STO Energy joins Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026 as Platinum Sponsor

Hotelier Maldives has announced STO Energy as a Platinum Sponsor of the Hotelier Maldives General Managers (GM) Forum 2026, continuing its engagement with platforms bringing together leaders and stakeholders from across the country’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The 10th edition of the GM Forum will be held on 5 October at CROSSROADS Maldives under the theme “Resilience and Reinvention: Talent, Technology & Transformation.” The forum will bring together resort general managers, owners, senior executives, government representatives and industry partners to discuss the operational and strategic issues shaping the future of tourism in the Maldives.

STO Energy, the energy division of State Trading Organisation (STO), supplies fuel for power generation, transportation, industry and resort operations across the Maldives. Operating from its fuel terminal at Funadhoo in Kaafu Atoll, the division supplies diesel and petrol to utilities, resorts and other customers, as well as jet fuel to Velana International Airport and other airports across the country.

With tourism properties operating in geographically dispersed locations and depending on uninterrupted energy supply for their daily operations, energy security remains closely connected to the resilience of the Maldivian hospitality industry.

Mohamed Shuaib Ahmed, Director of Energy at STO, said the GM Forum provides an opportunity to engage directly with hospitality leaders on an area that remains fundamental to resort operations.

“Reliable energy supply is essential to the continuous operation of resorts across the Maldives. As the tourism industry continues to grow and adapt, ensuring energy security while responding to changing operational and sustainability requirements will remain an important consideration. The GM Forum provides a valuable platform to engage directly with industry leaders, understand their evolving requirements and contribute to discussions on building a more resilient hospitality sector. We are pleased to support the 2026 forum as a Platinum Sponsor,” he said.

STO Energy states that one of its key objectives is ensuring energy security for the Maldives through reliable fuel supply, sourcing petroleum products from established suppliers and using its tanker fleet to transport products from source to customers. Its customer base includes resorts and businesses alongside utilities, transport operators, the aviation and maritime sectors.

STO has also identified sustainable growth, renewable energy, operational efficiency and digitalisation among its strategic priorities as the company develops its core businesses and explores emerging sectors.

The GM Forum will take place around the same time as STO Energy begins its resort engagement initiative, allowing the two activities to be aligned and coordinated from the outset. Through this engagement, STO Energy aims to receive direct feedback from resorts and identify areas where its services can be improved, supporting efforts to enhance the overall service provided to resort customers.

Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, said STO Energy’s participation strengthens the operational perspective represented at this year’s forum.

“Energy is one of the fundamental requirements behind every aspect of resort operations, from utilities and transportation to the delivery of the guest experience. Resilience therefore also depends on having reliable supply chains and infrastructure supporting properties throughout the country. STO Energy has a longstanding role in meeting these requirements, and we are pleased to welcome them as a Platinum Sponsor of GM Forum 2026 and to continue our collaboration with STO,” he added.

The sponsorship builds on STO Energy’s existing relationship with Hotelier Maldives. Earlier this year, STO Energy was a Platinum Sponsor of the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2026, which recognised individuals, teams and programmes working across the country’s tourism sector.

Launched in 2016, the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum provides a dedicated platform for resort general managers and other senior tourism stakeholders to exchange perspectives on challenges, opportunities and developments affecting the industry. The 2026 edition marks 10 years since the forum was established.

The forum’s 2026 partners represent companies operating across telecommunications, banking, aviation, energy, food and beverage supply, insurance, marine transportation and other services supporting the tourism industry.

Dhiraagu is the Premier Sponsor, while STO Energy is the Platinum Sponsor. Bank of Maldives is the Banking Partner and Male’ Aerated Water Company is the Beverage Partner.

The Silver Sponsors are Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Villa Hakatha, Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), Dhivehi Insurance and Atoll Solar.

ALIA, Uniforms Unlimited, Maldives Insider and Blue N White are supporting the forum as Associate Sponsors.

Souvenir Marine is the Transport Partner, Manta Air is the Aviation Partner, and Storm Events is the Organising Partner.

Through these partnerships, GM Forum 2026 will bring together the hospitality sector and the businesses that support its operations for discussions centred on resilience, talent, technology and transformation as the Maldivian tourism industry considers its next phase of development.