Following her on-stage interview at the AHICE Maldives conference this week, Hilton Vice President and Regional Head South East Asia, Alex Murray, shares her insights into the Maldives market.
“The Maldives’ enduring appeal as a luxury destination has cemented its position as one of the most resilient tourism markets in Asia Pacific. Tourist arrivals continue to show strong momentum, reaching 1.29 million by July 2025, a 9.5% YoY increase (Source: DLR). Off-season momentum is also strong: between May and July 2025, arrivals rose 13.1% vs same period in 2024 (Source: Travel Daily News APAC).
“Within Maldives and the larger Asia Pacific region, the luxury and lifestyle segment has emerged as one of the most dynamic areas of in the region, driven by evolving traveler expectations and investor appetite for differentiated hotel products. Hilton is rapidly scaling its luxury and lifestyle portfolio across Asia Pacific, meeting this demand head-on. Today, Hilton now operates over 160 luxury and lifestyle properties in the region and expects to grow supply by at least 50% in the years ahead.
“As demand rises for high-end, experience-driven stays, we are strengthening our presence in this space to deliver world-class experiences to travelers seeking the very best in hospitality. For example, here in the Maldives, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi recently unveiled an exclusive partnership with Hedley Studios to introduce a rare, 75% scale Ferrari Testa Rossa to its Private Island. This unique collaboration blends automotive heritage with the resort’s ultra-luxury setting and offers our guests an unforgettable, sense-of-place experience.
“While resorts near Malé with boat access continue to perform strongly, we also see growing opportunities in seaplane-access atolls, where travellers are increasingly drawn to destinations that offer a deeper connection to nature. For example, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s guided Nature Walk and Lagoon Tour introduces guests to the island’s unique ecosystem, native flora and fauna, and conservation initiatives, allowing them to experience a true sense of place.”