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Saturday 26 Sep 2026
LOCAL EDITION
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LOCAL EDITION
(L-R) SS Media Senior Sales Manager Abdulla Faisal signs up as the media partner of Hotel Asia Exhibition, with Director of MECS Husnee Rauf, September 26, 2026. (Sun Photo)
Sun Siyam Media (SS Media) has signed up as the media partner of the 20th edition of the Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge 2026, the Maldives’ largest and longest-running hospitality trade fair.
Senior Sales Manager Abdulla Faisal signed the agreement on behalf of SS Media at a ceremony held at the media offices, while Husnee Rauf, Director and Chief Operating Officer of Maldives Exhibition and Conference Service Pvt Ltd (MECS), signed on behalf of the organizers.
Speaking at the ceremony, Husnee Rauf said it was “a great pleasure” for SS Media to partner with the landmark 20th edition of Hotel Asia, describing the collaboration as a major opportunity to highlight the skills, innovations and achievements of the Maldives’ tourism and hospitality industry.
He noted that brands and companies from more than 45 countries will participate in this year’s exhibition, consistent with the event’s long history of attracting global suppliers and hospitality leaders.
“This year’s exhibition will also feature participants from Sri Lanka, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, China as well as Dubai. Italy, the UK and the United States will also participate in this year's exhibition,” Husnee said.
Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge is recognized as the largest hospitality and food industry trade fair in the Maldives, having grown steadily since its inception in 2000. Over the years, the exhibition has evolved into the country’s most sought-after platform for resort suppliers, hotel operators, chefs, F&B executives and service-industry professionals.
The event is also known for its prestigious Culinary Challenge, which has historically featured 25 competitions, 20 international judges, and participation from dozens of resorts, making it one of the region’s most respected culinary showcases.
The 2026 Culinary Challenge will begin on Sunday at the Maldives National University (MNU), while the exhibition will open on Monday at the Synthetic Track in Hulhumale', the same venue used for previous editions, including Hotel Asia 2025.
