Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge 2025 returns with renewed momentum

Monday, 7 July 2025 04:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Twin events bring Maldives together with global hospitality industry

The 19th edition of Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge is set to take place from 20 to 22 October reinforcing its status as the Maldives’ largest and most influential hospitality trade event.

The much-anticipated International Culinary Challenge kicks off on 19 October, bringing together top chefs and emerging talents from across the archipelago for electrifying live competitions.

An annual hallmark since 2008, this dynamic gathering draws international professionals, celebrated chefs, and visionary innovators to one of the region’s most vibrant tourism hubs. Launched in 2000 with just 42 stalls and 37 chefs, the exhibition has grown exponentially. This year, 300 stalls and participants from 48 countries—including Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, China, Thailand, UAE, USA, and Switzerland—will converge to showcase world-class brands and emerging entrepreneurs.

Leading resorts, hotels, restaurants, and food and beverage trailblazers will anchor the exhibition’s impact on regional tourism and trade. Hotel Asia 2025 isn’t just an industry showcase—it’s a marketplace of ideas, partnerships, and culinary artistry.

Taking centre stage, Sri Lanka will present a dedicated pavilion hosted by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka–Maldives Business Council (SLMBC). This vibrant showcase will feature Sri Lankan innovation across food, hospitality, wellness, and sustainability—strengthening ties with the Maldivian market during a time of record-breaking tourism growth.

As of 31 March the Maldives welcomed 587,000 visitors, a 5.6% year-on-year increase, led by arrivals from China, Russia, and the United Kingdom. With a targeted 2.2 million arrivals by year-end, the country is well on its way to another record-breaking tourism milestone.

Supporting this growth, the Maldives boasts an operational bed capacity of 65,448, comprising 183 resorts with 44,689 beds; 932 guesthouses with 13,972 beds; 15 hotels with 2,038 beds and 155 safari vessels with 4,749 beds. This extensive accommodation network ensures the country is well-equipped to host the expanding wave of global travellers drawn by its natural beauty and strategic industry alliances.

Strategic partnerships—such as the Maldives’ brand affiliations with Liverpool FC and Mumbai Indians—have further heightened global interest in the region. Sri Lanka’s robust participation reflects its agility, ambition, and growing influence across South Asia’s trade and hospitality ecosystem.

Supported by leading sponsors such as BBM (Platinum Sponsor), SAFCO (Diamond Sponsor), and IFS (Co-Sponsor), along with a strong network of industry partners, Hotel Asia 2025 is not just an exhibition—it’s a vibrant celebration of innovation, connection, and excellence in the heart of the Maldives.

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