Connect with us

Business

Maldives, Singapore ink pact to boost air connectivity

Published

on

Maldives and Singapore inked an agreement on Monday to expand air connectivity in a bid to further boost tourism and economic ties between the two Asian countries.

The updated Air Services Agreement was one of two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signed during Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s ongoing state visit to Singapore. Signing of both the updated Air Services Agreement and a second MoU on stepping up bilateral exchanges and cooperation was witnessed by the Maldivian president and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

With the updated Air Services Agreement, airlines of the Maldives and Singapore will be able to operate as many passenger flights or cargo services as they want between and beyond both countries.

“[The agreement] underscores the strong bilateral ties between Singapore and Maldives, and will enable greater movement of people and goods between the two countries to benefit both our economies,” Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Transport Lam Pin Min, who signed the air pact with Maldives’ foreign minister Abdulla Shahid, said.

Meanwhile, Singaporean President Halimah Yacob said that since diplomatic ties were established in 1975, the links between the two countries and its peoples have been growing steadily. The Open Skies Agreement will bring the people and businesses of both countries even closer together, she added.

“Air connectivity is a crucial lifeline for our economies. It supports tourism and connects people and services,” President Halimah said, during a state luncheon hosted in honour of the visiting Maldivian president.

The Singaporean president stressed that Singapore Airlines was one of the first airlines to start direct flights to and from the Maldives in 1984. This supports the strong presence of Singaporean companies such as Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) in the Maldives, and the thousands of Maldivian visitors to Singapore every year, she added.

Currently, Singaporean carriers operate a total of 20 weekly services to the Maldives capital Male, with Singapore Airlines operating a daily service between Singapore Changi Airport and the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport.

Despite a slight decline in tourist arrivals to the Maldives from Singapore last year, the number of Singaporean visitors has increased in the first five months of this year. Official figures show that 5,187 Singaporeans visited the Maldives during the January-May period — a 13.8 per cent increase over the same period last year.

Business

Dubai Chocolate Brownies in Maldives: BBM, Dreidoppel conclude pastry tour

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Business

BBM brings Vaseline, Hellmann’s, BRU Coffee to Maldives market

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Business

Redefining corporate retreats at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.