Manta Air marks fifth year as Aviation Partner of Hotelier Maldives GM Forum

Hotelier Maldives has announced Manta Air as the Aviation Partner of the Hotelier Maldives General Managers (GM) Forum 2026, marking the fifth year the airline has supported the annual hospitality leadership gathering in the role.

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 event 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 and hospitality in the Maldives.

Manta Air’s return as Aviation Partner continues a five-year association with the GM Forum, reflecting the close relationship between aviation and the country’s resort industry. With tourism properties spread across atolls throughout the Maldives, domestic aviation and seaplane services remain central to connecting international arrival points with resort destinations.

Ahmed Maumoon, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Manta Air, said the continued partnership reflects the airline’s commitment to supporting the hospitality sector and engaging with the leaders shaping its development.

“Aviation and hospitality are closely connected in the Maldives, and over the past five years our partnership with the GM Forum has given us an important opportunity to engage directly with resort leaders and understand how their requirements continue to evolve. Connectivity is a fundamental part of the guest journey and the wider tourism experience, and we are pleased to once again support a platform that brings the industry together to discuss its future. We are proud to continue as Aviation Partner of GM Forum 2026,” he said.

Manta Air operates seaplane services across the Maldives, connecting travellers with resort destinations and supporting the wider tourism transport network.

In an island destination such as the Maldives, aviation forms an integral part of resort accessibility and the guest experience. Seaplane transfers connect Velana International Airport with tourism destinations across the atolls, while also supporting the movement of employees and industry stakeholders.

The 2026 GM Forum will examine how hospitality businesses are responding to changes in technology, workforce requirements and operating conditions while strengthening organisational resilience. The programme will also consider how the infrastructure and services supporting resort operations must adapt alongside changes within the industry.

Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, said Manta Air’s five-year partnership demonstrates the value of long-term collaboration between Hotelier Maldives and businesses operating across the tourism ecosystem.

“Manta Air has been a consistent partner of the GM Forum for five years, and we greatly value that continuity. Aviation is fundamental to how tourism functions in the Maldives, and the relationship between resorts and transport providers has a direct impact on accessibility, operations and the overall guest journey. We are pleased to welcome Manta Air back as Aviation Partner for the 10th edition of the GM Forum and appreciate their continued confidence in the platform,” he added.

Established in 2016, the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum provides a dedicated platform for resort general managers and other senior tourism stakeholders to exchange perspectives on the issues affecting the industry.

The 2026 edition marks 10 years since the forum was launched and will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions and industry conversations centred on talent, technology and transformation under the broader theme of resilience and reinvention.

A range of companies supporting different areas of resort operations and the wider tourism industry have partnered with GM Forum 2026.

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

The Silver Sponsors are Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Villa Hakatha, Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) 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 hospitality leaders and businesses serving the tourism sector for discussions on the operational challenges, emerging opportunities and longer-term priorities shaping the future of the Maldivian hospitality industry.