MIB Guesthouse Symposium 2026 begins with focus on sustainability and future of local tourism

The third edition of the MIB Guesthouse Symposium 2026 has begun at Barceló Nasandhura Maldives, bringing together guesthouse operators and tourism industry stakeholders to discuss the future of the country’s local tourism sector.

Organised by Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB), this year’s symposium is being held under the theme “Beyond the Stay: Building the Guesthouse of Tomorrow.”

MIB CEO and Managing Director Mufaddal Idris Kumri said the Maldives’ guesthouse sector continues to grow rapidly, with an increasing number of tourists choosing to stay at guesthouses. He highlighted sustainability as an area that now requires greater attention, including waste management, reef conservation and other environmental practices on local islands.

International speaker and online business strategist Kiruba Shankar delivered the keynote address, focusing on ways guesthouses can strengthen their marketing and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market. He also discussed the use of evolving marketing tools and artificial intelligence to build stronger digital footprints and help travellers discover guesthouse businesses.

The symposium brings together guesthouse owners, operators and other tourism stakeholders to exchange ideas, share practical experiences and explore opportunities to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector.

The newly introduced Guesthouse Awards will also be presented during this year’s symposium.