- Hotelier Maldives hosted its landmark 10th GM Forum on 5 October 2026 at CROSSROADS Maldives, drawing 189 participants including over 100 general managers.
- The forum's theme, 'Resilience and Reinvention: Talent, Technology & Transformation', focused on integrating AI, data, and automation into resort operations while preserving human warmth.
- Delegates addressed regulatory challenges, foreign exchange and TGST compliance, sustainable energy solutions, green financing, staff ownership, and adaptive leadership.
Hotelier Maldives hosted the landmark 10th edition of its annual General Managers (GM) Forum on 5 October 2026 at CROSSROADS Maldives. It brought together 189 participants, including over 100 general managers from Maldivian resorts alongside hotel owners, corporate decision-makers, and industry suppliers.
The forum was structured into morning and afternoon sessions, with delegates gathering for registration and morning coffee at 08:00 before the official proceedings began. The morning session ran through midday, followed by a networking lunch, before the afternoon session resumed and concluded at 16:15.
Opening the ceremony, Ibrahim Mahudhee, Managing Editor of Hotelier Maldives, noted that the forum has evolved over the past decade into the premier platform for exchanging ideas and addressing the future direction of the nation’s tourism sector. Mahudhee emphasized that while the Maldives has established a world-class benchmark in high-end hospitality, sustaining this leadership requires continuous innovation, human resource investment, modern technology adoption, and strong partnerships.
This year’s forum centered on the overarching theme, “Resilience and Reinvention: Talent, Technology & Transformation”. High-level discussions throughout the event focused on integrating artificial intelligence, data, and automation into resort operations without compromising human warmth.
Delegates also addressed key operational and regulatory challenges, featuring presentations from SHC Law & Tax on foreign exchange regulations, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) compliance, and TGST on foreign tour operators. Further panel discussions covered sustainable energy solutions—including ‘Atoll Solar’ and lagoon floating solar technology—scalable green financing, emotional ownership among staff, and adaptive leadership during uncertainty.
Launched in 2016, the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum serves as the nation’s principal gathering for resort decision-makers. It aims to encourage industry collaboration, address emerging market trends, and refine operational practices to ensure the Maldives retains its status as a top-tier luxury tourism destination.
