Maldives Ocean Plastics Alliance named Sustainability Partner for GM Forum 2025

Hotelier Maldives, the leading hospitality media group in the country, has announced the Maldives Ocean Plastics Alliance (MOPA) as the Sustainability Partner for the upcoming General Managers (GM) Forum 2025. The forum, which will be held at Kurumba Maldives on 13 October 2025, is the premier gathering of hospitality leaders in the country, bringing together general managers, industry executives, and policymakers to discuss pressing issues and opportunities in the tourism sector.

This year’s forum will centre on the theme, ‘Digitalisation and Expanding Experiences’, with discussions focusing on how technology and innovation are reshaping the guest journey while maintaining the core essence of Maldivian hospitality.

The appointment of MOPA as Sustainability Partner reflects the forum’s ongoing emphasis on environmental responsibility within the tourism sector. Established in 2020, MOPA is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation dedicated to tackling the challenge of plastic pollution in the Maldives. The alliance works with local communities, businesses, and government stakeholders to implement practical solutions for plastic waste management, promote recycling initiatives, and raise awareness of the environmental impact of single-use plastics.

Through its flagship programmes, MOPA has spearheaded nationwide campaigns encouraging behavioural change, provided training and resources for waste segregation and recycling, and advocated for policies supporting plastic reduction. Its partnerships with resorts, schools, and island councils have made MOPA a leading force in fostering a culture of sustainability across the country.

Commenting on MOPA’s role as Sustainability Partner, Ahmed Maumoon, President of Maldives Ocean Plastics Alliance, said: “We are delighted to partner with the GM Forum 2025 to highlight the importance of addressing plastic pollution in the Maldives. Tourism is the backbone of our economy, and the industry also has a unique responsibility to protect the natural environment that attracts millions of visitors each year. Through this partnership, we aim to showcase how collaboration between NGOs and hospitality leaders can deliver meaningful and lasting change for our oceans and communities.”

Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, added: “The GM Forum continues to evolve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration on the most critical issues shaping our industry. Sustainability is inseparable from the future of hospitality in the Maldives, and we are proud to have MOPA onboard as our Sustainability Partner this year. Their pioneering work in addressing plastic pollution resonates strongly with the values of our readership and the wider hospitality community.”

Since its inception, the GM Forum has become the most influential event for hospitality leaders in the Maldives. The ninth edition this year promises a dynamic agenda of keynote speeches, expert panels, and interactive sessions that will provide attendees with insights and strategies to drive innovation and sustainable growth in their properties.

General managers, resort leaders, and industry stakeholders are invited to mark their calendars for this significant event. Further details on the agenda, speakers, and partnerships will be shared in the lead-up to the forum.

Partners and sponsors of GM Forum 2025 include:

• Dhiraagu – Platinum Partner
• Bank of Maldives – Banking Partner
• Dhivehi Insurance – Gold Sponsor
• Maldives Airports Company Limited – Silver Sponsor
• Villa Hakatha – Silver Sponsor
• Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) – Silver Sponsor
• Manta Air – Aviation Partner
• Male’ Aerated Water Company – Beverage Partner
• Atmosphere Wellness – Wellness Partner
• Alia Investments – Associate Sponsor
• Uniforms Unlimited – Associate Sponsor
• Hotels and Resorts Investment Maldives (HARIM) – Associate Sponsor
• Souvenir Marine – Transport Partner
• Storm Events – Organising Partner
• Lightsout – Associate Partner
• Maldives TV – Media Partner
• Maldives Ocean Plastics Alliance (MOPA) – Sustainability Partner
• Supporting Partners – Navean Maldives, Maldives Insider and Blue n White