SL-Maldives Business Council leads delegation to Hotel Asia Exhibition 2025

The Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council (SLMLBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and Sri Lanka High Commission in the Maldives, organised a Sri Lankan business delegation to participate in the prestigious Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge 2025, which was held in Hulhumalé, Maldives, from October 20 to 22, 2025.

The 19th edition of this internationally recognised event reinforced its reputation as the Maldives’ largest and most influential hospitality trade exhibition. The accompanying International Culinary Challenge, which commenced on October 19, brought together leading chefs and emerging culinary talents from across the archipelago for exciting live competitions.

Since its inception in 2000, Hotel Asia has evolved into one of the region’s premier hospitality and trade showcases—expanding from just 42 stalls and 37 chefs to over 300 stalls and participants from 48 countries, including the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, China, Thailand, the UAE, USA and Switzerland. The event served as a dynamic platform for industry professionals, innovators and entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate and explore new opportunities.

Taking centre stage at the event, Sri Lanka showcased a vibrant national pavilion featuring over 48 Sri Lankan companies, organised by the SLMBC in collaboration with the EDB. The pavilion highlighted Sri Lanka’s innovation and expertise across sectors such as food, hospitality, wellness and sustainable products. This initiative aimed to further strengthen bilateral business relations and promote Sri Lankan enterprises within the Maldivian market, in line with the Maldives’ ongoing tourism expansion and growing demand for quality regional products and services.

The opening ceremony of the Hotel Asia Exhibition and the Sri Lankan Pavilion took place on October 20, 2025 and was graced by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives M.R. Hassen together with SLMBC President Sanjeewa Perera, council office bearers and representatives from participating Sri Lankan companies.