Hotel Asia propels Lankan hospitality to Maldives
The Sri Lankan hospitality industry and its stakeholders will converge at Hotel Asia 2016 from September 5-7 for the largest trade exhibition and culinary competition of its kind in the Maldives. It has been an annual event for many years now.
The exhibition has a history of drawing in crowds to Dharubaaruge where it will continue to be held this year. Out of the 175 exhibitors over 60 companies from Sri Lanka will showcase portfolios covering aspects of the industry including food and beverage in room technology, laundry, air conditioning, hygiene and catering, architecture, gardening, landscaping, outdoor furniture, swimming pools, waste management, software systems and modern security systems and a wide array of hotel supplies, a media release stated.
The annual “International Culinary Challenge” is key aspect of the show and this year the Hotel Asia organizers, sets a more interactive tone to the event with the introduction of Masterchef styled Masterclasses and specialized seminars. An International panel of speakers and resource personnel are also added to the agenda for the first time and will be held at the same venue, the release said.
“The overriding purpose of the show is to cultivate healthy relationships between hospitality providers, suppliers and the community,” explained Aasim Mukthar, CEO of MECS, organizers of the event in a media release. “The only way to achieve any growth potential is through harmonious relationships. Hotel Asia is a platform for counterparts to speak to each other. It is a one stop shop for anyone in the hospitality field or potential entrants.
Describing the International Culinary Challenge, Mr. Mukthar further went on to say that “Having studied market developments, we decided to introduce many new competitions that will give contestants the opportunity to display personality, showmanship, technique and presentation skills. The Culinary Challenge competition recognizes the pressure of the F&B and Restaurant industry,” he elaborated.
The competition will recognize contestants’ skills in preparation of specialty dishes specifically looking at cooking techniques, use of ingredients and plating. The criteria are based on international standards and will select winners who represent some of the leading chain of hotels and resorts in Maldives. Category winners will represent their resort on the international stage as well.