Business
Marriott International launches LIVE FULLY activation in collaboration with Maldives National University

Marriott International Maldives in collaboration with Maldives National University recently launched an activation to become employer of choice in Maldives – LIVE FULLY.
The objective of this collaboration is to nurture and create the future talent pipeline for Leadership roles within Marriott International Maldives focused on the local talents. The key aim of this event was to highlight growth opportunities and career adventure for the young minds within Marriott International. It aimed to inspire students to reflect on their career journeys, what it means to live fully with Marriott International, and how to take the next step in growing their career to who they want to become within the company.
Live Fully is an external-facing extension of Marriott’s TakeCare Culture, showcasing the different TakeCare Pillars – (Opportunity, Community and Purpose) and how they come to life at Marriott International. Whether an individual is seeking to grow with new opportunities, work beside teammates that feel like family, or make a difference, TakeCare culture helps the associates to live life to its fullest.
Emma Jones, was aspirational about Marriott Culture and the growth opportunities it has for the young and creative students of MNU. She did mention that the company provides a world of opportunities and helps each associate to grow and develop professionally and personally by developing meaningful and supportive relationships at workplace. The theme of this activation showcases Marriott International’s commitment towards its associate growth and how it invests in associates to allow them to Live Fully, and Grow Forward.
The event began with a panel discussion between the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism studies, Maldives National University led by MZeenath Solih and Marriott International representatives. The idea was to seek common collaborative grounds to attract, train and retain the local talent graduating from MNU. Marriott International representatives were positive about this collaboration considering the growth of their resorts in Maldives.
The next was an interactive and engaging session between the students and Marriott International team. Around 50 students from MNU participated in this event. The focus was on presenting the amazing growth opportunities to the students offered by the seven resorts.
The event focused on Marriotternship – Hotel Internship Programme offered by Marriott International to the students. It is a highly structured and planned program spanned over a period of 06 months, providing on job exposure in all Operations and Support departments and presenting an opportunity to work and learn alongside the hospitality experts in Maldives.
The next segment was about Voyage – Global Leadership Development Programme spanned over a period of 18 months to help create the future leaders. Voyage helps build on the current strengths of high potential students providing them continuous guidance and learning opportunities thereby creating a Talent pool of future Supervisory and Mid Management level leaders. Currently this programme is offered by The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and Le Méridien Maldives Resort and Spa. In the coming years, all resorts look forward to host the Voyage Programme. All seven resorts also provided direct hiring opportunities for the students present for the event.
Along with the growth opportunities, the discussion was focused on Marriott’s Take Care culture and the various benefits of personal growth Marriott International has to offer, highlighting how the company places an importance on associate growth, and that there are structured trainings to help them become who they want to be.
Marriott International representatives truly wish to keep this momentum alive and collaborate on many such development opportunities with Maldives National University.
To begin your Marriott Adventure today, login to: Marriott.com/Careers OR MarriottU.com
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.
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