The Biggest and the Best Food & Hospitality Event in the Maldives - Hotel Asia Exhibition 2022

The 16th edition of Hotel Asia was hosted, after a two-year hiatus, to provide a much-anticipated arena for local and international suppliers to showcase their product ranges to key decision-makers and purchase executives.

All 175 exhibition stands were eagerly snapped up, leaving those who hesitated, sitting on the sidelines. This year’s event saw 100 exhibitors, 175 exhibitor stands, and 5 category sponsors. The International Culinary Challenge received 658 entries, 450 chefs of 14 nationalities, representing 60 establishments.

Suppliers were eager to have the opportunity to display their wares and make an impact on the visitors. This is evidenced by impressive display designs throughout the halls. The Faashanaa Hall was dominated by an eye-catching display from the main sponsor BBM, with well-known suppliers of fresh fruit and vegetables, flanking them.

More regular participants of Hotel Asia, were situated in their regular places, interspersed with newcomers, so that every spare inch is utilized with a plethora of supplies and services, covering all elements from food, cleaning chemicals, pest control, room amenities, linen, outdoor furniture, floor and wall coverings, technology suppliers, roofing, and much more, there was even a tank of fresh grouper!

The one regular that was not in residence this year is the prestigious Culinary Exhibition, which has moved to the FHTS kitchens in the Maldives National University. Having dedicated kitchen space is a huge boost for the competitors and the judges, as everything is under one roof and access to dedicated kitchen facilities, plus there is more space for the paraphernalia that every competitor must bring with them and plenty of places for the competitors to reconnect with friends and make new ones.

The competition has attracted a recordbreaking number of entries across the 20 categories. With over 80 entries for both the beef and seafood classes, it was a busy day for the hot cooking, whilst the pastry kitchen saw a seemingly endless array of tempting desserts. With over 650 entries, the classes over the three days were equally busy, with several chefs competing in more than one category with the goal of attaining one of the Challenge Trophy’s.

Hotel Asia is organized by Maldives Exhibition & Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd and Bestbuy Maldives (Pvt.) Ltd., the main sponsors and partners of the exhibitioitn since its inception. This continues the long-standing collaboration between the organizations. The event this year is endorsed and supported by the Chefs Guild of Maldives apart from being a World Chefs endorsed event in the past.

Many foreign exhibitors see Hotel Asia as an opportunity to propel their hospitality products and services to the Maldives and other countries as top brands and suppliers who have excelled in the hospitality industry usually attend the exhibition. It is also known as a symposium were key players in the hotel industry worldwide interact and a platform that encourages new businesses and start-ups, especially in the Maldives. Furthermore, it’s also an arena for buyers to explore and source from recognized brands, and network directly with international manufacturers whilst discovering the latest developments and trends in the market.

The 17th edition of Hotel Asia Exhibition and The International Culinary Challenge was concluded on a successful note. For updates regarding 2023 edition, visit https://www.hotelasia-maldives.com/