AGP Executive Report

Tobacco-Free Push: Maldives President calls for stronger action to protect people from smoking, with government moves toward a national campaign and calls for a “tobacco-free generation,” including proposals to restrict sale of tobacco products to those born after a set year. Measles Alert: HPA confirms 2 more measles cases in Greater Malé, bringing the total to 11, and urges residents to ensure children have had two measles vaccine doses and that contacts get vaccinated; a new vaccination campaign is planned for those who missed doses. Global Wellness Day (Maldives): JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa rolls out a June 13–15 wellness journey leading into International Yoga Day on June 21, featuring yoga, breathwork, meditation, aqua yoga, and mindful dining. Spa Memberships: Wellness by Mandara launches an exclusive membership programme at Barceló Nasandhura (Malé), priced at USD 199, aimed at making premium self-care easier for city residents and frequent spa guests. Marine + Wellness Travel: The Standard, Maldives announces a June programme tied to manta ray season, blending plant-based dining, zero-waste meals, tree planting, and ocean conservation themes. Sports & Adventure: Raaraa Pro 2026 kiteboarding competition returns in Dhiffushi (June 1–6), expanding into freestyle and building youth and community engagement around watersports. Connectivity Boost: Centara Grand Lagoon hosts an Australian delegation celebrating the start of direct weekly air service between Australia and the Maldives, improving access for wellness and luxury travellers.

Tobacco crackdown: Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu marked World No Tobacco Day by urging action against nicotine addiction, pointing to the e-cigarette ban, the Tobacco-Free Generation policy, expanded cessation services, and warnings about flavoured nicotine pouches and AI-driven marketing. National campaign: The government also announced a five-year, nationwide push to cut tobacco use through school and youth awareness, sports-linked activities, stronger enforcement, and community partnerships. Measles alert: Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed 2 more measles cases in Greater Malé, bringing the total to 11, and is urging residents to complete two vaccine doses; it plans a targeted vaccination drive for those who missed doses. Wellness in the capital: Wellness by Mandara launched an exclusive membership programme at Barceló Nasandhura (Malé), offering ongoing spa access and “festive elixirs” designed to support wellness during indulgent seasons. Active Maldives tourism: Raaraa Pro 2026, the country’s kiteboarding competition, kicked off in Dhiffushi (1–6 June), blending sport, youth participation, and adventure tourism.

Tobacco-Free Push: Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu marks World No Tobacco Day by urging action against nicotine addiction, pointing to the e-cigarette ban and the Tobacco-Free Generation policy, while warning about flavoured nicotine pouches and AI-driven marketing. Public Health Campaign: The government also announced a five-year nationwide drive to cut tobacco use through awareness in schools and youth programmes, stronger enforcement, and expanded cessation support. Measles Alert: Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirms 2 more measles cases in Greater Malé, bringing totals to 11, and says it will vaccinate close contacts and launch a campaign for those missing doses. Wellness in the Capital: Wellness by Mandara launches an exclusive membership programme at Barceló Nasandhura (Malé), designed for consistent self-care with curated spa privileges. Global Wellness Day: Mandara Spa joins Global Wellness Day’s #JoyMagenta theme, focusing on joy, balance, and human connection. Sports & Youth: Raaraa Pro 2026 kicks off in Dhiffushi (1–6 June), expanding kiteboarding beyond slalom into freestyle and boosting youth/adventure tourism. Safety Reminder: Coverage highlights the risks of cave diving and recent Maldives fatalities, underscoring the need for strict safety practices.

Measles Alert in Greater Malé: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed 2 more measles cases, bringing the total to 11. HPA is urging residents to ensure children have had both vaccine doses and says it will vaccinate close contacts and launch a campaign for anyone who missed doses, with vaccines being sourced abroad. Tobacco-Free Push: On World No Tobacco Day, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu called for stronger action against nicotine addiction, highlighting the Maldives’ e-cigarette ban and Tobacco-Free Generation policy, while warning about flavoured nicotine pouches and AI-driven marketing. National Campaign: The government announced a five-year nationwide campaign to cut tobacco use, focusing on awareness in schools and youth programmes, expanding cessation support, and strengthening enforcement. Wellness in the Capital: Mandara Spa launched an exclusive membership programme at Barceló Nasandhura in Malé, aiming to make consistent self-care easier with curated spa privileges. Global Wellness Day (Joy): Mandara Spa marks Global Wellness Day’s 15th anniversary with a focus on joy, balance, and human connection under the #JoyMagenta theme. Safer Diving Reminder: A report highlights how cave diving and other marine activities can be deadly, urging caution as Maldives diving incidents continue to draw attention.

Measles Alert (Greater Malé): The Health Protection Agency confirmed 2 more measles cases, bringing the total to 11, and is urging residents to ensure children get both vaccine doses on time while vaccinating close contacts and launching a community catch-up campaign. Tobacco-Free Push (World No Tobacco Day): Maldives President Muizzu called for stronger action against nicotine addiction, warning about flavoured nicotine pouches and AI-driven marketing, as the government announced a five-year nationwide campaign to cut tobacco use through awareness, school and youth outreach, and tougher enforcement. Wellness Travel (Global): Mandara Spa marked Global Wellness Day with a joy-focused approach to wellbeing, while Dusit’s Well-Fest 2026 invites guests to reset through sunrise yoga, mindful movement, sound healing, wellness dining, and sleep-focused experiences. Resort Wellness & Food Waste: Six Senses joined the UN-backed Recipe of Change to help halve food waste by 2030, and Mandara Spa strengthened its wellness offering through a partnership with ELEMIS. Maldives Connectivity & Luxury: Centara Grand Lagoon hosted an Australian delegation celebrating new direct flights, supporting growing demand for immersive luxury and wellness experiences.

Tobacco-Free Push: Maldives President Muizzu marked World No Tobacco Day by urging action against nicotine addiction, warning about flavoured nicotine pouches and AI-driven marketing, while pointing to the e-cigarette ban, the Tobacco-Free Generation policy, and expanded smoking cessation support. National Campaign: The government also announced a five-year drive to cut tobacco use through school and youth awareness, sports-linked activities, stronger enforcement, and community participation. Measles Alert: Health Protection Agency (HPA) is launching a measles vaccination push in Greater Malé for people who missed two doses after recent cases, including contacts and community catch-up as vaccines are sourced. Wellness Travel: Dusit Hotels rolled out Well-Fest 2026 in June, with sunrise yoga, mindful movement, sound healing, wellness dining, sleep-focused experiences, and reconnection activities. Maldives Spa Upgrade: Mandara Spa strengthened its wellness offering via its ongoing ELEMIS partnership, bringing science-led skincare treatments to island wellbeing. Safety & Diving: Reports on the Maldives cave-diving tragedy continue, with preliminary findings pointing to drowning or acute oxygen deprivation, alongside broader warnings about the risks of underwater caves.

Tobacco-Free Push: Maldives President Muizzu marked World No Tobacco Day urging collective action against nicotine addiction, warning about flavoured nicotine pouches and AI-driven marketing, while highlighting the country’s e-cigarette ban and Tobacco-Free Generation policy. National Campaign: The government also announced a five-year drive to cut tobacco use via school and youth awareness, expanded cessation support, community participation, and tougher enforcement. Measles Alert: Health Protection Agency (HPA) plans a Greater Malé vaccination push after recent measles cases, including vaccinating close contacts and people who missed two doses. Wellness Travel: Dusit Hotels launched Well-Fest 2026 across June with sunrise yoga, mindfulness, sound healing, wellness dining, and sleep-focused experiences. Spa Upgrade: Mandara Spa strengthened its Maldives wellness menu through a partnership with ELEMIS. Maldives Diving Safety: A major report on underwater cave diving risks follows recent Maldives fatalities, spotlighting how quickly “safe” waters can turn deadly. Recipe for Health: A new South Asian recipe initiative aims to build culturally matched diabetes and heart-disease prevention tools, with Maldives included among participating communities.

Tobacco-Free Push: Maldives President Muizzu marked World No Tobacco Day urging stronger action against nicotine addiction, highlighting the e-cigarette ban and the Tobacco-Free Generation policy, while warning about flavoured nicotine pouches and AI-driven marketing. National Campaign: The government also announced a five-year, nationwide drive to cut tobacco use through awareness in schools and youth programmes, expanded cessation support, and tougher enforcement. Measles Alert: The Health Protection Agency will launch a measles vaccination campaign in Greater Malé after recent cases, targeting people who missed two doses and those who had contact with confirmed patients. Safer Diving Reminder: A Maldives cave-diving tragedy is still under scrutiny, with Italian preliminary autopsies pointing to drowning or acute oxygen deprivation; experts also warn that underwater caves are among the most dangerous dive sites. Wellness Tourism: Dusit Hotels rolled out Well-Fest 2026 in June, focused on sleep, mindfulness, and restorative experiences—an angle that fits Maldives’ wellness-minded travellers. Community Health via Food: A South Asian recipe contest (including Maldives) aims to build culturally relevant diabetes and heart-disease prevention resources using lentils and vegetables.

Tobacco-Free Push: Maldives President Muizzu marked World No Tobacco Day urging collective action against nicotine addiction, warning about flavoured pouches and AI-driven marketing, while pointing to the e-cigarette ban and the Tobacco-Free Generation policy. National Campaign: The government also announced a five-year, nationwide drive to cut tobacco use through school and youth awareness, stronger enforcement, and expanded cessation support. Measles Alert: Health Protection Agency (HPA) is launching a measles vaccination campaign in Greater Malé after recent cases, targeting people who missed two doses and those who had contact with confirmed patients. Cave Diving Safety: A Maldives cave-diving tragedy is still under investigation, with preliminary Italian autopsies pointing to drowning or acute oxygen deprivation—another reminder that underwater caves can turn deadly fast. Wellness & Travel: Visit Maldives promoted “Luxury without Limits” at ITB China 2026, targeting Chinese luxury, wellness, diving, and family travel demand. Community & Culture: Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua joined Eid celebrations in Kinbidhoo, praising the island’s Beyya cultural creativity. Health Study Call: East Health Trust and the University of Otago are inviting South Asian recipe submissions to help build culturally appropriate diabetes and heart-disease prevention resources.

Measles Alert: Maldives’ Health Protection Agency (HPA) is launching a special measles vaccination drive in Greater Malé for people who haven’t completed two doses, after 9 recent positives and an initial case detected on May 13—aiming to stop further spread while vaccines are sourced abroad. Diving Safety Shock: New reporting on the Maldives honeymoon hotspot highlights how marine-related incidents and diving deaths have tarnished the romantic image, with experts pointing to recurring patterns as visitor numbers rise. Cave Tragedy Update: Preliminary autopsies in Italy suggest Maldives cave diving victims likely died from drowning or acute oxygen deprivation, as a criminal investigation continues over alleged negligence. Rescue Hope (Global): In Laos, rescuers pulled four people to safety after nearly two weeks in a flooded cave; five were found alive, with two still missing—an ongoing reminder of how dangerous confined-water rescues can be. Wellness Tourism: Dusit Hotels and Resorts is rolling out Well-Fest 2026 across June, focusing on sleep, mindfulness, and restorative experiences. China Travel Push: Visit Maldives is at ITB China 2026, targeting China’s luxury travel market with B2B meetings covering wellness, diving, culture, and family travel.

Maldives cave diving tragedy: Preliminary autopsies in Italy suggest the victims likely died from drowning or acute oxygen deprivation, as investigations continue and phones/devices were seized for forensic review. Rescue & safety: In Laos, five of seven villagers trapped in a flooded cave for a week were found alive, with search and extraction still ongoing. Wellness tourism push: Dusit Hotels and Resorts expanded Well-Fest 2026, a month-long restorative wellness programme focused on sleep, mindfulness, sound healing and family activities. Local tourism momentum: Visit Maldives took part in ITB China 2026 to target China’s luxury travel market, highlighting wellness, diving, family and cultural experiences. Health funding (regional): Zambia was selected for a €10m global health fund initiative to strengthen primary healthcare and help countries become investment-ready. Hospitality leadership: Vikas Kumar was appointed Cluster General Manager for Taj Exotica and Taj Coral Reef Maldives, overseeing both resorts. Oceans & reef care: Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives launched its ninth-anniversary “Summer Lagoon Living” campaign tied to World Oceans Day and house-reef conservation.

Maldives diving safety: Italian authorities say preliminary autopsies in the Maldives cave tragedy point to drowning or acute oxygen deprivation, while a criminal probe continues into alleged negligence; investigators have seized victims’ phones and devices. Rescue & risk awareness: A Canadian tourist died after a night diving incident in Curaçao, where CPR was attempted before the diver was taken to hospital—another reminder that night dives demand extra caution. Wellness travel momentum: Dusit Hotels and Resorts expands Well-Fest 2026, a month-long “Reset I Reconnect I Reignite” programme focused on sleep, mindfulness, mindful movement and wellness dining. Tourism & health-adjacent hospitality: Visit Maldives pushes its Chinese luxury market push at ITB China 2026, highlighting wellness and diving experiences for trade partners. Local resort wellness: Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives launches its ninth-anniversary “Summer Lagoon Living” campaign tied to World Oceans Day, encouraging more conscious reef-friendly guest experiences. Leadership in Maldives hospitality: Vikas Kumar appointed Cluster General Manager overseeing Taj Exotica and Taj Coral Reef Maldives. Climate justice lens: A commentary argues climate change must be treated as a justice issue, not just an environmental one.

Maldives Diving Tragedy: Italy’s preliminary autopsies in the Maldives cave dive case suggest drowning or acute oxygen deprivation, as prosecutors pursue a negligence manslaughter probe and seize victims’ phones for forensics. Public Health & Safety: With infectious disease concerns rising ahead of Eid, health authorities are urging extra caution as measles cases prompt new hospital support and dengue risk is flagged by CDC reporting. Primary Healthcare Funding: Zambia joins Angola, Burundi and Ethiopia in a €10m EIB Global-backed push to strengthen primary healthcare planning and make projects “investment-ready” for universal health coverage. Wellness-Linked Travel: Visit Maldives boosts its China market push at ITB China with a focus on luxury, family, honeymoon, wellness and diving experiences. Rescue Watch: In Laos, rescuers continue efforts to reach seven villagers trapped in a flooded cave after heavy rain, with conditions still limiting access and contact. Heart Health Focus: A South Asian Heart Clinic highlights higher heart disease risk in South Asian communities and promotes prevention-focused care.

Wellness & Heart Care: Allegheny Health Network launches a South Asian Heart Clinic in Pennsylvania to tackle higher heart-disease risk in South Asians through prevention-focused care. Tourism & Wellness Travel: Visit Maldives pushes its “Luxury without Limits” campaign at ITB China 2026, targeting Chinese luxury, family, honeymoon, wellness and diving travellers. Resort Lifestyle (Maldives): Grand Park Kodhipparu marks its 9th anniversary with “Summer Lagoon Living,” encouraging longer, reef-conscious stays tied to World Oceans Day. Family Travel Trend: A new report highlights “slow,” multigenerational luxury trips in 2026, with destinations ranked for family-friendly resorts, safety and all-inclusive ease. Health Funding (Africa): Zambia joins a €10m EIB Global health initiative to strengthen primary healthcare and help countries become “investment-ready.” Public Health Alert (Europe): Italy issues an Ebola-like alert after two aid workers in Milan develop symptoms; officials say public risk is low. Safety Watch: Search and rescue continues for villagers trapped in a flooded cave in Laos after flash flooding.

Maldives Tourism & Trade: Visit Maldives pushed its “Luxury without Limits” push at ITB China 2026 in Shanghai, pitching luxury, family, honeymoon, wellness, diving and culture to Chinese travel trade partners. Wellness-Linked Tourism: Grand Park Kodhipparu marked its 9th anniversary with “Summer Lagoon Living,” tying longer stays to ocean conservation and reef protection. Resort Growth Watch: A new wave of luxury branding is expanding across the Maldives, with multiple major openings and lifestyle concepts continuing to reshape the visitor experience. Primary Healthcare Funding: Zambia (with Angola, Burundi and Ethiopia) is set to receive €10m in support to strengthen primary healthcare planning and make projects investment-ready via the Health Impact Investment Platform. Health & Safety Abroad: Search and rescue efforts continue after villagers were trapped in a flooded Laos cave, with five later reported found alive; meanwhile, health alerts over Ebola-like symptoms in Italy highlight ongoing infectious-disease vigilance.

Family Wellness Travel: A new Kuoda study puts Bali at the top for multigenerational luxury travel in 2026, highlighting “slow travel,” all-inclusive ease, and activities that work for every age. Primary Healthcare Funding: Zambia is set to receive €10 million via EIB Global’s Health Impact Investment Platform to strengthen primary healthcare planning and make projects “investment-ready,” joining Angola, Burundi and Ethiopia. Maldives Luxury Growth: The Maldives is gearing up for a new wave of branded, high-end developments—more than classic overwater villas—fuelled by improved access and new luxury formats. Rescue & Safety Watch: In Laos, rescuers found 5 of 7 villagers alive after a week trapped in a flooded cave; search continues for the remaining two as heavy rain and tight conditions complicate access. Infectious Disease Alert: Italy’s health authorities are monitoring two aid workers with Ebola-like symptoms after a trip to Uganda, with officials stressing the public risk is currently low. Maldives Tourism Trade: Visit Maldives is at ITB China 2026 to boost visibility with Chinese tour operators, including wellness, diving, family and luxury offerings. Sports & Healthy Living: President Muizzu says the Maldives is pushing to host international football tournaments and strengthen sports development as part of a broader healthy living agenda.