Business
Maldives first dive show to showcase over 100 vessels, host expert-led forums

Maldives’ first ever international boat and dive show will showcase more than 100 vessels, and host two expert-led forums on dive tourism and boating industry, organisers announced Tuesday.
Organised by local PR and marketing firm Maldives Getaways, the first edition of the Maldives International Boat and Dive Show will take place from March 22-23, 2018 in the satellite town of Hulhumale.
In a statement, Maldives Getaways said Tuesday that the event dates fall directly between The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) and The Singapore Yacht Show, giving boats of all sizes a scenic view of the Maldives. Special floating platforms are to be built to create a temporary marina for the docking of more than 100 vessels that are to be showcased at the event, it added.
According to Maldives Getaways, the Boat and Dive Show will also host a professional divers conference and a marine industry professionals’ forum. The first ever Diver Summit will see diving professionals and potential stakeholders come together to discuss the future of dive tourism in the Maldives, whereas the Marine Industry Forum will bring together marine specialists from all backgrounds to discuss pressing issues and future of boating as well as positioning the Maldives as a fully-fledged boating destination, the firm said.
“Places like Singapore and Dubai already host their own dive and boat shows. With the current growth in the tourism industry, there’s a need for the Maldives to have a dive and boat show of its own. We believe that the Maldives International Boat and Dive Show will create immense networking opportunities,” Abdulla Nashaath, a Director at the firm, was quoted in the statement as saying.
Maldives Getaways also publishes Divemv, which is the only dedicated dive magazine in the Maldives. The magazine, developed solely for the purpose of promoting the Maldives as a dive destination, is published in English with a total of 3,000 copies printed and freely distributed to all interested parties across the globe, including suppliers, travel agents and other businesses.
Known internationally as one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations, the Maldives has an abundance of dive sites with one thrilling dive opportunity after another. The islands of the Maldives have consistently warm waters with outstanding visibility throughout the year, and consist of exhilarating dive sites such as vibrant thilas, exciting channels, coral-filled overhangs and fascinating wrecks.
The dive show is a welcome addition to the range of events organised by Maldives Getaways to promote the Maldives tourism industry. The firm is currently gearing up to hold the first edition of Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), the first international travel trade show in the Maldives, in July.
Business
2 decades of culinary excellence: BBM’s founding legacy with Hotel Asia continues in 2025

Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge is referred to be the hospitality industry event in the Maldives. In this year’s Culinary Challenge (19 to 22 October 2025) comprising competitions over 20 categories, most will take place at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, Maldives National University, and some at the Synthetic Track, Hulhumalé.

A Founding Partnership that Endures
Since the very first edition in 2001, Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has played a central role in shaping the International Culinary Challenge into the Maldives’ most prestigious culinary platform. The event has become a cornerstone for professional development, bringing together chefs from across the Maldives to compete, learn, and showcase their craft.

BBM and their associated Principals sponsor an overwhelming majority of categories. “From the beginning, our goal has been to create opportunities for Maldivian chefs to rise to global standards. This partnership has grown with the industry itself,” said A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of BBM.

Nurturing Local Talent
BBM’s contribution extends beyond sponsorship. The company has built a long-term system for recognizing and developing local culinary talent.
- BBM Chairman’s Trophy for the Best Maldivian Competitor.
- Most Promising Young Chef Award for emerging talent.
- Global exposure programs for Maldivian chefs through sponsored participation in international events.
- Pro-bono Masterclasses with world-renowned chefs to encourage learning and innovation.
Investing in the Future of Hospitality
Through initiatives such as Building Young Talent, BBM continues to mentor aspiring professionals and support the next generation of chefs. The company also promotes inclusivity by sponsoring opportunities for female and young chefs to gain international exposure.
BBM’s industry partnerships include its role as Title Sponsor of the Hotelier Maldives Awards, celebrating excellence across the Maldivian hospitality sector.

Proud Sponsors of Culinary Excellence
In 2025, BBM and its partner brands proudly sponsor 14 competition categories and 8 Main Awards, further strengthening their role in the development of culinary arts in the Maldives. Categories include Decorated Cake, Artistic Showpiece, Bread and Pastry Display, Three Desserts (Display), Desserts, Rice Dish, Asian Noodles, Team Challenge, Maldivian Dish, Creative Sandwich, Young Chef, Tea Challenge, tapas/finger food, and Iced Mocktail.
Business
Bestbuy Maldives, MNU forge partnership to advance hospitality education

The Maldives National University – Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (MNU-FHTS) and Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen industry-academic collaboration and advance hospitality education in the Maldives.
The MoU was signed by Dr Aishath Shehenaz Adam, Vice Chancellor of MNU, and Ismail Hilmy, Chairman and Managing Director of BBM, during a ceremony attended by the university’s Chancellor Dr Mahmood Shaugee, senior management, and representatives from both organisations.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in developing a state-of-the-art Food and Beverage Practical Demonstration Kitchen at MNU-FHTS. BBM will support the upgrading of the existing Garde Manger kitchen and classrooms, contributing financially and materially to create a modern, industry-standard learning environment for future hospitality professionals.
Beyond infrastructure, the collaboration will extend to academic and training support, research and innovation in culinary arts, community engagement, and professional networking opportunities, ensuring that students gain practical, real-world experience aligned with industry expectations.
Highlighting the broader purpose of this partnership, BBM stated that, “This is a significant step in the direction of BBM’s vision involving hospitality industry outreach in the Maldives — because tomorrows start today. Initially, we will set up a world-class model kitchen that will be suitable for masterclasses and hands-on training for students; and also for product demonstrations, masterclasses, and interaction with groups of customers.”
Speaking at the ceremony, representatives from both institutions emphasised their shared vision to promote excellence in education, innovation, and human capital development in the Maldivian hospitality sector. This partnership underscores BBM’s continued commitment to supporting education and industry growth, and MNU-FHTS’s mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry — nurturing the next generation of hospitality leaders in the Maldives.
Business
SATA 2025 announces partnerships; confirms Hotelier Maldives, Maldives Insider as Media Partners

Hotelier Maldives and Maldives Insider have been confirmed as official Media Partners of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025. The announcement was made during a signing ceremony held at Hulhulé Island Hotel, Maldives, where SATA unveiled its distinguished partners for the 9th edition of the annual awards.
Now in its ninth year, SATA has become a key platform for recognising excellence in South Asia’s tourism and hospitality sector. The partnership with Hotelier Maldives and Maldives Insider will strengthen the awards’ regional visibility and ensure extensive coverage of the event across Maldives and beyond.

This year’s awards ceremony will take place from 19th to 20th September 2025 at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Sri Lanka, bringing together industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators from across South Asia.
In addition to the media partnership, SATA 2025 also announced its corporate partners. Honda Marine has been named the Platinum Partner, while The Hawks, Velana International Airport, and Allied Insurance Company of the Maldives join as Gold Partners. Renaatus Realty has been confirmed as the Silver Partner, and Hulhulé Island Hotel continues as the official Hospitality Partner in the Maldives.

Speaking at the ceremony, SATA organisers noted that the strong lineup of partners reflects the growing importance of collaboration within the tourism and hospitality industry. With the support of its partners, SATA 2025 aims not only to celebrate outstanding achievements but also to foster long-term cooperation and sustainable growth in the region’s tourism sector.
The awards are endorsed by leading national tourism bodies and associations across South Asia, including the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Nepal Tourism Board, Visit Maldives Corporation Limited, and several travel and hotel associations across the region.

This year’s evaluation process was conducted by a panel of nine jury members representing different countries, including tourism leaders from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Spain, and the Maldives.
Through partnerships with media outlets such as Hotelier Maldives and Maldives Insider, SATA 2025 will ensure broad engagement across key markets, strengthening its position as one of South Asia’s most prestigious hospitality and travel award platforms.
-
News1 week ago
Universal Resorts transforms into VERSA, unveiling NIVA as cornerstone of international growth strategy
-
Featured1 week ago
The St. Regis Maldives introduces holistic wellness experience with Tash and Andre Barnard
-
Celebration1 week ago
Centara Hotels & Resorts lights up Maldives with vibrant Diwali celebrations
-
Awards1 week ago
Luxury Lifestyle Awards honours Summer Island Maldives as Best Romantic Resort
-
Celebration1 week ago
Festive cheer meets island bliss at Kuramathi Maldives
-
Celebration1 week ago
Experience Diwali in paradise with Villa Nautica’s beachside celebrations
-
Cooking1 week ago
Ifuru Island Maldives introduces Kai, blending Teppanyaki tradition with island spirit
-
Featured1 week ago
Where magic meets Maldivian shore: One&Only Reethi Rah’s ‘BELIEVE’ festive season