Business
Maldives posts double digit growth in tourist arrivals amidst political crisis

Maldives on Thursday posted a double digit growth in tourist arrivals in February despite a series of travel advisories from almost every major source market amidst heightened political instability.
Maldives has attracted a wave of bad publicity following the recent declaration and extension of a state of emergency. However, the political turmoil is strictly restricted to the capital city, away from the resorts and local islands where holidaymakers stay in.
However, official figures for the month of February released by the tourism ministry show that a total of 144,286 tourists visited the Maldives during the month — a 19.6 percent increase over the 121,052 tourists in February 2017.
Europe, the largest regional source market, posted an overall growth of 17.7 percent over February 2017, as arrivals increased to 79,710 from 67,730. Almost all the important European markets such as the UK (up 9.3 percent), Germany (up 10.3 percent), France (up 18.8 percent) and Italy (up 24.5 percent) made strong gains last month.
Asia followed the same growth trajectory, with a major uptick in numbers from the Chinese market despite a highly unusual travel advisory by the Chinese government.
Arrivals from China increased by 38.1 percent to reach 33,506 last month compared to the 24,263 in February 2017. This growth comes after a decline of 15.8 percent in January — a disappointing performance by the Maldives’ single biggest source market, which during the last two months of 2017 posted a stellar performance after major declines over the past two years.
Major contributors to Maldives tourism from South East Asia posted strong performances in February, with arrivals from countries such as Malaysia and Thailand increasing by 40.6 percent and 118.7 percent respectively. Arrivals from Singapore, however, declined by 40.8 percent.
However, arrivals from South Asia, which has become one of the fastest growing source markets, declined by 6.5 percent in February. Visitors from India, which is the most important market in the region, decreased by 1.1 percent — the first decline in almost a year — in light of repeated travel advisories.
Meanwhile, relatively new markets continued their upward growth trajectory last month as well, as arrivals from the Americas were up 26.4 percent, Oceania up 22 percent and Africa up 4.7 percent.
Arrivals from the US, which has recently secured a place amongst the top 10 contributors to the Maldives tourism industry, increased by 18.3 percent to reach 3,391 last month compared to the 2,867 in February 2017, while the number of visitors from Australia also increased by 23 percent. However, South Africa, which was once a major source market for the Maldives, posted a decline of seven percent after an extended period of recovery.
Middle East, which has proven to be a volatile market, posted another disappointing 19.4 percent decline in arrivals in February. This major decline, after a rare uptick in January, is largely due to fall in numbers from major Middle Eastern markets such as Saudi Arabia (down 31.1 percent), United Arab Emirates (down 25.1 percent) and Qatar (down 59.9 percent).
According to the February statistics, total arrivals for the first two months of the year increased by 16.3 percent to reach 286,637 compared to the 246,388 in the same period of last year.
Over the past five years, dozens of uninhabited islands have been leased to local and foreign resort developers. Several international brands have entered into the market, increasing the number of resorts to 120. That number is set to increase as the government has announced the opening of some 20 new resorts over the next two years.
Along with the new resort openings come the challenge of increasing demand from budget travellers who choose guesthouses over luxury resorts that the Maldives is known for. The guesthouse sector has rapidly expanded with over 450 guesthouses in operation today.
The government has recently announced new steps to maintain a structured growth in tourism, including a slowdown in leasing islands for resort development and increased marketing efforts in key markets such as China and the Middle East in order to reach an ambitious target of a record 1.5 million tourist arrivals this year.
Business
BBM: Stronger hospitality platform via Hotelier Maldives Awards, culinary development

Since 1990, Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) has been at the core of the Maldives’ hospitality supply chain. More than a distributor, BBM has become a trusted partner in shaping talent, raising standards, and building long-term capacity across the industry.
That commitment continues in 2025 through its title sponsorship of the Hotelier Maldives Awards, and its growing investment in culinary development and cross-industry collaboration.
Supporting the Ecosystem, Not Just the Event
BBM is the preferred partner for over 60 international brands. However, its true value lies in how it supports the people behind the brands. From chefs and service staff to back-of-house professionals, BBM works across the sector to create real impact.
This year, the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 expands its recognition with four new categories:
- Watersports Personality of the Year
- Diving Personality of the Year
- Airport Representative of the Year
- Resort Manager of the Year
These additions reflect a simple belief. Everyone who shapes the guest experience deserves to be seen. Not just the visible few. Everyone.
Hotel Asia and the Rise of Culinary Confidence
For more than two decades, BBM has served as the main sponsor of the Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge, endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS).
This platform has consistently raised the bar by bringing over 25 WACS A-Grade international jurors to the Maldives each year. Through this effort, local chefs get to test their skills on a global scale.
To further encourage excellence, BBM launched the Chairman’s Trophy, awarded annually to the most promising Maldivian chef:
- 2023 — Chef Mohamed Adhil
- 2024 — Chef Ahmed Mazim
Each name marks a growing movement. Maldivian chefs no longer compete to participate. They compete to win.
Backing Global Exposure for Local Talent
BBM has directly sponsored Maldivian chefs to represent the country at global events, including:
- HOFEX 2017 in Hong Kong, where Chef Ahmed Fatheen and Chef Ismail Naseer earned silver
- La Sial 2018 in Abu Dhabi, where Chef Mohamed Adhil won both gold and silver
- FHA 2018 in Singapore, supporting emerging talent
- Asian Pastry Cup 2018, where Chef Aminath Hameed was recognized as a pioneering female chef
- Chinese Cuisine World Championship 2019, where Chef Ahmed Mazim won bronze
- World Chefs Congress and Expo 2022, where BBM sponsored six MNU students under its Building Young Talent initiative
Creating Spaces for Knowledge Transfer
Beyond competitions, BBM hosts world-class chefs to lead pro bono Masterclasses, including:
- Chef Bruno Ménard, holder of three Michelin stars
- Chef Edwin Leow, gold medalist at the IKA Culinary Olympics
These sessions are designed to be open, practical, and rooted in the everyday reality of resort kitchens.
Recognition with Purpose
BBM’s sponsorship of the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 is part of a larger support system. These awards are not marketing. They are memories. They capture the faces, names, and efforts of those who make the Maldives one of the most admired hospitality destinations in the world.
“When people are seen, they rise,” said Ali Afrah Hassan, Head of HR, Admin, and Corporate Affairs at BBM. “This platform is our way of saying you matter. Not just once a year, but every day you show up to serve.”
Whether through product support, recognition, training, or infrastructure, BBM is building something larger than supply chains. It is helping shape the culture of Maldivian hospitality.
Business
Dubai Chocolate Brownies in Maldives: BBM, Dreidoppel conclude pastry tour

BBM’s exclusive Dreidoppel Demo Tour, led by Master Pâtissier Frankie Robin, concluded successfully on Apr 30th, after a 10-day pastry training series across 15 leading Maldivian resorts that requested the training. Two city bakeries were also trained on the 30th. The initiative brought together global expertise and a strong commitment to raising pastry standards in the local hospitality industry.
This year’s sessions focused on practical pastry solutions using Dreidoppel’s premium ingredient range to create Panettone, Dubai chocolate brownies, Mousses, Crème Brûlée, Fill & Gloss applications, and Caramel Chocolate Snacks.

A standout feature of the tour was the passion shown by young chefs across the islands.
Chef Frankie Robin remarked, “What truly impressed me was how prepared and passionate the young chefs were. Their eagerness to learn, experiment, and take their skills to world-class standards made every session an absolute joy.”

Grounded in real kitchen challenges—speed, flavour, and efficiency—Chef Frankie’s demos showcased how smart ingredient choices can drive both creativity and performance.
A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, added, “At BBM, we believe in more than just supplying ingredients—we are committed to the professional growth of the industry. Collaborations like this empower culinary teams with global techniques and greater confidence.”
The tour reflects BBM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Maldivian foodservice industry through knowledge-sharing and access to world-class products.
Business
BBM brings Vaseline, Hellmann’s, BRU Coffee to Maldives market

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) extended their strong and decades old partnership with Unilever International, by adding to their brand portfolio – Vaseline, Hellmann’s, and BRU Coffee for the Maldivian market.
The collaboration was announced at a Business gathering held at the Manhattan Business Hotel, attended by over 300 trade partners from across Maldives.

With this partnership, BBM strengthens its retail offerings across the Maldives archipelago. Vaseline, a trusted name in skincare, and Hellmann’s, known globally for quality food products, will now be available through BBM’s distribution network.
“Vaseline is a name that generations trust for skin care. And Hellmann’s is a global icon in flavours. We’re proud to bring both to shelves across the Maldives and enrich everyday living for our customers,” said Muksith Hussain, Business Head – Retail.
In the hospitality sector, BBM introduces Bru Coffee as an addition to its HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) offerings. BRU Coffee provides a quality beverage option for hotels, resorts, and restaurants across the Maldives.

“BRU is one of the most loved coffee brands in the region. With this launch, we’re giving our hospitality partners a versatile product that delivers on both taste and reliability that can be consumed as a beverage and for the purpose of dessert preparation, something they can serve with confidence,” said Hisham Girsy, Business Head – HORECA.
The gathering served as a platform for BBM to engage with its valued trade partners and introduce these new brands to the market.
A.V.S Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, remarked: “BBM is built on relationships. This event reflects our commitment to not just introduce great products but to support, connect, and elevate our trade partners. We’re in this together, and the journey ahead is promising.”

As BBM continues to grow its portfolio and global partnerships, the focus remains clear delivering excellence, building trust, and shaping the future of trade in the Maldives.
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) is a leading distribution company in the Maldives, connecting international brands with local businesses across retail and hospitality sectors. With a customer-focused approach and extensive distribution network, BBM continues to be a trusted partner in the Maldivian market.
-
News1 week ago
Celebration of flavour, culture, connection this Eid al-Adha at COMO Cocoa Island, COMO Maalifushi
-
News1 week ago
Rediscover wellness, nature, mindful living with Dusit Thani Maldives’ Well-Fest programme
-
Cooking1 week ago
Ifuru Island Maldives’ Social House introduces authentic Indian Thali experience
-
News1 week ago
Experience spirit of Eid with vibrant festivities at Amilla Maldives
-
Featured1 week ago
Villa Resorts Maldives recognised globally for luxurious halal-friendly experiences
-
Celebration6 days ago
Family fun and Maldivian traditions await this Eid at Summer Island Maldives
-
Awards6 days ago
Jawakara Islands Maldives ranks among global elite in 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards
-
Celebration6 days ago
Experience Maldivian traditions this Eid at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi