The Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2025, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of resort general managers and hospitality leaders, concluded successfully on October 13, 2025 at Kurumba Maldives. This year’s edition, themed “Digitalisation and Expanding Experiences,” brought together the industry’s brightest minds to explore how technology and authentic Maldivian hospitality can unite to transform the guest journey.

From AI-driven personalization and data analytics to immersive experiential travel, the forum delved deep into innovations that are reshaping the future of luxury tourism. This year’s forum emphasises how embracing digitalisation, while staying true to the warmth and authenticity that define Maldivian service, will drive the industry forward.

Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim urged “the Maldivian hospitality industry to stay agile and forward-looking as technology continues to reshape global travel behaviour”. Speaking as Chief Guest at the ninth edition of the Hotelier Maldives General Managers (GM) Forum 2025, Minister Thoriq emphasized that the government remains committed to supporting and facilitating the industry’s priorities amid rapid change.

Industry Partnerships Powering Progress

The success of the GM Forum 2025 was made possible through the support of 15 strategic partners, representing the best of Maldivian and regional excellence in hospitality, innovation, and sustainability:

• Official Host – Kurumba Maldives: The country’s pioneering resort, celebrated for its rich heritage and exceptional service.

• Platinum Partner – Dhiraagu: The Maldives’ leading digital and telecommunications provider, enabling the next wave of tech-powered guest experiences.

• Silver Sponsors – Best Buy Maldives & Villa Hakatha: Renowned for delivering premium hospitality solutions and developing forward-thinking tourism infrastructure.

• Aviation Partner – Manta Air: Elevating domestic travel with seamless island connectivity and premium service.

• Sustainability Partner – Maldives Ocean Plastics Alliance: Advocating for marine conservation and sustainable tourism practices.

• Associate Sponsors – Alia Investments & HARIM: Driving growth in hotel development, construction, and investment innovation.

• Wellness Partner – Atmosphere Resorts: Setting benchmarks in luxury wellness and holistic guest experiences.

• Insurance Partner – Dhivehi Insurance: Supporting the evolving needs of resort operators with tailored risk management solutions.

• Banking Partner – Bank of Maldives: Pioneering financial innovation and digital transformation in the tourism economy.

• Transport Partner – Souvenir Marine: Providing dependable island transport solutions for resort operations and guest travel.

• Beverage Partner – MAWC: Enhancing guest satisfaction through premium beverage offerings.

• Media Partner – Maldives TV: Expanding the reach of the forum’s insights to audiences nationwide.

• Organising Partner – Storm Events (Think Associates): Delivering a seamlessly executed, world-class event experience.

Insights from Leaders Shaping the Future

The one-day event featured six expert speakers addressing crucial themes such as digital transformation, loyalty strategies, cyber resilience, leadership, insurance, and financial innovation in hospitality.

Distinguished Speakers includes; 

1. Ms. Ru Yi, Assistant Vice President, International Markets (APAC), Trip.com Group

Topic: Travel in the Age of Digital Transformation

2. Mr. Will Howes, Vice President of Sales, APAC, TrustYou

Topic: Unlocking Loyalty Through Digital Guest Journeys

3. Mr. Abubakar Latif, Chief Technology Officer, Beyon Cyber, and Board Member, DTS Solutions UAE

Topic: A Stakeholder Analysis of Cyber Risks in the Hospitality Industry

4. Mr. Aalim Mohamed, Group Director of Human Resources, Pulse Hotels & Resorts

Topic: Leadership 5.0: Moving Beyond Resilience in Hospitality

5. Mr. Thanzeem Ahmed (Manager – Technical) & Mr. Ismail Nishan (Senior Sales Executive), Dhivehi Insurance

Topic: Insurance Solutions for Emerging Risks in a Maldivian Context

6. Mr. Afrah Ahmed, Director of Cards, Bank of Maldives

Topic: Digital Transformation in Maldives Tourism

Dynamic Panel Discussions includes;

1. Destination Marketing in the Digital Era: Building Maldives’ Global Presence Beyond the Beach, explores how the Maldives can strengthen its global brand positioning in an increasingly competitive digital landscape — shifting focus toward culture, community, and creativity.

- Panelists: Ms. Ru Yi (Trip.com Group), Mr. Will Howes (TrustYou), Mr. Abdulla Ghiyas (Visit Maldives), Mr. Murad Hassan (Tourism Marketing Specialist)

- Moderator: Ms. Mathurot Chuladul (Marriott International)

2. Reimagining the Guest Journey: Digital Touchpoints from Booking to Post-Stay, talking about the an in-depth discussion on how digitalisation enhances guest experience, engagement, and loyalty at every stage.

- Panelists: Ms. Heidi Grimwood (ELENA), Mr. Justin Swart (The Standard Maldives), Mr. Morten Junior (Kurumba Maldives)

- Moderator: Mr. Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz (Pulse Hotels & Resorts)

3. Aligning Investor Appetite with the Maldives’ Long-term Tourism Strategy, talking about the insights on aligning investment priorities with the Maldives’ sustainable growth goals.

- Panelists: Mr. Mohamed Khaleel (Pulse Hotels & Resorts), Mr. Shrikant Dash (Atmosphere Core), Mr. Amaan Ali (Bank of Maldives), Mr. Abdulla Thamheed (Sun Siyam Resorts)

- Moderator: Ms. Aminath Zaady (Brennia Maldives)

Charting the Course Ahead

As the Maldives continues to strengthen its position as a global icon of luxury and sustainability, the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum remains the country’s premier thought-leadership platform—bridging innovation, collaboration, and the future of island hospitality.

With digitalisation reshaping global travel trends, the 2025 edition reaffirmed Hotelier Maldives’ commitment to driving meaningful dialogue and empowering resort leaders to navigate the evolving hospitality landscape with foresight and creativity.

About Hotelier Maldives

Hotelier Maldives is the leading publication for hospitality professionals in the Maldives, providing in-depth insights, interviews, and industry news that shape the region’s tourism narrative.