Maldives Tourism Chiefs Pledge AI, Digital Shift to Transform Destination Reach

Government and tourism industry leaders have pledged to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence and digital technology to expand the Maldives’ global tourism reach, improve operations and enhance visitor experiences.

The commitments were outlined in messages marking World Tourism Day 2026, themed “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”.

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Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen said the government is working to strengthen tourism data systems, modernise licensing and deploy AI tools to improve demand forecasting. 

On World Tourism Day, I thank everyone who makes the Maldives a welcoming destination—from our resorts and guesthouses to liveaboards and island communities.

As we explore digital tools and AI, our priority is to improve the visitor experience and create more opportunities for… pic.twitter.com/0JZU76mQd8— Mohamed Ameen (@ameen3d) September 27, 2026

Visit Maldives Corporation CEO and Managing Director Abdulla Yasir highlighted research-driven digital marketing initiatives, including the SeaSational Summer campaign, and identified halal tourism as an area for market diversification.

Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) Chairman Hussain Afeef said the association has launched workshops on AI-powered marketing and creative advertising, while stressing that technology should complement human service.

National Hotels & Guesthouses Association of Maldives President Abdulla Nasheed said direct digital booking channels could help island-based and mid-scale tourism businesses reduce reliance on third-party intermediaries and retain greater economic benefits within local communities.

National Boating Association of Maldives President Ismail Shareef said digital innovation would also be used to improve fleet management and maritime safety, while the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators is focusing on equipping local travel agencies with digital skills.

The push towards digitalisation comes as the tourism sector records a decline in arrivals compared with last year.

Tourist arrivals reached 1,450,007 as of 31 August, down 3.7 per cent from the same period last year.

Resorts accounted for 73.5 per cent of visitors, with 1,045,805 arrivals, followed by local guesthouses at 22.2 per cent, with 315,350 visitors. Hotels accounted for 2.3 per cent and liveaboards 1.9 per cent.

China remained the largest source market, accounting for 18.7 per cent of arrivals, followed by Russia at 14.6 per cent and the United Kingdom at 7.8 per cent.