Fuvahmulah City has won the premier Champion Island title at the inaugural Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) Guesthouse Awards, earning a development grant of MVR 500,000, Sun Online reported.
The award recognises the city's community-driven efforts to expand guesthouse tourism while preserving its natural ecology and developing supportive local infrastructure. Deputy Mayor Mohamed Liraar accepted the honour on behalf of the city at the ceremony held alongside the annual MIB Guesthouse Symposium.
According to Maldives Islamic Bank, the Champion Island accolade evaluates active resident involvement, public service infrastructure, environmental protection, and strategic council initiatives to market local tourism sustainably. The accompanying half-million rufiyaa grant will fund a dedicated community-benefit project designed to enhance tourism amenities and public spaces.
Speaking after receiving the prize, Deputy Mayor Liraar described the recognition as a meaningful milestone that validates the shared efforts of local guesthouse owners and residents:
"It is a great honor for the city to receive this award. The MIB-initiated award will serve as a major incentive for guesthouse operators and those working to advance rural tourism."
The bank stated that the awards programme aims to highlight grassroots innovation across island councils and tourism operators throughout the Maldives. Fuvahmulah has emerged as a distinct destination known for pelagic marine encounters and nature-based tourism, drawing an increasing share of independent travellers.
