Maldives TV continues partnership as Media Partner for Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2025

Hotelier Maldives, the leading hospitality media group in Maldives, has announced Maldives TV, part of Public Service Media (PSM), as the official Media Partner for the upcoming General Managers (GM) Forum 2025. Scheduled to take place at Kurumba Maldives on 13 October 2025, this marks the second consecutive collaboration between the two organisations. Earlier this year, Maldives TV also served as the Media Partner for the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025, held in June.

The renewed partnership underscores a shared commitment to promoting the Maldives’ hospitality and tourism sector through quality media coverage and storytelling. As the nation’s public broadcaster, Maldives TV has been at the forefront of showcasing the country’s tourism milestones and industry leaders, amplifying voices that shape one of the nation’s most vital economic sectors.

Commenting on the continued partnership, Ibrahim Nasreen, Managing Director of Public Service Media (PSM), said: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Hotelier Maldives as the Official Media Partner for the 2025 General Managers Forum. At Public Service Media, we take great pride in supporting an industry that stands at the core of our nation’s growth and prosperity. The hospitality sector continues to shape the Maldivian narrative. A narrative of innovation, resilience, and world-class excellence. Through this collaboration, PSM reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that audiences across the country gain unparalleled access to the insights, ideas, and inspiration driving this vibrant industry forward.”

Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, also expressed appreciation for the renewed alliance, stating: “We are pleased to once again partner with Maldives TV, whose reach and professionalism help bring the Forum’s discussions to a broader audience. Their coverage ensures that the insights and experiences shared at the GM Forum extend beyond the event itself, contributing to the continued growth and dialogue within the hospitality industry.”

Now in its ninth edition, the Hotelier Maldives General Managers (GM) Forum is the country’s leading annual gathering of resort general managers, senior executives, and key stakeholders in the tourism industry. Since its inception in 2016, the Forum has served as a premier platform for thought leadership, collaboration, and industry dialogue.

Ru Yi, Assistant Vice President of International Markets, APAC at Trip.com Group, will deliver the keynote address titled “Travel in the Age of Digital Transformation.” In her keynote, she will explore how global travel patterns and guest expectations are evolving in the era of digitalisation.

Radouane Namaoui, Global Head of Key Accounts at TrustYou, will serve as the Featured Speaker. His presentation, “Unlocking Loyalty Through Digital Guest Journeys,” will examine how data-driven insights and technology can enhance guest satisfaction and retention.

Abubakar Latif, Chief Technology Officer at Beyon Cyber and Board Member at DTS Solutions UAE, will deliver a presentation titled “A Stakeholder Analysis of Cyber Risks in the Hospitality Industry.” This session, sponsored by Dhiraagu, will address the growing importance of cybersecurity in protecting guest data and maintaining trust within the digital hospitality ecosystem.

Aalim Mohamed, Group Director of Human Resources at Pulse Hotels & Resorts, will deliver a session titled “Leadership 5.0 and Moving Beyond Resilience in Hospitality.” His presentation will focus on the evolution of leadership within the hospitality industry and how organisations can adapt to shifting workforce dynamics and future-ready management practices.

Dhivehi Insurance, the Gold Sponsor of this year’s forum, will also deliver a presentation titled “Insurance Solutions for Emerging Risks in a Maldivian Context.” Conducted by Thanzeem Ahmed, Manager – Technical, and Ismail Nishan, Senior Sales Executive, the presentation will highlight tailored insurance strategies for the tourism sector in response to evolving operational and environmental risks.

Afrah Ahmed, Director of Cards at Bank of Maldives (BML), will deliver a presentation titled “Digital Transformation in Maldives Tourism.” Through the presentation, Afrah Ahmed will explore how digital innovation and financial technology are enhancing the tourism experience — from payments and guest convenience to operational efficiency across resorts and related businesses.

The programme will also feature a panel discussion titled “Destination Marketing in the Digital Era: Building Maldives’ Global Presence Beyond the Beach.” Moderated by Mathurot Chuladul, Field Marketing Director, Communications – Maldives, Marriott International, the panel will explore strategies to expand the Maldives’ brand narrative beyond the traditional sun, sand, and sea positioning. Panellists will include Ru Yi, Radouane Namaoui, Abdulla Ghiyas, Chairman of Visit Maldives, and Murad Hassan, Tourism Marketing Specialist.

Another panel discussion, “Reimagining the Guest Journey: Digital Touchpoints from Booking to Post-Stay,” will examine how digitalisation is reshaping every phase of the hospitality experience. Moderated by Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz, Director of Digital Technology & Marketing at Pulse Hotels & Resorts, the session will feature insights from Heidi Grimwood, Senior Vice President, ELE|NA; Hussain Shahid, General Manager, Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection; and Morten Junior, General Manager, Kurumba Maldives.

The third panel, titled “Aligning Investor Appetite with the Maldives’ Long-term Tourism Strategy,” will explore how hospitality operators, owners, and financiers can collaborate to ensure sustainable growth and resilience in the Maldivian tourism industry. The discussion will be moderated by Aminath Zaady, Chief Operating Officer at Brennia Kottefaru, and will feature three distinguished speakers: Amaan Ali, Head of Corporate Banking at Bank of Maldives (BML); Abdulla Thamheed, Vice President of Operations at Sun Siyam Resorts; and Mohamed Khaleel, Chief Executive Officer at Pulse Hotels & Resorts.

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