Marriott International Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) has introduced an expanded range of guest experiences under its Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™ program, reinforcing a growing regional emphasis on intentional travel and meaningful destination engagement. The enhanced program now features nearly 100 curated experiences across close to 80 hotels in 12 markets throughout the Asia Pacific region, offering travelers opportunities to connect more deeply with local cultures, communities, and natural environments. Designed around the core pillars of Community and Environment, the initiative reflects evolving traveler preferences toward experiences that combine leisure with social and environmental awareness while supporting the destinations they visit.
The program enables guests to participate in thoughtfully designed activities that highlight the cultural identity and ecological importance of each location. Through immersive and hands-on experiences, travelers gain a deeper understanding of local traditions, conservation efforts, and community initiatives, creating opportunities for positive contributions while traveling. According to John Toomey, Chief Commercial Officer of Marriott International APEC, the enhanced program reflects the company’s commitment to delivering meaningful guest experiences aligned with modern travel expectations, where visitors increasingly seek authentic engagement with destinations and meaningful ways to contribute to communities and the environment.
Across the Asia Pacific excluding China region, a total of 99 experiences are currently offered, with the Maldives emerging as a key destination within the program through 14 dedicated experiences hosted across several internationally recognized resorts. The Maldives’ participation highlights the country’s unique position as a global tourism destination where environmental conservation, marine biodiversity, and cultural heritage are closely intertwined with the guest experience. Resorts across the islands have incorporated sustainability, education, and community engagement into activities that allow visitors to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the nation while contributing to its long-term preservation.
Among the initiatives, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort and Sheraton Full Moon Maldives Resort & Spa offer coral adoption and restoration experiences that allow guests to work alongside in-house marine biologists and Reefscapers experts. Participants plant coral fragments onto specially designed frames that are later placed in resort lagoons to develop into thriving coral colonies. Guests can follow the growth of their coral through regular updates and biannual photographs, creating an ongoing connection to the marine ecosystem long after their visit. The project also supports local livelihoods, as the coral frames are produced on Fulhadhoo Island in Baa Atoll, generating employment opportunities and reinforcing community participation in marine conservation efforts.
At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, guests are introduced to a comprehensive environmental education journey that combines technology and conservation. Experiences such as Ocean Discovery through virtual reality, Little Conservationist programs for younger travelers, Eco Heroes activities, and microplastics research expeditions provide insight into ocean preservation while encouraging active participation in protecting fragile marine ecosystems. These initiatives reflect the resort’s commitment to combining luxury hospitality with scientific awareness and environmental responsibility.
Cultural immersion remains a central component of the Maldivian offerings. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, in partnership with AQUA Dive Center, provides local island excursions designed to introduce visitors to everyday Maldivian life. Guests explore historical landmarks, local markets, community institutions, and family-run businesses, gaining a deeper appreciation of local traditions and contributing directly to community engagement through responsible tourism practices.
Environmental innovation is also highlighted through the INVENA Project at JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The initiative focuses on climate adaptation strategies that help protect coastlines while supporting marine ecosystems and local communities. Guests learn about coral reef ecosystems and explore how scientific innovation can play a role in safeguarding island environments against climate-related challenges.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa presents a sustainability-focused experience through its Family Foraging program, inviting guests to explore one of the Maldives’ largest greenhouses and learn about hydroponic farming techniques. The initiative demonstrates how sustainable agriculture can support year-round food production in land-scarce island nations, offering insight into innovative solutions that enhance food resilience while reducing environmental impact.
Cultural preservation is further showcased at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa through a community-based heritage experience that allows guests to engage with traditional Maldivian festivals, music, cuisine, and storytelling. Visitors participate in traditional dances and enjoy family recipes passed down through generations, fostering authentic cultural exchange and strengthening appreciation for local customs and heritage.
Marine conservation efforts are also central to the Sea of Stars Reef Restoration Project at W Maldives, where guests explore the resort’s award-winning house reef and learn about coral rehabilitation initiatives. Visitors observe the installation of hundreds of reef stars, hexagonal underwater structures supporting thousands of coral fragments representing multiple native species—while gaining first-hand understanding of coral reef restoration and the importance of preserving marine biodiversity in the Maldives.
Through the expanded Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™ program, Marriott International continues to position travel as a platform for cultural understanding, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration. The Maldives’ extensive participation demonstrates how luxury hospitality and sustainability can coexist, offering global travelers enriching experiences that deepen their connection to destinations while supporting conservation and local communities.
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