Global hotel brands reshape Maldives hospitality landscape

The Maldives, long synonymous with barefoot luxury and idyllic island escapes, is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation in its hospitality sector. As the Asia Pacific region experiences a boom in branded hotel developments, the Maldives has emerged as a key market for global hotel operators aiming to strengthen their footprint in high-value resort destinations.

According to CBRE’s 2025 research, nearly three-quarters of future hotel supply across the Asia Pacific is aligned with the world’s top eight international hotel chains. The Maldives is clearly part of this shift, with leading brands like Marriott International, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, and Accor expanding their presence across the archipelago. These global operators are not only increasing their number of properties but also bringing new brand concepts tailored to evolving traveler expectations.

The Maldives is widely benchmarked as a leading luxury destination, and many top hotel chains consider having a presence here as a signature inclusion in their global portfolios and marketing brochures.

Brand diversification comes to paradise

Over the past decade, global hotel groups have more than doubled the number of brands in their portfolios, growing from 58 in 2014 to over 130 by 2024. In the Maldives, this trend is reflected in the introduction of lifestyle and soft-luxury concepts—alongside established luxury brands.

For instance, Hilton now operates multiple tiers including Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, and Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa. Similarly, Marriott’s presence spans from the luxury Ritz-Carlton Maldives to the premium Sheraton. This layered brand strategy allows hotel groups to cater to a wider spectrum of travelers—from honeymooners seeking ultra-luxury to millennials looking for more experiential, design-forward stays.

Conversions and asset-light models fuel growth

With high development and operating costs in remote island environments, many global brands are adopting asset-light models in the Maldives. Franchise and management agreements are increasingly common, offering local owners the strength of global branding and distribution without the overhead of ownership by the operator.

Conversions are a key growth strategy, with established properties being rebranded under international flags to tap into global loyalty networks and enhance visibility. This trend benefits both hotel owners and travelers—owners gain from enhanced marketing and operational systems, while guests enjoy the consistency and perks of trusted global brands.

Loyalty: A powerful pull in the Maldives

Loyalty programs such as Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt are increasingly influential in the Maldives market. With more than 675 million global loyalty members, these programs are becoming a major driver of bookings to the Maldives—especially among repeat international travelers who accumulate and redeem points across the region.

Loyalty affiliation is now a significant factor in booking decisions, with travelers more likely to stay at resorts where they can earn or redeem points. This has boosted occupancy rates and RevPAR at branded properties, positioning them as more resilient in a competitive and seasonal market.

Why branding matters for investors

For resort developers and local investors in the Maldives, aligning with a global brand is increasingly seen as a strategic advantage. Branded resorts tend to outperform independents in revenue per available room (RevPAR), thanks to global distribution platforms, name recognition, and the loyalty pull.

This is especially relevant as investor sentiment shifts toward upscale and upper-midscale properties that combine strong returns with operational efficiency. Several islands in development or under lease are being actively targeted for conversion or new signings under internationally recognized brands.

What’s next for Maldives?

Looking ahead, the Maldives is likely to see a rise in soft branding strategies and a broader mix of lifestyle-focused offerings. With global operators emphasizing adaptability and local relevance, the future of hospitality in the Maldives will be defined by partnerships that blend international standards with the unique cultural and environmental identity of the islands.

As global hospitality players continue to look east, the Maldives remains not just a postcard-perfect destination, but a strategic frontier for brand innovation, investor confidence, and guest loyalty in the Asia Pacific.