Hotelier Maldives honours four tourism veterans with Dedicated Service Awards 2026

Four long-serving professionals in the country’s tourism sector were recognised for their decades of contribution at the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026, held on 26 April at NIVA Kurumba Maldives.

Organised by Hotelier Maldives and presented by Bestbuy Maldives, the awards marked their third edition and remain the only national platform dedicated to recognising the talent and service of resort employees across the Maldives.

The Dedicated Service Awards, selected by the Hotelier Maldives team, were presented alongside 23 individual and 12 team awards during the ceremony. The special category honours individuals whose long-term careers have significantly contributed to the development of the Maldivian tourism industry.

This year’s recipients were Adam Saeed of Bandos Maldives, Mohamed Waheed of Equator Village, Mohamed Naeem of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, and Abdul Samad Ibrahim of Club Med Maldives.

Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, said the awards aim to recognise individuals whose dedication has helped shape the industry over many years. He noted that the four honourees represent professionalism and service that have supported resorts, teams and communities nationwide.

Adam Saeed was honoured for more than 34 years of service in human resources and administration at Bandos Maldives, where he has played a key role in workforce management, compliance and operational continuity.

Mohamed Waheed, Resort Manager at Equator Village, was recognised for a career spanning nearly four decades. Beginning as a trainee receptionist in 1986, he rose through the ranks and now contributes not only to resort operations but also to inspiring youth in Addu to pursue careers in tourism.

Mohamed Naeem, who retired in 2025 as Deputy General Manager of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, was acknowledged for his four-decade career and role in advancing industry standards, including sustainability, staff welfare and workplace practices.

Abdul Samad Ibrahim, General Affairs Manager at Club Med Kani, received recognition for more than 40 years in the sector, including his longstanding association with the Club Med brand and multiple international and national awards for service excellence.

Hotelier Maldives stated that the Dedicated Service Awards reflect its continued commitment to recognising individuals whose long-term efforts have supported the growth and continuity of the Maldives’ tourism sector.

The event was supported by several partners, including Dhiraagu, STO Energy and Maldives Airports Company Limited as Platinum Sponsors, Bank of Maldives as Banking Partner, and Maldives TV as Broadcast Partner, among others.