The largest trade exhibition and culinary challenge has kicked off in the Maldives, with over 175 exhibitors. The 13th Hotel Asia Exhibition, being held at Dharubaaruge Convention Centre in Male' city, was launched by Minister of Finance and Treasury Ahmed Munawar.
Speaking at the opening of the ceremony, Finance Minister Munawar noted that the government has been working diligently to expand the tourism sector of the country. Minister Munawar said one of the most notable work conducted by the government in this endeavor is the USD 800 million airport development project of Velana International Airport. He noted that currently the airport accommodates 1.3 million passengers, which would be extended by over 7 folds when the project is completed. He further stated that the government is also conducting airport development in the atolls, under the national effort to boost the tourism sector. So far this year, airports have been developed in 4 regions of the country.
630 chefs from around the world are showcasing their culinary skills in 20 categories in the culinary challenge held alongside the Hotel Asia Exhibition. Their dishes are being judged by world-renowned chefs from the World Association of Chefs' Societies (WorldChefs). The culinary challenge has established itself as the premier culinary event in the Maldives, attracting chefs from local and international resorts whose work and creativity are evaluated by experts, including celebrated chefs from the world over.
Alongside the annual culinary challenge, the Hotel Asia exhibition kicked off with over 2,000 brands from 35 countries will be showcased at the exhibition, which will go on till Wednesday.
The Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge is organised by Maldives Exhibition and Conference Service (MECS) in association with Sri Lankan Exhibition and Conference Services (LECS) and Indian Exhibition and Conference Services (IECS). Leading resort supplier Best Buy Maldives (BBM) is the main sponsor of the event.