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Maldives okays 27 new foreign investments in tourism
Maldives has approved 27 new foreign investments in tourism in the past eight months, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced Monday.
Speaking at a function held Monday evening to unveil the framework of a new tourism master plan, President Solih said 28 separate investors have expressed interest in undertaking projects in the Maldives. Twenty-seven of these have already been approved by the government, he added.
“… investors are now anticipating a period of political stability for the future in which the Maldives will honour our contractual obligations,” the president said.
Remarking on the importance of working alongside the private sector, the president highlighted the need to reduce several of the logistical impediments to businesses interested in working in the tourism sector, to further progress the industry. He reiterated that his administration is committed to working hand in hand with private industries to address such obstacles and enhance the ease of doing business within the tourism industry.
President Solih also expressed his satisfaction at the pace of progress of this important industry, which is the mainstay of the Maldivian economy. He referenced statistics indicating that tourist arrivals have increased by 18.7 per cent in the past six months alone.
The president’s comments come weeks after real estate consultancy firm JLL projected that the Maldives’ hospitality industry was on course to see its most active year with more than USD 450 million worth of resort transactions either completed or under offer.
Official figures show that 144 resorts, 12 hotels, 508 guesthouses and 148 liveaboard vessels are currently registered in the Maldives. The number of registered travel agencies and dive schools stand at 308 and 272 respectively.
Government had earlier said that a total of 132 tourism projects involving 140 islands are underway across the Maldives.
The new government had also ramped up tourism promotion with new initiatives and more funding.
Authorities have come under fire from private organisations representing industry stakeholders such as the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) over the lack of effort and budget to promote the Maldives as a destination.
These concerns come as the world-famous holiday destination struggles to match demand with a rapid increase in bed capacity.
Over the past few years, dozens of uninhabited islands have been leased to local and foreign resort developers. Several international brands have entered into the market, increasing the number of resorts in operation to more than 130. That number is set to increase as another 20 resorts are expected to open over the next two years.
Singapore’s Park Hotel Group has opened its first resort in the Maldives, while major international hotel chains such as AccorHotels have entered the Maldives with four openings, including Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives and Raffles Maldives Meradhoo as well as two in the pipeline. Brands like Hard Rock International, Capella Hotel Group, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Emaar Hospitality Group, Baglioni Hotels, Emerald Collection and Meliá Hotels International have announced their entry to the Maldives as well.
Existing international players are also upping their presence, with Marriott International launching Westin and JW Marriott in Maldives, Hilton Worldwide re-introducing its top-end luxury brand Waldorf Astoria, Aitken Spence introducing its Heritance brand, Minor Hotel Group introducing its AVANI brand, Onyx Hospitality Group introducing its OZO brand with its second property in the island nation, and LUX* Hotels & Resorts opening its second resort in the Maldives. Centara Hotels and Resorts has also signed a management agreement for its third resort in the tropical destination, while The Residence by Cenizaro has announced the launch of its second Maldivian property.
Leading local hotel groups, including Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts, Sun Siyam Resorts, and Crown and Champa Resorts, are also on an expansion drive.
Meanwhile, the first integrated tourism developments in the Maldives — Emboodhoo Lagoon project and Rah Falhu Huraa lagoon project — are underway.
Along with the new resort openings come the challenge of increasing demand from budget travellers who choose guesthouses over luxury resorts that the Maldives is known for. The guesthouse sector has rapidly expanded with over 400 guesthouses in operation today.
Maldives welcomed a record 1.4 million tourists in 2018 — a 6.8 per cent increase from the 1,389,542 tourists that chose to holiday in the Maldives in 2017. Other factors such as average duration of stay, bed nights and occupancy also posted positive growth in 2018.
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Pulse Hotels & Resorts unveils eco-chic Eri Maldives in North Malé Atoll
Eri Maldives has officially opened in the North Malé Atoll, introducing a new eco-chic lifestyle resort concept focused on accessible island living in the Maldives. Located a 45-minute speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, the resort combines ease of access with the calm of a natural island environment, offering a streamlined escape for travellers seeking authenticity rather than artificial luxury.
Set on a lush natural island, Eri Maldives is defined by dense greenery and a vibrant house reef accessible directly from the shore. The resort operates under the philosophy of “The Island of Becoming”, favouring genuine cultural immersion over traditional hospitality formality. Local arts, Maldivian cuisine and cultural practices shape the daily rhythm of island life, supported by a focus on mindful living that integrates sustainability and wellbeing throughout the guest experience. Visitors are encouraged to disconnect, slow down and engage more deeply with both the island and its cultural heritage.
Accommodation at the resort is offered across four categories designed to prioritise comfort, connection and simplicity. Beach Pool Villas feature private pools surrounded by tropical vegetation, while Beach Villas offer direct access to the shoreline and lagoon sunsets. Beach Studios, located on the ground floor, provide immediate beach access, and Sky Studios on the upper level include private balconies with expansive lagoon views. Dining follows the same relaxed approach, with Full Board Plus and All-Inclusive options available across three venues: international cuisine at Soul Kitchen, casual beachfront dining at Beach Shack, and sunset refreshments at Sip & Dip.
Adventure and relaxation are balanced through a range of experiences. A five-star PADI dive centre operated by Euro-Divers provides access to more than 30 recognised dive sites, alongside a comprehensive water sports programme. For restorative experiences, Eskape Spa is set within the island’s tropical canopy, offering holistic treatments and ocean-inspired rituals rooted in Maldivian traditions. The resort also curates bespoke celebrations, including destination dining under the stars and vow renewals accompanied by traditional Bodu Beru drumming.
Commenting on the opening, General Manager Haroon Mohamed stated that Eri Maldives is founded on the principle of experiencing the Maldives in an authentic and uncomplicated way, with an emphasis on wellbeing and meaningful connection. He noted that the resort aims to create moments that leave guests feeling cared for, understood and positively transformed.
Frederic Brohez, Chief Operating Officer of Pulse Hotels & Resorts, said the opening marks a significant addition to the group’s portfolio, introducing an eco-chic lifestyle brand designed for environmentally conscious travellers seeking a genuine Maldivian escape. He added that Eri Maldives reflects the group’s broader vision of sustainable island living, where design, community and wellbeing are closely aligned.
Eri Maldives is now welcoming guests. To mark its opening, the resort has introduced a limited-time launch offer featuring exclusive savings and added inclusions. Further information is available via the resort’s official website.
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Endless Summer awaits at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is inviting guests to extend their time in paradise with the introduction of its Endless Summer offer, a thoughtfully curated stay designed to encourage a slower pace, elevated comfort and a deeper appreciation of island living.
Created for travellers seeking flexibility and ease, the Endless Summer offer combines dining experiences, leisure activities and added privileges that allow each stay to feel personalised. From arrival, guests receive USD 150 in resort credit per room, per stay, providing the freedom to enjoy moments of relaxation, culinary discovery or island exploration.
Mornings begin with a buffet breakfast at Feast, offering a selection of international favourites alongside fresh pastries and live cooking stations. Lunch is served as a relaxed three-course à la carte experience at four selected restaurants, including a beachfront venue, presenting a range of global flavours inspired by island freshness.
In the evening, guests may choose between a buffet dinner at Feast or a three-course à la carte menu at Indian, Mediterranean or Asian dining venues. Adults also receive a nightly USD 45 dining credit, which can be used at Baan Thai for authentic Thai cuisine or at Sea Salt, known for its seafood-focused menu and oceanfront setting.
Families are welcomed with added convenience, as children aged 11 and under dine complimentary from the breakfast and dinner buffets or from the Kids’ Menu when accompanied by parents. Daily experiences throughout the resort include poolside events and live entertainment at Anchorage, creating relaxed and social evenings.
Wellbeing and recreation are integrated into the daily programme, with complimentary wellness sessions and recreational activities available according to the resort schedule. Guests also have access to the tennis court with equipment included and may enjoy a 15 per cent saving on selected treatments at Shine Spa for Sheraton.
The Endless Summer offer is available for booking until 28 February 2026, for stays valid through to 20 December 2026, allowing guests to plan a year-round island escape.
Reflecting the essence of a Maldivian holiday, the Endless Summer experience is defined by unhurried days, diverse dining options and moments designed to linger beyond the stay. At Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, summer is presented not as a season, but as a way of life.
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From Lunar New Year to Easter: Sirru Fen Fushi reveals seasonal line-up
Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, set within one of the Maldives’ largest lagoons, is inviting families and couples to embrace a season of celebration through a thoughtfully curated programme of cultural traditions, family gatherings and island experiences designed to encourage connection and renewal.
From the Lunar New Year celebrations marking the Year of the Horse, to Eid by the Sea and Easter festivities, the season is shaped by the resort’s brand pillars of Wild Luxury, Purposeful Living and Immersive Reconnection.
Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse (February 2026)
Welcoming the Year of the Horse, Sirru Fen Fushi will host a series of celebratory experiences that blend dining, movement and shared family moments. The programme includes a Lunar New Year special buffet, interactive dim sum experiences, floating mahjong, karaoke evenings and relaxed gatherings beneath the night sky.
Beyond dining, guests of all ages are invited to take part in activities such as Muay Thai sessions, friendly kayaking competitions and archery, alongside dedicated Kids’ Club events and a Junior Football Camp designed for younger guests.
Eid by the Sea (March 2026)
Eid by the Sea unfolds as a two-day celebration centred on togetherness and cultural connection. Guests can enjoy shared dining experiences from breakfast through to dinner, including destination dining inspired by traditional flavours.
Family-focused activities include football matches, a Junior Football Camp, hands-on cooking classes, kayaking competitions and archery. Guests may also join a local island discovery excursion, complemented by Maldivian folklore storytelling and live performances featuring the traditional Serpina instrument.
Easter at Sirru Fen Fushi (April 2026)
Easter celebrations at Sirru Fen Fushi are presented under the theme “Perfectly Island Hatched”, offering a relaxed island experience focused on family time and shared enjoyment. Guests are encouraged to celebrate spring through casual gatherings and beachside activities in a tropical setting.
Adding to the seasonal programme, the resort’s upcoming Sirru Icon Series will introduce a new dimension to the island experience, featuring curated culinary events, appearances by a football icon and experiences linked to Asia’s 50 Best Bars mixology scene.
At Sirru Fen Fushi, family time is positioned as a central part of the island experience. Accommodation options range from Sirru Residences and two- and three-bedroom water and beach villas to Safari Tented Villas, all offering generous living spaces, private pools and seamless indoor-outdoor layouts suited to multi-generational stays.
Throughout the season, families can participate in Sirru Family Moments, including Coralarium discovery experiences, stargazing, archery, tennis, football and Muay Thai. The resort also offers extensive children’s and teen programming, including arts and crafts, treasure hunts, beach and pool games, outdoor cinema nights and talent shows.
The Kids’ Club welcomes children aged four to 14, providing a bright and engaging environment featuring a distinctive spiral slide. As an added benefit for family travellers, the resort offers a Kids Fly, Stay and Eat Free programme for children under 14 years of age.
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