. Travel digest

Travelers are increasingly returning to the Maldives in search of clear lagoons, warm hospitality and authentic experiences that match their personal interests. Recent research shows a shift toward personalized stays: a Mews survey indicates that 68 % of respondents prefer tailored experiences over generic rewards, with especially strong interest among Gen Z and high‑spending guests.

The Maldives has again been recognised as a top global tourism destination, receiving the titles of World’s Leading Destination 2025 – its sixth straight win – and World’s Leading Green Destination 2025, its second consecutive award, at the World Travel Awards Grand Final held in Bahrain.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are considered the most prestigious accolades in

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been honoured as the 5th‑ranked Overseas Leisure Resort in the Global category of the 2025 Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, a distinction awarded by travel enthusiasts across the region.

The resort has also secured a position among the top Indian Ocean properties in the Condé Nast Traveller US Readers’ Choice Awards

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, in partnership with the event organizer Music in Paradise, has announced that Australian singer‑songwriter Missy Higgins will return for a series of intimate shows on the resort’s private island from 13 to 20 June 2026.

Following a highly praised debut in the Maldives in 2025, Higgins confirmed that she has “unfinished business” in the archipelago

The Maldives has achieved a new record this year by welcoming the two‑millionth tourist of 2025 earlier than any previous year. The milestone guest, Bethany Sarah Kerswell, a 30‑year‑old traveller from the United Kingdom, arrived at Velana International Airport on the morning of 27 November. A brief ceremony was held at the airport waterfront to mark the occasion. This was Ms Kerswell’s first

VARU by Atmosphere, a leading luxury resort in the Maldives, has announced the opening of two new dining concepts: Teppanyaki Over Water and Cellar at NÜ. Both venues are designed to provide guests with distinctive, high‑quality culinary experiences that blend innovation with the natural beauty of the islands.

Teppanyaki Over Water brings the theatrical art of Japanese teppanyaki

Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hospitality division of Thailand’s Dusit International, has announced the upcoming launch of Feydhoo Hall at its newest lifestyle resort, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives. The venue is designed to revitalize the Maldives’ meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) market as well as the wedding segment.

Located only seven minutes by speedboat from

Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) is opening a series of targeted engagement sessions for its industry partners. The aim is to deepen collaboration and jointly develop strategies that will promote tourism in the Maldives.

The sessions will give stakeholders a forum to share observations, raise concerns, and propose ideas that will shape future programmes and increase their impact