11th Hotel Asia Exhibition: Largest gathering of chefs and hospitality leaders ends on a high!

The Maldives witnessed for the 11th successful time the largest gathering of professional chefs and hotel industry leaders at the Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge, which concluded on 21 September in Male.

The event was the ideal platform that showcased internationally renowned brands and services for the hotel and leisure industry. Over 200 exhibiting companies participated showcasing over 4,000 brands, making Hotel Asia, the biggest food, beverage and hospitality exhibition to be held in Maldives. Over 1,800 industry professionals from 115 resorts, hotels and F&B establishments registered and visited the show.  

Scattered across the Indian Ocean, The Islands of Maldives is considered by many as a world renowned destination for luxury tourism. The country takes pride in having plenty of the world leading luxury resort hotels. The tourism industry looks promising with an already established luxury tourism sector with more upcoming development projects. The thriving budget hotels, guest houses and cruise safari industry make this a very interesting place to showcase world class equipment and services.

The Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge is the regions premier culinary competition with the participation of over 450 Chefs from 48 resorts. The popularity of the event is due to array of a distinguished qualified WACS ‘A’ Grade Judging Panel which follows the World Association of Chefs (WACS) approved judging criteria for competitions. The organisers had to start the competition one day prior to the expo to accommodate more participants. This competition was considered as one of the leading events and highlights for all residential chefs working in the Maldives. It is considered as the ‘largest gathering of chefs in the Maldives’.

The competition is considered among the culinary world as an ‘International Culinary Competition’ and stands alongside some of the great culinary shows held around the world. Winners of this competition are recognised worldwide as award winning chefs and can be compared with some of the great master chefs in this region.

The competition also gives an opportunity for winners to participate and qualify for other large competitions held in countries such as Hong Kong, Dubai, Korea and Singapore. It encourages young and upcoming chefs to pursue a career with passion and excitement, by competing side by side with other professionally qualified chefs.

Commenting on the event, Alan Palmer, Chief Judge and Project Director said, “The Maldives Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge is without a doubt one of the most unique culinary competitions in the world’s culinary calendar. It is always a joy and privilege to be a part of this event, where competitors travel for miles across the Indian Ocean from different islands to present the skills and expertise that are the signature of international star classed cuisine.”

The star studded panel of judges is another key factor that contributes greatly to the credibility of the event. Alan Palmer, Chief Judge and Project Director and veteran chefs in the likes James Antolin, Norbert Girnth, Penk Ching, Rohan Fernandopulle, Yen Koh, Tarek Ibrahim, Eve Felder, K. Jayakumar, Gregory Lobo, Jean van der Westhuizen, and many others are distinguished members of the panel who provide their expertise in judging the entries for the competition.

Hotel Asia was proudly sponsored by our long standing partners Best Buy Maldives Ltd. as the Main Sponsor along with Mauritius Commercial Bank (Maldives) Ltd. as the Official Banker along with Hotelier Maldives (official magazine), Haveeru (online and print partner), Dhiraagu (telecom partner) Speedicon Logistics (logistics partner) San Benedetto (official water) Zerlinaa Studio (official photographer) and Asaree Services (event partner).

Additionally the culinary competitions are sponsored by International Foodstuff Company (IFCO), Blue Band Redman, Ireks, Vismark, Cosmopolitan & Wrist Middle East, Eastern & Allied, Ravi Fruit, Colavita, Meat & Livestock Australia, Blackpearl/Blue Chip, Prestige Foods – Australia and Culina Singapore.