Minister Saeed says tourism expansion across atolls key to inclusive growth
Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said the government is working to expand the benefits of tourism across the atolls by strengthening connectivity, enabling investment and supporting local entrepreneurship.
Speaking as Chief Guest at the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 gala held at NIVA Kurumba Maldives on Sunday evening, Minister Saeed said tourism remains central to the Maldivian economy and national identity, but its future growth must be more inclusive, diversified and resilient.
“A key priority of this vision is the expansion of tourism across our atolls,” Minister Saeed said. “For too long, the benefits of tourism have been concentrated in specific areas. We are now working to ensure that opportunity reaches every corner of our country.”
He said the government’s approach is aimed at opening new frontiers for tourism and bringing jobs, income and development closer to island communities. According to the minister, improved connectivity, investment facilitation and support for local businesses are central to ensuring wider participation in the sector.
Minister Saeed said the next phase of tourism development must also go beyond the Maldives’ traditional positioning around sun, sea and sand. He noted that culture, heritage, wellness, sports and community-based experiences have a growing role in the country’s tourism offering.
He said this diversification would create new pathways for small businesses, creatives and local producers to become part of the tourism value chain. Such participation, he added, would increase the resilience of the sector and deepen the economic impact of visitors across the country.
Referring to the work of the Visitor Economy Council established at the President’s Office, Minister Saeed said the council had helped translate policy priorities into practical outcomes over the past two years. He said its work had strengthened cross-sector coordination, expanded local supply linkages and enabled broader participation in tourism as a driver of national development.
However, the minister said policy alone would not drive progress, emphasising the role of tourism employees in sustaining the Maldives’ global reputation.
“To all employees being recognised tonight: you are the ambassadors of our nation,” he said. “Your professionalism, warmth and dedication are what turn visitors into lifelong advocates for the Maldives. You are not just part of this industry — you are its foundation.”
Minister Saeed also addressed industry stakeholders and partners, stating that continued investment, innovation and collaboration would be required as the Maldives responds to changes in the global tourism landscape. He said the government would work with the industry to remove barriers, create opportunities and keep the sector competitive.
Now in its third edition, the annual Hotelier Maldives Awards recognise individuals, teams and programmes across the tourism industry, and remain the only awards in the Maldives dedicated to recognising the talent and contribution of resort employees. This year’s ceremony brought together hoteliers, industry partners and tourism stakeholders to celebrate achievement across resort operations, guest services, leadership, sustainability, training and commercial performance.
Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 was presented by Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) as Title Sponsor. Other sponsors and partners included Platinum Sponsors Dhiraagu, STO Energy and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL); Banking Partner Bank of Maldives (BML); Beverage Partner Male’ Aerated Water Company (MAWC); Associate Sponsors ALIA and Metalsigns; Transport Partner Souvenir Marine; Organising Partner Storm Events; Associate Partners SESSION by OOFI, Lightsout Studios, Blue N White and Maldives Insider; and Broadcast Partner Maldives TV.
Minister Saeed congratulated the award recipients and thanked tourism professionals for their role in making Maldivian tourism “a global benchmark of excellence.”
