Applications for the MIB Guesthouse Award will open on 15 July 2026, marking the introduction of a dedicated awards programme focused exclusively on the Maldives’ guesthouse sector.
The announcement was made at a press conference held on 29 January at Maagiri Hotel by Maldives Islamic Bank. Crowe Maldives has been appointed to independently manage and administer the awards, a mandate intended to ensure transparency and credibility throughout the selection process.
Speaking at the event, Hassan Mohamed, Managing Partner of Crowe Maldives, said the initiative aims to strengthen confidence among investors while encouraging higher professional standards within the guesthouse industry. The awards framework has been designed to go beyond recognition, with an emphasis on sustainability, service quality, and long-term value creation for operators.
The awards will feature eight categories for guesthouses, covering areas such as service excellence, authentic Maldivian experiences, culinary offerings, environmental practices, community engagement, digital presence, and marine and dive experiences. In addition, three individual awards will recognise contributions to culture, guest experience, and dive leadership, alongside an island-level award for excellence in guesthouse tourism.
According to the organisers, the categories have been structured to reflect the operational and commercial factors shaping the sector, while aligning with changing expectations from travellers and investors. The nomination period is expected to remain open for around one month, with detailed criteria to be released in the coming days.
The MIB Guesthouse Award will be presented during the annual MIB Guesthouse Symposium, scheduled to take place later this year. The initiative has received official endorsement from the National Hotels and Guesthouse Association of Maldives.
