World’s first tokenized hotel project
The Maldives (Commonwealth Union)_ A major step forward in the fusion of luxury hospitality and digital finance is unfolding in the Maldives. Accordingly, the Trump Organization and international developer Dar Global have revealed plans for what they describe as the world’s first tokenized luxury hotel project, giving crypto-focused investors a chance to participate in the development long before the resort opens its doors. The initiative introduces a new model for financing in high-end real estate, where digital tokens represent early ownership in part of a major project.
The Trump International Hotel Maldives will be developed on a token-based model, giving investors digital access to the project from the beginning. Unlike many real estate blockchain projects, which tokenize completed homes, the system allows access during the building phase. For investors who want to get in early, it offers a chance to enter a premium hospitality project before the foundation is even laid.
Trump’s collaboration with Dar Global
The Trump Organization and Saudi real estate developer Dar Global’s cooperation has evolved significantly over time, with collaborative initiatives already underway in the Middle East, including luxury houses, golf resorts, and a towering 80-story complex in Dubai. The Maldives project represents another major chapter in this expanding relationship. Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, said the Maldives resort aims to set a new benchmark for how major hospitality projects attract investment.
According to him, tokenization offers a contemporary path for individuals who want exposure to luxury developments without needing to buy or manage a full physical unit. Dar Global’s CEO, Ziad El Chaar, added that the company intends to rely heavily on tokenization for this project, and up to 70% of the financing may come from token sales. The company expects this approach to broaden access to high-value real estate, giving a more diverse pool of investors a stake in major international destinations.
What is a tokenized hotel?
With the use of blockchain technology, tokenized hotel companies provide digital units of the ownership of an off-site physical property or assets known as “tokens.” The token allows a small portion or share of a larger organization or company to be purchased, just like stock in a publicly traded company would be purchased. The tokens can be bought or sold after being issued and may provide some additional benefits based on how well the assets do. In the Maldives case, there will be Real World Asset exchanges where investors will have the ability to purchase a token corresponding to a defined physical area (room or villa), enabling them to become part-owners or partial investors in a hotel.
The Real World Asset exchange in the Maldives is anticipated to be operational in the near future. This means that instead of purchasing an entire property, an investor could buy a fractional digital stake. The exact details of what rights these tokens will include, such as revenue sharing or resale options, have not yet been finalized. The idea arrives at a time when global interest in real estate tokenization is soaring. Industry analysts project that tokenized real estate could grow into a multi-trillion-dollar market by 2035, potentially surpassing the size of the current cryptocurrency market.
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Blockchain innovation in the Maldives
The choice of the Maldives, a destination already known for cutting-edge hospitality design, signals an international push toward welcoming blockchain-driven development in the tourism sector. The resort’s tokenized financing model positions the island nation as an early adopter of a new investment landscape where digital assets and luxury travel intersect. Although the technology powering the token marketplace has not yet been disclosed, developers have emphasized that the project will allow investors to acquire pieces of the resort “on-chain,” meaning on the blockchain. Investors could potentially earn a yield tied to the property’s performance and popularity. If successful, the project may pave the way for wider use of blockchain in global resort financing.
The project value and structure
The Maldives development carries an estimated value of around $300 million. Dar Global plans to retain between 30% and 40% ownership, while the remaining majority could be distributed among token holders. This would make the project one of the largest real estate tokenization efforts globally. The resort features plans for approximately 80 villas, split between beachfront units and the Maldives’ signature over-water accommodations.
Each villa is designed to cater to high-end travelers seeking private, secluded experiences. Early plans include VIP-style amenities, ultra-luxury beaches, and carefully designed spaces that lean into the Maldives’ reputation for exclusive tourism. The location will be about 25 minutes by speedboat from Malé, making it convenient for international visitors. The developers aim to complete construction by the end of 2028, although detailed rollout timelines for the token sale have not yet been released.
Scope for tourism and investment
By tokenising a luxury resort, an investor can help fund a tourism project located in one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world. The Maldives has long been an appealing destination for wealthy vacationers, newlyweds (honeymooners), and the high-end luxury consumer market. Furthermore, through fractional ownership of a resort via digital tokens, the investors will be able to capitalize on this high demand from all these groups. For investors, this gives them the opportunity to access an asset class, which historically has only been available to affluent buyers or institutional investor groups, giving them access to many more potential customers. If the resort performs well as a business, token holders could potentially earn money depending on how the final rights to income and profits are structured. For the Maldives, the project accelerates tourism growth while also aligning the country with emerging digital economic models.
Crypto investments in business
The project also reflects the Trump family’s growing involvement in the digital asset space. In recent years, Donald Trump and his associates have leaned more visibly into crypto-related ventures, including token launches and public remarks supporting the growth of blockchain technology. New US regulations on stablecoins and other digital assets have further fueled interest from global businesses exploring tokenized finance. As tokenization becomes more mainstream, analysts say it could transform how major developments are funded and owned.
Still, experts caution that the market faces obstacles, especially regulatory uncertainty, liquidity challenges, and the complexities of tokenizing early-stage properties. The Trump International Hotel Maldives places itself at the intersection of luxury real estate, blockchain innovation, and global investment trends. If successful, the project could reshape how the hospitality industry approaches financing and how individuals around the world participate in high-value property ventures.
