Business
‘Following the Equator’ festival in Maldives celebrates best of global tourism films

Second edition of the International Tourism Film Festival Maldives (ITFFM) has wrapped up with a celebration of the best films and documentaries showcasing some of the most beautiful tourism destinations in the world.
Organised by Sun Siyam Resorts in association with the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT), the three-day festival took place at the award-winning The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives resort from September 6-8. Held under the theme, ‘Following the Equator’, the festival kicked off with a cocktail reception and live music at the beach, followed by a dinner. International film makers, celebrities and industry professionals in attendance witnessed the screening of several films submitted as part of the festival.
“This festival is all about bringing together people from different destinations to enjoy and appreciate the different tourism destinations around the world,” Sara Siyam, PR and Communications Executive at Sun Siyam Resorts and ITFFM Secretary General, said.

Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, the Chairman and Managing Director of Sun Siyam Resorts, attends the closing gala of ITFFM 2018. PHOTO/ FAYAZ MOOSA
The second night of the festival featured a special segment on fashion and lifestyle with the participation of local models and makeup artists. More entries were screened to the audience.
An eight-member jury evaluated the 200 plus entries received from around the world. ITFFM Founder Evgenia Boyankova, ITFFM General Secretary Sara Siyam, Managing Editor of Vibe Magazine Hussain Shiham, Sun Siyam Resorts’ Head of Marketing Fathimath Reena, RAFY NGO President Aishath Rafiyya, CIFFT Director Alexander V. Kammel, CIFFT General Secretary Hugo Marcos, and Director of FilmAT Festival Ewa Kotus judged the entries based on several parameters, including visual quality, sound quality, reaching the goals, informational value, outstanding approach and innovativeness.
“Before you start any project, you should understand your target audience. For example, a film that sounds boring to some may be perfect for your target audience. You have to make sure that elements familiar to your target audience are included in your film,” Alexander said, during an open forum held on the second day of the festival.
“Your objective should be to make the viewer say, ‘I want to go there’.”

The open forum held as part of ITFFM 2018. PHOTO/ FAYAZ MOOSA
After a rigorous judging process, the nominees and winners in each category were announced at a grand gala at the the magnificent beach of The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives resort. ‘Abu Dhabi – Your Extraordinary Story’ by Norman Bates won the coveted Grand Prix award as well as the Tourism Destination – Cities category. Other category winners include:
- Dinner With Georgia: Tourism Destination – Countries
- Fishing in Maldives: National Productions
- Gastronomy of Valencia: Tourism Services
- Hatta is Calling: Adventure Tourism
- Cruises: Water/Ethnography
- Dalmatia Ultra Trail: Environment & Eco-tourism
- Love Summer: Hotels & Resorts
- Spirit of Dubai: Cultural Tourism
- The Route of Fate: Tourism Destination – Regions

Attendees at the closing gala of ITFFM 2018. PHOTO/ FAYAZ MOOSA
Just like the first edition in 2016, ITFFM 2018 brought together professionals, celebrities and guests from across the globe to share their passion for travelling and seeing the beauty of it, the love for art, tourism and sports.
This year’s edition witnessed celebrity figures including Chinese actors Dong Dong Xu and Terence Yin as well as British TV personality Lizzie Cundy. Social media influencers and travel bloggers from around the world along with Maldivian models and celebrities were also in attendance. The presence of top Chinese TV channel CCTV6 and well-known tourism journalists from France, Italy, Middle East and Russia, as well as the local travel media, which included Maldives Insider and Maldives TV made the festival more eventful.
Sun Siyam Resorts has a portfolio of boutique luxury resorts in the Maldives and neighbouring Sri Lanka: The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, Olhuveli Beach and Spa Maldives, Sun Aqua Vilu Reef, and the Sun Aqua Pasikudah in Sri Lanka as well as the upcoming Sun Aqua Iru Veli in the Maldives.
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.
Business
Redefining corporate retreats at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

MICE travel is undergoing a sea change—quite literally. No longer limited to traditional conference rooms and structured schedules, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) are now about creating moments that inspire, rejuvenate, and bring teams closer together. At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, the boundaries between business and leisure blur, offering a setting that transforms work into a pleasure.

Just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is the ideal destination for teams looking to escape the expected. Here, brainstorming sessions take place on powder-soft beaches, where the rhythmic waves set the pace for new ideas. Mornings might begin with yoga by the ocean, followed by strategy meetings in open-air pavilions. Afternoons invite collaborative workshops under swaying palms or team-building activities that include snorkelling, paddleboarding, or even a friendly beach volleyball match.

Dining at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives elevates every corporate event with fresh, sea-to-table cuisine, designed to fuel both body and mind. From curated group dinners under star-streaked skies to themed private banquets, every meal becomes an experience in itself. For those looking to celebrate milestones or reward top performers, the resort’s scenic locations offer the perfect backdrop for gala evenings or intimate cocktail gatherings.

Accommodation blends comfort with elegance, offering ocean-view suites and beachside retreats that allow participants to rest, recharge, and return with a fresh perspective. Despite the remote charm, connectivity is never an issue—seamless Wi-Fi and business-friendly amenities ensure that productivity doesn’t pause, even in paradise.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives turns corporate travel into something memorable. Whether it’s a leadership retreat, a high-level conference, or an incentive escape, the resort offers a canvas for events that leave lasting impressions. Here, business goals are pursued in harmony with nature, creativity flows effortlessly, and the line between work and well-being fades.
Let your next MICE experience be more than a meeting—make it a journey worth sharing.
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