Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 Draw Record Nominations as Submissions Close

Nominations for the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 closed at 11:59pm on 9 February, recording the highest level of participation since the awards were launched.

Hotelier Maldives extended the original deadline of 2 February by seven days following requests from resorts across the country. By the close of nominations, more than 460 submissions had been received from resorts operating across the Maldives’ 179 active properties.

The entries reflected broad industry participation, with submissions from local and international resort groups, ultra-luxury properties and resorts spanning all market segments. Organisers said the response underscored continued engagement from the Maldivian hospitality sector and growing recognition of the awards programme.

Presented by Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), the Hotelier Maldives Awards recognise excellence among hospitality professionals working in resort operations, acknowledging both individual achievement and team performance. First launched in 2024, the programme remains the only national awards initiative dedicated exclusively to recognising resort-based hospitality professionals.

The 2026 edition marks the most expansive awards cycle to date, following the introduction of new team-based categories alongside established individual awards. All nominations were submitted through the official online portal and supported by endorsement letters from each resort’s general manager or human resources department.

Hotelier Maldives said the judging panel for the 2026 awards will be announced shortly. Once appointed, judges will review submissions and shortlist eligible nominees, with public voting scheduled to open in early March.

The Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026 gala ceremony is set to take place in mid-April, bringing together hospitality professionals, industry leaders and stakeholders to celebrate excellence across the Maldivian resort sector. Further details on judging, voting and the event will be announced through Hotelier Maldives’ official platforms in the coming weeks.