Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 recognises industry talent across tourism sector

Hotelier Maldives on Sunday night announced the winners of the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026, celebrating outstanding individuals, teams and programmes across the country’s tourism industry.

Held at NIVA Kurumba Maldives, the annual awards—now in their third edition—remain the only national platform dedicated to recognising the talent and contributions of resort employees in the Maldives. The event brought together hoteliers, industry partners and key tourism stakeholders to honour excellence across operations, guest services, leadership, sustainability, training and commercial performance.

The awards were presented by Bestbuy Maldives as title sponsor, with support from a range of partners including Dhiraagu, STO Energy, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and Bank of Maldives, among others.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hotelier Maldives Editor Ali Naafiz said the awards continue to spotlight the people and teams driving the success of the tourism sector.

“The 2026 winners reflect the depth of talent, commitment and professionalism present across resorts and hospitality businesses in the Maldives,” he said, congratulating all winners and nominees for their contributions.

Key individual award winners

Among the notable winners, Mayuree Khamnonmuang of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives was named Wellness Personality of the Year, while Aminath Malsa Shiyam of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands received Concierge/Guest Services Personality of the Year.

Ahmed Fazeen of One&Only Reethi Rah was awarded Housekeeper of the Year, and Abdulkader Anwar of Kandima Maldives took IT Personality of the Year. Hussain Hameed of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives won Engineer of the Year, while Abdulla Ibrahim of Sun Siyam Olhuveli was named Landscaper of the Year.

Other major winners included Mohamed Hussain Shihab of InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort (HR & Training Personality of the Year), Shazeen Mansoor of Manta Air (Aviator of the Year), and Mahmoud Matar of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi (Finance Personality of the Year).

Chef Christian Christoffer Pedersen of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort secured both Chef of the Year and the BBM Chairman’s Special Award, recognising his leadership and innovation in culinary operations.

Team and programme recognition

In team categories, JOALI Maldives was named Hotel Team of the Year, while Patina Maldives, Fari Islands’ VET by EHL Programme won Training and Development Programme of the Year.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu received Sustainability Champion of the Year, and Aitken Spence Hotels Maldives was recognised as Sales & Marketing Team of the Year. Other winners included SO/ Maldives (Rooms Division Team of the Year) and Six Senses Kanuhura (Engineering Team of the Year).

Hotelier Maldives said nominations for the 2027 edition are expected to open in early January next year, as the platform continues to expand recognition for the people behind the Maldives’ tourism success.