Male’, Maldives -17th May 2026 – The Maldives is stepping onto the global culinary stage with a refined showcase at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026, held from 16th to 19th May at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport, United Kingdom. Represented by Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), the destination is using this prestigious international gathering to present its distinctive gastronomic heritage to a wide spectrum of industry professionals, from global trade partners to culinary enthusiasts.
Regarded as one of the most influential events in the culinary calendar, the Worldchefs Congress & Expo brings together leading chefs, educators, hospitality innovators, and industry decision-makers. The 2026 edition offers a dynamic blend of competitions, thought leadership sessions, and networking opportunities—creating an ideal environment for destinations to cultivate partnerships and explore emerging trends in global gastronomy.
At its showcase, the Maldives is positioning itself as more than a tropical escape, highlighting a culinary narrative shaped by island traditions and enriched by world-class resort dining. The presentation reflects a balance between authentic Maldivian flavours and elevated fine dining experiences found across its luxury hospitality landscape, reinforcing its appeal as a premium experiential destination.
Visitors to the Maldives stand are being welcomed into an immersive journey of taste and culture, featuring live demonstrations of traditional Maldivian cuisine. These interactive sessions offer insight into indigenous ingredients, cooking techniques, and the cultural stories behind the dishes. Alongside this, VMC is engaging in targeted meetings with chefs, culinary associations, and travel trade professionals, while distributing curated materials designed to deepen awareness of the destination’s culinary offerings.
The delegation’s participation extends beyond promotion, serving as a platform for meaningful dialogue with industry leaders, media representatives, and influencers. Insights gathered during the event are expected to inform future strategies, ensuring the Maldives continues to align its tourism experiences with evolving global preferences.
Through its presence at Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026, the Maldives strengthens its positioning as a sophisticated gastronomy destination, while advancing its broader vision of sustainable tourism growth and diversified global appeal.
