Business

Maldives gets praise as unparalleled natural wonder

Published

2 years ago

May 8, 2023

“Maldivian? You are lucky,” is the kind of response I got while I was covering the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) fair in Dubai when anyone realised I was from Maldives.

These people were in a city popular as a modern and high-end tourism destination that flourished in the barren desert of the UAE. Starting with beautiful beaches and luxury services, it’s also home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. It is also the UAE’s main business hub. But for almost all of them, it was the tiny island nation of Maldives that has stolen their heart.

There was a man standing near Maldives’ beautiful stand at the ATM fair. He was watching people who had climbed into the 360 photo booths set up in the stand and was clicking pictures. When I asked him if the stand was nice, he said it was beautiful. Although the stand showcased the country’s scenery, the man had never been to the Maldives.

“I’ve never been to the Maldives yet, but someday [I’ll go]. It’s on my bucket list,” he said.

Everyone who came to the Maldives stand during the fair made similar comments. Maldives, which won the Best Stand Feature award at the fair, was lauded.

A big portion of Dubai’s three million strong population is workers from different countries. From taxi and delivery services to tourism business and other sectors, foreigners are often seen at different levels in different sectors. I got to meet and speak to so many of them every day.

I discussed Dubai with a Pakistani taxi driver I met one day. Since I was not on vacation and had not been out sight-seeing much, I told the driver that all i saw were high-rise buildings and not much else. His next question to me was where I was from. When I said I was from the Maldives, he did not know which country it was. So I Googled and showed him pictures of Maldives on my phone.

“It is so beautiful! I have never seen a place like this,” he replied, widening his eyes and responding in the exact same way that anyone who sees Maldives for the first time does.

“If this is where you come from, how will you like anywhere else?”

During my visit to the ATM fair, I met someone who had worked in the Maldives in the past. The Indian had moved to Dubai and now works at a hotel there.

“I used to work at a resort in the Maldives, but due to the pandemic, I lost my job and had to go back,” he said.

Asking about the situation in the Maldives post-pandemic, he said he still wants to return to Maldives. He said there is no place like the Maldives.

Not without reason. I also asked various people I met like this about life in Dubai. Everyone says that in Dubai they earn much better than working in their own countries. According to them, it is also easier to get a UAE visa.

Then there is the question of the cost of visiting the Maldives. Everyone I met said they wanted to go to Maldives even if for once in their lives. Their question is how to manage the big responsibilities in their lives and make the trip to visit an expensive place like Maldives.

It’s true. The Maldives is an exotic tourist destination. That’s how it is known for. But with guesthouse tourism, there is now a chance to experience the Maldives on a budget. In addition to that, there are budget airlines operating to the country. I passed this information on and told them that people from different walks of life can experience the Maldives now.

People’s praise rained on Maldives even at a high-end place like Dubai. Those who have visited still want to come back again. Those who have not, are waiting for the opportunity.

Arab businessmen also know that there is no place like the Maldives. The Maldives has won the World’s Leading Destination, the most prestigious award given by the World Travel Awards, for three consecutive years since 2020. Dubai was on the nominated list of places on all three occasions.

The Maldives has set an example for Saudi Arabia in their efforts to enter the tourism sector as part of their economic diversification plans. Efforts are underway to develop resorts similar to those in the Maldives and open some of them this year. The Maldives is a unique place. The concept of ‘One Island, One Resort’ has been developed and mastered by the Maldives, unique to the Maldives and accepted by the whole world.

The next question is whether the replication of Maldivian resort concepts in another country will have any negative impact on the demand for resorts in the Maldives.

When asked about this on the last day of the ATM, MMPRC Managing Director Thoyyib Mohamed said that Maldivian tourism will be adversely affected if efforts are not made to promote the Maldives, regardless of the concept being recreated or not.

“There will be places that are like ours, or different from the Maldives. There will be in the future too. But will that have an impact? It will affect us even if it is not like Maldives if we stay idle like this without working,” he said.

“We have to explain how we are unique, what are the natural differences, and our experience is that we we always explain what food is available where, what can be done at different locations and explain the specialised features of different resorts. This is what we try to sell. We see if we can describe the experiences that could be had in the country and promote it.”

Thoyyib’s point was that we need not focus on the fact that places similar to the Maldives are being built, but rather, focus on how we can better market the Maldives to the world as the unique travel destination it is. The idea should be to market it properly. Both at the ATM fair and in Dubai, people’s perception of the Maldives and the level of demand for the place was evident. All that is left is to advertise properly.

Rich Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia can build facilities similar to Maldivian resorts. But the experience here is not something that can be replicated. Historical places cannot be copied. The beauty of the country is purely natural. Even if imitated, it will not be as perfect as is divinely crafted.

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BBM, Mamee Food Services partner to elevate Maldivian dining with Asian Cuisine Engagement Week

Published

3 days ago

June 30, 2025

m@ldives

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), a key supplier to the Maldives’ hospitality industry, in partnership with Mamee Food Services, has launched the Asian Cuisine Engagement Week. The programme, running from 29th June to 4th July 2025, is designed to introduce premium Asian sauces to the Maldives foodservice sector and upskill culinary professionals.

The official launch was held on Monday at BBM’s venue partner, the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS) at The Maldives National University (MNU). FHTS continues to be a key collaborator with BBM on industry events and culinary development. The event was attended by over 40 chefs from leading hotels and restaurants in Malé. Representatives from Mamee Food Services travelled to the Maldives to lead the session, which included live product demonstrations and technical training.

The focus of the initiative is the introduction of Mamee’s premium Asian sauces, including the Daebak range, which features a variety of Korean and East Asian flavours. The programme aims to support chefs in incorporating these new products into their menus, fostering innovation within commercial kitchens.

AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of Bestbuy Maldives, commented on the initiative, stating, “Our goal is to be a strategic partner for the culinary community in the Maldives. This collaboration with Mamee Food Services is a direct reflection of that commitment. By providing access to new products and facilitating hands-on training, we are investing in the skills of chefs and supporting the evolution of menu offerings across the country. This initiative aligns with our broader strategy to continuously elevate the culinary standards in the Maldives.”

He added, “We believe that introducing high-quality, authentic Asian flavours through our partnership with a globally recognised brand like Mamee will provide a new dimension to the dining experience for tourists and locals alike. This reinforces BBM’s role as a trusted partner for global F&B brands seeking to make a mark in the Maldivian market.”

Jennifer Chee, Director of Food Service at Mamee Food Service, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are incredibly excited to partner with Bestbuy Maldives to bring Mamee’s authentic Asian flavours to the vibrant culinary scene of the Maldives. This engagement week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase how our premium sauces, particularly the Daebak range, can inspire creativity and elevate dishes in professional kitchens.”

“We believe that by working directly with chefs and providing hands-on training, we can truly empower them to explore new culinary possibilities and deliver exceptional dining experiences to their guests. We look forward to seeing the innovative ways Maldivian chefs will incorporate our products.”

Following the launch in Malé, a dedicated follow-up session will be held at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi for resort-based chefs. This session will include participation from properties within the Atmosphere Core group, providing hands-on training focused on the scalable integration of Mamee products into commercial resort kitchens.

Throughout the week, the culinary team from BBM and Mamee will conduct on-site visits and tastings at selected restaurants in Malé, offering further technical support and guidance.

This joint initiative between BBM and Mamee Food Services is set to drive menu innovation and provide culinary professionals in the Maldives with the tools and skills needed to meet evolving consumer tastes.

Business

2025 sees Maldives reach 1 million tourist mark in record time

Published

4 weeks ago

June 7, 2025

m@ldives

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

Published

2 months ago

May 13, 2025

m@ldives

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.