A grand celebration of excellence in hospitality unfolded on 14th June 2025, Saturday evening at Barceló Nasandhura Malé as the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2025 brought together key figures from the nation’s thriving tourism sector. The event paid tribute to the dedication, talent, and innovation that continue to elevate the Maldives as a world-class travel destination.
Now in its second edition, the Hotelier Maldives Awards is the only national platform dedicated exclusively to recognising individual professionals and teams working across the Maldivian tourism and hospitality sector. Organised by Hotelier Maldives and presented by Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), this year’s awards event showcased the growing engagement and interest within the industry, receiving over 450 nominations and an impressive 600,000 public votes, a substantial increase compared to the inaugural 2024 edition.
The winners were determined through a structured scoring process that blended public voting (40% weight) with assessments from a panel of expert judges. This combined approach ensured both industry insight and community sentiment were reflected in the final results.
Reflecting the evolution of the tourism sector, the 2025 edition introduced new award categories to spotlight emerging roles and diverse contributions. These included:
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Watersports Personality of the Year
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Diving Personality of the Year
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Airport Representative of the Year
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Resort Manager of the Year
In total, accolades were presented in 23 individual categories and four team/programme categories, underscoring the broad spectrum of roles that power the Maldivian tourism engine.
Among the standout individual awardees:
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Ausy Waseem of Siyam World was named Resort Manager of the Year.
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Mohamed Ashraf of Jumeirah Olhahali Island received the prestigious General Manager of the Year award.
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Ahmed Jameel of One&Only Reethi Rah made history by winning both Chef of the Year and the BBM Chairman’s Special Award.
In a heartfelt tribute to career longevity and dedication, the Dedicated Service Awards were presented by the Minister of Finance and Planning, Moosa Zameer, to four industry veterans:
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Mohamed Hashim (Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma)
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Mohamed Fuad (Bandos Maldives)
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Ali Rasheed Adam (Villa Resorts)
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Hussain Manikfaan, honoured post-retirement after a distinguished 50-year career in hospitality.
Team and programme recognitions added further depth to the celebration, highlighting innovation and sustainability:
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Hotel Team of the Year: Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa
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Training and Development Programme of the Year: Marriott Kurimagu Leadership Programme
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Sustainability Champion of the Year: OZEN Life Maadhoo
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CSR Programme of the Year: Six Senses Laamu
The awards ceremony was made possible through the support of multiple industry partners and sponsors. Dhiraagu served as the Digital Partner, Bank of Maldives as the Banking Partner, and Maldives Airports Company Limited joined as the Gold Sponsor, among other key contributors.
For international tourists, these awards offer a unique glimpse into the high standards and passionate individuals shaping the guest experience in the Maldives. Behind every luxury resort and exceptional stay is a team of professionals whose commitment to excellence ensures that each visit is unforgettable.
By spotlighting these contributions, the Hotelier Maldives Awards continue to champion the people behind the paradise, strengthening the Maldives’ reputation as not only a leading destination for leisure but also a beacon of hospitality excellence in the global tourism industry.
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