Minister of Tourism Moosa Zameer on Monday said the country’s publication of its first ever sovereign credit rating had paved the way to take the tourism industry to a new level. Officially inaugurating the 12th Hotel Asia Exhibition, he said that “every tourism sector company must be working with the government to further develop the industry and take it to a new level.” Referring to the publication of the country’s first sovereign credit rating, the Minister said “it has flagged many opportunities for businesses in every economic sector.” This is the first time the country has been assigned a sovereign credit rating, and its publication will help attract more investors as it would give them insight into the level of risks and gains associated with investing in the country.”
“Exhibitions like Hotel Asia further promotes the Maldives and provides a platform for local companies to meet and do business with companies from across the globe,” he added.
He also said “the government aims to create many job opportunities for young people in the tourism sector.”
The Hotel Asia Exhibition is a platform which provides vast opportunities to tourism sector businesses.
Over 1000 products will be on display at 150 stalls at this year’s Hotel Asia Exhibition. Companies participating in the exhibition include those specialised in luxury tourism related products and services, budget hotels, guest houses, cruise liners and safari vessels. As in previous years, a culinary competition will be held on the sidelines of the exhibition.
Maldives Exhibition and Conference Services, which organises the exhibition, says 475 chefs from 60 resorts will contest in this year’s culinary challenge, and the entrees will be judged by a panel which includes 16 world famous chefs.
International Culinary Challenge and Hotel Asia Exhibition is the leading annual festival for the Hospitality Industry of Maldives, and gathers tourism sector companies and related businesses under one roof.