Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) has launched its third annual Guesthouse Symposium, bringing together industry professionals and experts to discuss the development of the guesthouse sector in the Maldives.
The one-day MIB Guesthouse Symposium 2026 is taking place at Barceló Nasandhura. The bank explained that one of the event's main objectives is to bring together people working in the guesthouse industry and experienced professionals to exchange views on matters concerning the sector.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Maldives Islamic Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mufaddal Idris Khumri described guesthouses as the second pillar of the Maldives' tourism industry.
He highlighted how the guesthouse sector has enabled island communities and local businesses to benefit from tourism while creating numerous employment opportunities.
This year's symposium carries the theme, "Beyond the Stay: Building the Guesthouse of Tomorrow".
CEO Mufaddal also outlined the bank's ongoing efforts to develop the guesthouse industry, including facilitating Islamic financing opportunities for guesthouse operators seeking to invest in the sector.
The symposium has attracted 200 participants from the Maldives and overseas. For the first time this year, organisers also plan to introduce guesthouse awards, with 12 awards across three categories.
The event comes as the guesthouse industry continues to expand across the Maldives. The country currently has 931 operational guesthouses, offering a combined capacity of more than 16,000 beds.
Guesthouses have accommodated 21.8 per cent of tourists who have visited the Maldives so far this year.