MAWC continues partnership as Beverage Partner of Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2026
Hotelier Maldives has announced Male’ Aerated Water Company (MAWC) as the Beverage Partner of the Hotelier Maldives General Managers (GM) Forum 2026, continuing a partnership that spans the publication’s two key industry events.
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 the Maldivian hospitality industry.
MAWC has supported the Hotelier Maldives Awards, now in its third year, and has served as Beverage Partner of the annual GM Forum since 2023. The partnership has connected the company with platforms focused on recognising hospitality professionals and bringing together senior industry leaders for dialogue on the sector’s priorities.
Earlier this year, MAWC continued its support for the third Hotelier Maldives Awards as Beverage Partner. The 2026 awards were held on 26 April at NIVA Kurumba Maldives, recognising individuals, teams and programmes working across the country’s resort industry.
Milind Derasari, Chief Operating Officer at Male’ Aerated Water Company, said the company’s continued participation reflects its longstanding relationship with the Maldivian hospitality sector.
“The tourism and hospitality industry is an important part of MAWC’s journey, and we value the opportunity to continue supporting platforms that bring together the people who lead and contribute to this sector. Through the Hotelier Maldives Awards, we celebrate the individuals and teams behind the industry, while the GM Forum creates an important space for its leaders to exchange perspectives and consider the challenges and opportunities ahead. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Hotelier Maldives as Beverage Partner of GM Forum 2026.”
Established in 1989, MAWC was the first beverage manufacturer in the Maldives and is the authorised bottler and distributor of Coca-Cola brands in the country. Through its local manufacturing and distribution operations, the company supplies resorts, hotels and the wider domestic market with a portfolio that includes Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Schweppes and Bonaqua.
The company’s nationwide distribution and longstanding engagement with resorts have made the hospitality industry a significant part of its operations, serving properties across the geographically dispersed tourism sector.
Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, said MAWC’s continued involvement across both events reflects the value of sustained partnerships with companies serving the tourism industry.
“MAWC has been a consistent partner of Hotelier Maldives across both the Awards and GM Forum, and we value the continuity of that relationship. Their support has extended from recognising the people who make hospitality possible to creating a forum where the industry’s senior leaders can discuss its future. As we celebrate the 10th edition of the GM Forum, we are pleased to once again welcome MAWC as our Beverage Partner.”
The Hotelier Maldives Awards and GM Forum serve complementary roles within the publication’s industry platform. While the Awards recognise professionals, teams and initiatives across resort operations, the GM Forum provides senior hospitality leaders with a dedicated setting to examine the issues affecting their businesses and the wider tourism sector.
Launched in 2016, the GM Forum has developed into an annual gathering of general managers, resort owners, senior executives, policymakers and businesses supporting tourism operations.
This year’s theme, “Resilience and Reinvention: Talent, Technology & Transformation,” will examine how the hospitality industry is responding to changes in workforce requirements, technology, automation and operating conditions, while considering the capabilities needed to maintain long-term resilience.
A range of businesses serving different areas of the tourism and hospitality sector 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, Dhivehi Insurance is the Insurance Partner and Male’ Aerated Water Company is the Beverage 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 supporting resort operations for discussions on the challenges, opportunities and transformations shaping the next phase of the Maldivian tourism industry.
