict access to certain social media platforms for children under 16, citing grooming, cyberbullying and harmful content. The framework will be studied with input from tech firms and platform owners, with full implementation targeted within a year. Foreign Exchange Relief: Bank of Maldives (BML) is expected to ease foreign transaction limits by the end of this month after operational and dollar-availability pressures. The curbs mainly affected MVR card use for international e-commerce and online retail, while dollar-account cards and students abroad were said to be protected. Tobacco-Free Push: Marking World No Tobacco Day, Muizzu urged action against nicotine addiction, pointing to the e-cigarette ban and the Tobacco-Free Generation policy introduced in 2025, and warning about flavoured nicotine pouches and AI-driven marketing. Tourism Business Watch: Sri Lanka’s Hayleys agreed to sell Maldives resort assets linked to NH Maldives Kuda Rah for USD 17.25m, with completion expected in the first months after the reporting date. Travel Market Data: LuxAtolls launched a Maldives Pricing Index tracking transfer costs, mealplan premiums and deals across 129 resorts, showing wide transfer price gaps and steep all-inclusive mealplan markups.

Social Media & Youth Safety: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced plans to restrict access to selected social media apps for children under 16, with full rollout within a year, citing grooming, cyberbullying and content against Islamic values. Foreign Exchange Pressure: Bank of Maldives is expected to ease foreign transaction limits by end of this month after dollar shortages and reduced tourist-linked inflows tightened card use for international e-commerce and online retail. Tobacco-Free Push: Marking World No Tobacco Day, the President urged action against nicotine addiction, highlighting the tobacco-free generation law, e-cigarette ban, expanded cessation services, and warning about flavoured nicotine pouches and AI-driven marketing. Tourism Business & Data: LuxAtolls launched a Maldives Pricing Index tracking transfer costs, mealplan premiums and deals across 129 resorts, showing transfer prices can vary dramatically. Resort Deal: Hayleys agreed to sell Maldives resort assets linked to NH Maldives Kuda Rah for $17.25m, with an impairment recorded ahead of completion in the coming months. Marine Stewardship: Eri Maldives announced month-long ocean awareness programming from 1 June to mid-July, including reef, turtle and shark themed activities.

Tobacco-Free Push: President Muizzu marked World No Tobacco Day urging Maldives to protect future generations from nicotine addiction, pointing to the e-cigarette ban and the Tobacco-Free Generation policy, while warning about flavoured nicotine pouches and AI-driven marketing. Public Health Campaign: The government also announced a five-year nationwide drive to cut tobacco use, with school and youth awareness, stronger enforcement, and expanded smoking-cessation support. Tourism Pricing Transparency: LuxAtolls launched the open-access LuxAtolls Maldives Pricing Index, tracking transfer costs, mealplan premiums and deals across 129 resorts, showing transfer prices vary widely and all-inclusive upgrades can cost several times half-board. Tourism Tech & Direct Bookings: RateGain released its APMEA Direct Booking Friction Report 2026, arguing hotels lose direct bookings due to friction in visibility, pricing and booking experiences—not just demand. Health Alert: The Health Protection Agency will launch a measles vaccination campaign in Greater Malé after recent cases, including vaccinating close contacts and people who missed doses. Local Order: Maldives Police opened an investigation into a violent altercation involving expatriates at Artificial Beach after social media footage circulated. Wellness Upgrade: Mandara Spa strengthened its wellness offering through a continued partnership with ELEMIS.

Tobacco-Free Push: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu marked World No Tobacco Day urging Maldives to protect future generations from nicotine addiction, pointing to the e-cigarette ban, the Tobacco-Free Generation policy, expanded cessation services, and warning against flavoured nicotine pouches and AI-led marketing. Public Health Campaign: The government also announced a nationwide five-year campaign to cut tobacco use, with awareness drives through schools and youth programmes, stronger enforcement, and tighter collaboration with NGOs. Tourism Recovery: Maldives tourism is back on an upward track after Middle East conflict disruptions, with 122,548 arrivals up to last Wednesday—2.6% higher than last year—though total arrivals still lag 2025. Health Alert: The Health Protection Agency will launch a measles vaccination campaign in Greater Malé after recent cases, including vaccinating close contacts and people who missed two doses. Tourism Industry Tech: Visit Maldives endorsed TechEng 2026, a B2B tech and engineering expo for the hospitality sector in Hulhumalé (6–8 Oct 2026). Safety in the Water: A cave-diving tragedy in Vaavu Atoll continues to draw attention after the deaths of two Italian tourists, with funerals held in Italy. Local Culture & Eid: Madifushi Private Island hosted Eid Al Adha celebrations featuring mosque prayers, cultural performances, and a Maali Parade showcasing Maldivian heritage.

Tourism rebound: Maldives tourist arrivals rose 2.6% after a three-month dip tied to Middle East conflict disruptions, with 122,548 visitors recorded up to last Wednesday versus 119,468 a year earlier, though total arrivals for the year still sit 4% below 2025. Public health: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) will launch a measles vaccination drive in Greater Malé after 9 recent cases, targeting people who missed two doses and those who had contact with confirmed patients. State finances: Government dividend income from state-owned enterprises fell 36% year-on-year, with only about 30% of the 2026 SOE profit target reached so far, as weaker earnings hit collections. Culture spotlight: Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua joined Kinbidhoo’s Beyya celebrations, praising the island’s creativity and community spirit. Safety focus: Reports continue to swirl around fatal Maldives diving incidents, with new details emerging from investigations. Regional ties: Maldives is among countries participating in India’s PRAGATI 2026 multilateral exercise in Meghalaya, focused on counter-terror drills. Sports: Pakistan named a 23-man squad for a four-nation football tournament in the Maldives (June 1–10), including debut call-ups for Ali Khan and Adil Nabi.

Tourism Bounce-Back: Maldives tourism is regaining momentum after Middle East-linked aviation disruptions, with 122,548 arrivals recorded in the latest period—up 2.6% year-on-year—after airlines gradually restored services. Anti-Drug Crackdown: Authorities in Fuvahmulah have sealed a suspected drug “cafe” under a court order, with the premises closed for 85 days under the Narcotics Act. Football in the Maldives: Pakistan has named a 23-man squad for a four-nation tournament in the Maldives (June 1–10), with debut call-ups for Ali Khan and Adil Nabi; Afghanistan has also announced its squad for the same event. Regional Trade Push: China says it will deepen trade ties with South Asia via the China-South Asia Expo (June 11–16), noting it is now the largest trading partner for Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Hospitality & Careers: IHCL appointed Vikas Kumar as Cluster General Manager for Taj Exotica and Taj Coral Reef Maldives. Cave Diving Update: Italian preliminary autopsies suggest drowning or acute oxygen deprivation in the Maldives cave diving deaths, as investigations continue.

Tourism Recovery: The Maldives saw a rebound in visitor arrivals, with 122,548 tourists recorded for the current period—up 2.6% from 119,468 a year earlier—after Middle East-linked disruptions had hit flights and confidence. Anti-Drug Enforcement: Police in Fuvahmulah sealed a suspected “drug cafe” at Gulistaanuge after a court order under the Narcotics Act, imposing an 85-day closure and warning against anyone entering or damaging the property. Maldives-China Trade Push: Visit Maldives took part in ITB China 2026 in Shanghai, targeting China’s luxury outbound market and holding B2B meetings to boost visibility and engagement with tour operators and online platforms. Hospitality Leadership: IHCL appointed Vikas Kumar as Cluster General Manager for Taj Exotica and Taj Coral Reef in the Maldives, bringing extensive resort and operations experience. Wellness Offerings: Dusit Hotels and Resorts is rolling out Well-Fest 2026 in June, adding wellness programming for guests worldwide. Safety Update (Global): A Canadian tourist died after a night diving incident in Curaçao; investigators seized scuba equipment as they probe the circumstances.

Maldives Tourism & Trade: Visit Maldives says it pushed “Luxury without Limits” to China at ITB China 2026, aiming to deepen luxury travel links with trade partners and highlight Maldives experiences for the Chinese market. Tourism Demand Watch: RateGain warns AI search could disrupt hotel booking journeys, with many properties failing to appear early in search, slowing mobile load times, and risking checkout drop-offs. Maldives Diving Tragedy: Italy’s preliminary autopsies in the Vaavu Atoll cave dive deaths point to drowning or acute oxygen deprivation, as a criminal negligence probe continues and devices are seized for forensic review. Local Politics: Fayyaz Ismail says MDP unity is key and that Nasheed and Solih should not walk away, stressing internal reforms and rebuilding. Banking & Payments: Commercial Bank of Ceylon enables PayPal-linked withdrawals via ComBank Digital, letting eligible Sri Lankan freelancers move global earnings into local accounts quickly through a regulated channel. Sports: Bangladesh’s goalkeeper Mili Akter is cleared to start against Maldives in the SAFF Women’s Championship opener in Goa. Hospitality Training: Four Seasons Maldives marks 25 years of its apprenticeship programme, celebrating 1,058 Maldivian graduates and welcoming the next intake for 2027. Business & Innovation: Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 opens applications for agrifood innovators in SIDS, with Maldives among the eligible countries.

Maldives Tourism & Culture: Visit Maldives pushed Eid Al Adha coverage from Meedhoo, spotlighting local traditions like Vedhuma Dhiyun and community festivities, as authorities try to show the Maldives beyond resorts. Tourism Trade: Visit Maldives also attended ITB China 2026 in Shanghai to target China’s luxury travel market with “Luxury without Limits” messaging and B2B meetings. Regional Travel Moves: Sri Lanka scrapped tourist visa fees for 40 countries (including the UK) via a free 30-day ETA, while Maldives-linked readers also saw broader Indian Ocean travel buzz. Aviation & Connectivity: Saudia took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, with Maldives mentioned as a possible route connection. Safety & Diving: The week’s Maldives cave-diving tragedy remains in focus, with multiple reports on how divers may have gotten lost and bodies repatriated. Sports: Bangladesh goalkeeper Mili Akter is fit to start against Maldives in the SAFF Women’s Championship opener in Goa. Business: Maldives-linked hospitality training hit a milestone as Four Seasons’ apprenticeship programme marked 25 years and 1,058 Maldivian graduates.

Tourism & Trade: Visit Maldives is pushing its “Luxury without Limits” message at ITB China 2026 in Shanghai, targeting China’s luxury outbound market through B2B meetings and tailored products for segments like diving, wellness, families and MICE. Eid Culture: Visit Maldives Corporation is highlighting Eid al-Adha traditions across islands, starting from Meedhoo in Raa Atoll, with coverage of community rituals such as Vedhuma Dhiyun and Bodu Mas to balance the resort image with local heritage. Luxury Pipeline: CROSSROADS Maldives will host the World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony on 27 September 2026, bringing regional travel leaders to the multi-resort destination near Velana. Hospitality Jobs: Four Seasons Maldives’ apprenticeship programme marks 25 years, celebrating 1,058 Maldivian graduates and welcoming the Class of 2027 after selecting 84 new apprentices from across the atolls. Safety & Diving: Maldives cave-diving tragedy coverage continues to swirl around the deaths of five Italian tourists, with investigators and rescue teams releasing new details and theories about what went wrong.