Business
MATATO, Highrise launch Maldives Showcase to promote tourism, trade globally

Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has teamed up with leading local event management company Highrise to launch a new platform to promote the Maldives in the international arena.
At a ceremony held Sunday afternoon in capital Male, the Maldives Showcase platform was jointly inaugurated by MATATO Vice President Abdulla Suood and Highrise Director Ismail Hameed.
Ismail told the attendees that the annual event would focus on four major areas; tourism, trade, talent and taste. Maldives-based stakeholders and professionals from those sectors would have the opportunity to come together with their peers from the host country for networking sessions and other promotional activities, he added.
“MATATO actively participates in several international travel trade shows to promote the Maldives tourism industry. A brand of our own will build on that and give a much needed boost to our promotional activities,” Ismail said.
The first Maldives Showcase event would take place in neighbouring Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo in mid December. The event has been endorsed by the Maldives embassy in Colombo and the Colombo Chamber of Commerce.
“Colombo is a good place to start since it has traditionally been a hub of commerce and other links to the Maldives. But in the future, we will hold this event in other countries as well,” Ismail said.
MATATO President Abdulla Ghiyas said the annual platform was a culmination of ideas which stemmed from the Maldives Night series of events held by the government in Colombo in the late 1990s. As Maldives Night has now been moved to international tourism platforms such ITB Berlin, it is fitting that new efforts are made to promote the Maldives tourism and trade in the international arena, he added.

MATATO President Ghiyas speaks at the launching ceremony Sunday afternoon. PHOTO/ SUN.MV
Maldives Showcase, according to Ghiyas, will not only provide companies involved in the tourism industry an opportunity to showcase their products, but that local exporters, especially those involved in the fisheries industry, will also have similar opportunities to expand their business.
“In addition to resorts, guesthouses and local exporters as well as Sri Lankan exporters can participate in the event,” he said.
Sri Lanka, which is home to the largest diaspora of Maldivians, is a destination of choice amongst Maldivian leisure and businesses travellers alike. The neighbouring island nation also houses the regional offices of several companies with business interests in the Maldives.
MATATO, a non-profit representing local travel agents and tour operators, participates in several international travel trade shows every year. The organisation has participated in WTM Connect Asia in Malaysia, South Asia Travel and Trade Exhibition (SATTE), Bharat International Tourism Bazaar (BITB) and India International Travel Mart (IITM) Bangalore Edition in India, Australia International Dive Expo (AIDE) in Australia, MAKTA in Finalnd, PATA Mart in Indonesia and Riyadh Fair in Saudi Arabia.
Maldives recorded 1.2 million tourist arrivals in 2016 with a total of receipts around USD 2.5 billion. With the rapid changes in global travel markets, Maldives continues to strengthen its foothold as one of the leading tourist destinations in the world and is on course to achieving an ambitious target of 1.5 million tourist arrivals by the end of this year.
While tourism remains the leading economic activity in the country by far, fisheries has been a traditional contributor to the economy. New industries are also opening up due to a push by the government to diversify the economy in order to build resilience.
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.
Business
BBM brings Vaseline, Hellmann’s, BRU Coffee to Maldives market

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.
Business
Redefining corporate retreats at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

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.
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