Hotel Asia 2024, Int’l Culinary Challenge return for 18th successive edition

The largest exhibition on Maldivian hospitality and culinary excellence 

Hotel Asia, the premier platform for businesses looking to supply into the thriving hospitality and HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, and Café/Catering) industry of the Maldives, is back with its 18th edition, promising to be the biggest event yet with twice as much exhibitors, space and participation, over the previous edition.

Scheduled to take place from May 13 to 15, 2024, for the first time at two locations, Dharubaaruge and Usfasgandu, Male, Maldives, Hotel Asia 2024 is set to showcase the finest supplies in to the hotel, resort, restaurant food, safari boat, and service industries in the breath-taking tropical paradise islands of the Maldives.

This exhibition is spearheaded by the Maldives Exhibition and Conference Services (MECS) with the unstinting support of BBM since its inception. This year’s edition of Hotel Asia will feature nearly 300 stalls across two different venues, with the active participation of 45 countries to solidify this event as a hub for all hospitality industry-related products and services, including catering equipment, food and beverage, furniture and tableware, health and leisure equipment among others. 

Hotel Asia is now the largest exhibition of its kind in the Maldives, serving as an unparalleled opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses to explore new avenues for growth, expansion, and customer satisfaction with distinctive and exciting merchandise, amenities, and tastes.

A major highlight of the upcoming Hotel Asia 2024 is the esteemed International Culinary Challenge, which will host 25 competitions with 20 distinguished judges from the World Chef’s Guild and 10 rookie judges from the Maldives.

This culinary extravaganza will be held at the Maldives National University and Dharubaaruge, Male, Maldives, from May 12 to 15, 2024, and promises to showcase the finest culinary talents and innovations, further elevating the Maldives as a gastronomic destination.

Commenting on the upcoming exhibition, MECS Director and Chief Operating Officer Husnie Rauf said: “We are thrilled to announce the 18th edition of Hotel Asia, which is poised to be a landmark event for the hospitality and culinary industries in The Maldives. With an extensive line-up of exhibitors, competitions, and esteemed judges, Hotel Asia 2024 will offer an unparalleled platform for networking, learning, and business opportunities.”

AVS Subrahmanyam, COO of Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), which is the main sponsor of the event, stated: “At Bestbuy Maldives, we have been proud supporters of Hotel Asia since its beginning. This long-standing partnership reflects our deep commitment to fostering the Maldivian hospitality industry. Hotel Asia’s impressive growth year after year mirrors the dynamism of our nation’s tourism sector, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it. We warmly invite all the talented artisans and culinary stars to join us at this exciting event and showcase your skills on a world-class platform.”

Moreover, Anju Sawhney, Chief Managing Director at SAFCO International General Trading Co. L.L.C., which is the co-sponsor of the event, also commented, stating: “We are excited to participate in the Hotel Asia exhibition, highlighting our exceptional services and extensive product portfolio. As a leading food service distributor, importer, and exporter in the UAE, Middle East, and international markets, we hold sole distribution rights for over 35 prestigious brands, along with representing over 100 non-exclusive distribution brands and offering 13 in-house brands. With over 25,000 superior quality food and non-food products, we proudly serve as a trusted supply partner to numerous five-star hotels, dining restaurants, catering companies, bakeries, ship chandlers, airlines, cruise lines, and hospitals both locally and internationally. Visit our booth to experience excellence in every product and service we offer.”

Hotel Asia 2024 is supported by main sponsor, Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), along with co-sponsor Safco International General Trading. Additionally, the event is also supported by esteemed partners including Guangdong GFD Commercial Technology Co., Ltd (Official Kitchen Equipment Partner), Oxon (Pvt.) Ltd (Official Smart Technology Partner), Uniforms Unlimited (Official Uniforms Partner), Total Transport Solutions Maldives (Pvt.) Ltd (Official Logistics Partner), Red Creatic (Official Printing Partner), Hotelier Maldives (Official Media Partner) and Dhiraagu (Digital Partner).

More details for registration and participation can be obtained from www.hotelasiamaldives.com.