Maldives pushes for long stays

Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim told a press briefing the government is exploring visa categories targeted at remote workers and content creators as part of a push to boost guesthouse occupancy and lengthen tourist stays. (hoteliermaldives.com) The ministry said the current 30‑day visa on arrival remains standard but officials are considering simpler visa‑extension procedures to enable longer continuous visits. (hoteliermaldives.com) A special Cabinet committee was formed to assess fallout from the Middle East conflict, with officials noting roughly 30% of Maldives visitors either transit through or originate from that region. (en.mmtv.mv) The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa lists a Two‑Bedroom Overwater Villa with private pool spanning about 205 sqm and the resort is reachable by a 15‑minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport. (marriott.com) Major booking platforms show standard nightly rates for the resort’s rooms and villas starting in the mid‑hundreds of US dollars, reflecting widely available public rates rather than the premium figures circulating on social posts. (trip.com) Madifushi Private Island officially opened the Kokko Learning Studio on March 22, 2026, describing the programme with the tagline “Crafting Curiosity Every Day” and pitching hands‑on activities such as nature discovery sessions, storytelling circles and design challenges. (travelution.media) The tourism ministry also flagged plans to develop sports fishing, technical and recreational diving, and improved operations for superyachts and liveaboards as complementary products to help extend visitor stays. (hoteliermaldives.com)