Minister of Economic Development, Mohamed Saeed states that Maldivian tourism industry has witnessed its major developmental efforts within the past 5 years.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the Food and Hospitality Asia Maldives, the Minister of Economic Development highlighted that within the past three years the number of beds increased by 12,000 which is much higher than the average increase of 26,500 beds in the 40 years since the industry was established. The Minister also highlighted the major rise in the number of job opportunities for locals from the sector.
This year's exhibition has 20 categories with more than 500 participants which includes both local and foreign competitors. The organizers of the event, Chef Guild Maldives revealed that over 45 resorts are participating in the event. The participants expresses that this challenge would provide a platform to showcase their culinary skills a larger audience.
This being the 4th edition of the exhibition, the organizers have major four activities included which is the culinary challenge, the Barista competition, bed making Decoration and a seminar. Chef Guild Maldives revealed that they have received rave response from the public and expressed that the main purpose of this challenge is to provide an opportunity to the chefs working in the tourism sector to showcase their skills at an international level. The culinary challenge is judged by three local judges who have received the license from World Association of Chef society.
The challenge is taking place in Dharubaaruge convention centre from August 8 to 10.