Business
Maldives participates in prominent travel trade exhibition TTF Kolkata, prepares for roadshow in India

Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC / Visit Maldives) has taken part in the TTF Travel & Tourism Fair and is gearing up to conduct a Maldives Roadshow in India.
TTF is held from 1st-3rd July 2022 in Kolkata with 13 industry partners, and the Maldives Roadshow will take place in Bangalore, Chennai, and Trivandrum on the 5th, 7th, and 8th of July respectively.
Visit Maldives, along with Riu Maldives and Sun Siyam Iruveli will be giving a special destination presentation to the visitor audience during this event, detailing the incredible holiday experiences available to visitors from the World’s Leading Destination.
TTF Travel & Tourism Fair in Kolkata is India’s leading exhibition for the travel and tourism industry. It provides an annual opportunity for organisations from India and abroad to showcase their products and services. Visitors can gather information and make national and international travel plans. TTF presents an unparalleled marketing opportunity for exhibitors to connect directly with the largest gathering of prospective travellers and members of the travel industry. The visitor profile for TTF includes tour operators, travel agents, airlines, hoteliers and other travel and trade professionals and stakeholders.

After concluding TTF Kolkata, Visit Maldives will hold a roadshow in three cities of India under the theme ‘Connect with Maldives, Your Ultimate Destination Maldives Roadshow in India’ together with potential operators and agents from India. The roadshow will be held on 5th July in Bangalore, 7th July in Chennai and 8th July in Trivandrum, alongside 16 industry partners.
During the roadshow, Visit Maldives and industry partners will showcase a destination presentation highlighting the products, experiences, and latest travel guidelines on the Maldives. The presentation will be followed by a productive night of networking and building new business relations, and a special raffle will be conducted awarding a free holiday in the Maldives.
During these events, Visit Maldives aims to maintain destination presence and promote the Maldives as the world’s leading destination in the Indian market alongside industry partners.
Participation in this event also comes as part of MMPRC’s marketing strategy for the Indian market, which is based on conducting ambient campaigns to strengthen Maldives’ brand in all major cities, identify channels to access the luxury market segment, promote affordable holiday options and focus on specific advertising for honeymooners and family holidays, combined with guest house stays.
India was the largest market in 2021 with over 278,740 travellers and a market share of 22.6%, and is the largest source market for the Maldives this year as well, thus far. As of 8th June 2022, the Maldives has welcomed 104,800 tourists to the country from India, ranking as the top source market to the country and contributing 14.3% of the total market share for this period.
MMPRC has planned several activities targeting the Indian market in the effort to maintain destination visibility. This includes ongoing joint-marketing campaigns with prominent partners such as Thomas Cook, Pickyourtrail, and Vistara Inflight Magazine, participation in major fairs such SATTE and OTM, and hosting familiarisation trips.
As the company responsible for marketing the Maldives as a destination abroad, MMPRC carried out 260 different marketing activities in 22 global markets last year, including fairs, roadshows, familiarisation trips, marketing campaigns, webinars, and interviews. The greatest testament to the success of these activities came late last year, as the Maldives secured the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ (among several other accolades) at the 2021 World Travel Awards, globally recognised as the hallmark of industry excellence. This is the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travellers from all over the globe.
This year also celebrates an exceptional year to visit the Maldives – the Golden Jubilee celebration of tourism in the Maldives kicked off earlier last year with plans to conduct new and exciting activities throughout the year.
Business
2025 sees Maldives reach 1 million tourist mark in record time

Maldives has welcomed its 1 millionth tourist of 2025 on 7th June 2025, the fastest that the country has achieved a million tourists in our nation’s history.
Kajal Singh, an Indian national, arrived in the Maldives today on IndiGo flight 6E 1131 at 12:55. She is visiting for her honeymoon at Bandos Maldives. This is her first trip to the Maldives.

Visit Maldives, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), hosted a special celebratory event at Velana International Airport to commemorate this remarkable achievement.
“This milestone fills us with immense pride, reflecting the successful culmination of our destination marketing initiatives that showcase the true essence of the Maldivian experience,” stated Minister for Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim. “Welcoming one million tourists with such unprecedented speed is a powerful indicator of our global appeal, and I extend my sincere appreciation to all the hardworking individuals across the tourism sector whose dedication made this achievement possible.”

In a gesture highlighting the nation’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the one millionth visitor, Kajal, was invited to participate in the “Five Million Trees Planting Program” initiated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Kajal planted a tree at Hulhulé as part of this nationwide effort to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and promote a greener Maldives for future generations.
“This achievement is a clear indicator that we are well on our way to attaining H.E President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s national tourist arrival target of 2.3 million for this year,” said CEO & MD of MMPRC Ibrahim Shiuree. “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with all our stakeholders, whose dedication and hard work are invaluable. Our commitment doesn’t end here; we are continually working to enhance the Maldives’ tourism industry and ensure the Sunny Side of Life remains a dream destination for everyone.”

The arrival of the 1 millionth tourist in 2025 marks a proud moment for Maldivian tourism, symbolizing the robust momentum generated by MMPRC’s strategic promotional efforts. Building on the resounding success of the recent Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, where the Maldives captivated the global travel trade community with its powerful and immersive showcase, this milestone highlights the effectiveness of our enhanced global visibility and affirmed key industry partnerships.
Complementing these efforts, the ongoing comprehensive Summer Campaign, with its multi-market strategy spanning Europe and key international markets, is actively driving increased visibility and stimulating early bookings for both the summer and upcoming winter seasons. MMPRC’s marketing initiatives such as high-impact campaigns, strategic partnerships, and targeted outreach are significantly enhancing the Maldives’ global brand, boosting booking confidence, and solidifying its position as a leading, year-round holiday destination.
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.
-
Awards1 week ago
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO ascends to elite global ranks with Tripadvisor ‘Best of the Best’ 2025
-
News1 week ago
Reconnect with loved ones at Coco Bodu Hithi, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu
-
Awards1 week ago
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts shine in Tripadvisor’s 2025 awards
-
Awards1 week ago
2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards: Kagi Maldives ranks in top 10% globally
-
Awards1 week ago
TripAdvisor names Meeru Maldives a top 10% hotel worldwide for 2025
-
Meditation1 week ago
Kuda Villingili Maldives to host aqua fitness icon Rajni Maker for Global Wellness Day
-
News1 week ago
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo to celebrate Eid Al-Adha with cultural immersion
-
News1 week ago
Celebrate Eid Al-Adha with bold beats, barefoot dining, revitalising escape at W Maldives