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Visit Maldives, 173 officials from 80 companies represent Maldives at WTM London 2022

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Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives), together with 173 participants from 80 companies, are representing the Maldives at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2022.

The event is hosted at ExCel London from 7th – 9th November 2022. The Maldivian delegation at WTM London this year is led by the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of MMPRC Thoyyib Mohamed. 

WTM London is one of the leading global events for the travel industry to meet industry professionals and conduct business deals. Utilising its industry networks and unrivalled global reach, the three-day in-person event creates business opportunities by connecting with industry delegates and international media. Throughout WTM London 2022, MMPRC aims to meet with the travel trade from the United Kingdom and global partners and share the latest updates on the Maldives and our tourism products. 

Along with our industry partners, MMPRC is promoting our diverse products and segments and showcasing the unique aspects, activities, and experiences of the Sunny Side of Life at a 420 sqm double-decker Maldives stand. Our participation in WTM London is made even more special this year as it coincides with the Golden Jubilee of Maldives Tourism, marking 50 years since we began welcoming visitors to our shores. To maintain our presence as a preferred destination in the UK market and beyond, we will be hosting a wide range of activities throughout the three days of the fair. 

Through the participation of our delegation at WTM London 2022, we aim to connect with travel trade from the UK market and beyond, share our latest travel guidelines, and more. It provides the perfect opportunity for networking, strengthening existing business ties, and maintaining destination presence as one a top-of-the-mind spot for holiday travel. The events further provide the ideal platform for industry partners to; promote their individual products and properties; generate new business leads; and network with the UK and global travel trade to identify sentiments of consumers towards the destination.

Attending global media officials are provided the latest updates on the destination through in-person interviews with CEO & MD Thoyyib.

Additionally, the Maldives stand includes a designated area where industry partners and MMPRC officials can host presentations- this area is designed to showcase the ‘Redefining Mice’ concept unique to the Maldives. The Minister of Tourism of the Maldives, along with officials from the Ministry, are also part of the Maldives delegation at WTM London 2022. 

A new activity planned at the stand this year is the 360 video booth, an exciting technology which uses a revolving camera to give a 360-degree experience. This booth provides visitors opportunities to take pictures and videos immersed in the beauty of the Maldives all around them. Other activities at the stand include distributing press packs, the launching of the 2023 destination guide, and kicking off an exciting new venture by MMPRC for next year as part of our global marketing efforts. 

One of the major highlights from the activities planned for WTM London this year includes the ‘Maldives Media Meet’ celebrating 50 years of tourism in the Maldives. Hosted by MMPRC on 9th November, speakers at the event include; Maldives’ tourism pioneer Hussain Afeef; the Minister of Tourism Dr Abdulla Mausoom; the High Commissioner of the Maldives to the UK Dr Farah Faizal; and MMPRC’s CEO Thoyyib Mohamed.

In order to strategically promote the Maldives during our time in the UK, MMPRC will additionally host a three-city roadshow series in London, Manchester and Newcastle on the 9th, 10th, and 11th of November, respectively. 

The UK is traditionally one of the top source markets for the Maldives and currently ranks at 3rd with 147,535 arrivals by 2nd November this year. This is 10.9% of the market share from the 1،354،828 total arrivals into the country during this period. MMPRC has been conducting several activities aimed at this market to maintain and broaden destination momentum. This includes; participation in fairs and exhibitions in the UK market; outdoor advertising campaigns; and social and digital media marketing campaigns. Similar activities are planned ahead for this market in the upcoming months.  

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 was the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, and we are nominated for the third time this year, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travellers from all over the globe.

Business

BBM: Stronger hospitality platform via Hotelier Maldives Awards, culinary development

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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.

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Business

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

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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.

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Business

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

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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.

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