Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) is participating in the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026, a premier global culinary event taking place from 16th to 19th May 2026 at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport, United Kingdom. Through this globally recognised platform, Visit Maldives is showcasing the rich culinary heritage and diverse gastronomic experiences of the Sunny Side of Life to an international audience of both B2B and B2C stakeholders, further strengthening the Maldives’ positioning in key global markets.

The Worldchefs Congress & Expo is a landmark event that brings together top chefs, culinary educators, hospitality professionals, and industry leaders from across the globe. The 2026 edition features high-level competitions, expert-led discussions, and extensive networking opportunities, providing an ideal environment for destinations to build partnerships, exchange knowledge, and explore new business opportunities within the global culinary community.

Through its participation, Visit Maldives is positioning the Maldives as a premier gastronomy destination by highlighting its unique blend of heritage cuisine and world-class dining experiences. The Maldives’ culinary identity, deeply rooted in local traditions and influenced by its island geography, is being showcased alongside the exceptional fine dining offerings available across its luxury resorts, reinforcing the destination’s reputation for delivering high-end, experiential tourism.

The event is serving as a strategic platform for Visit Maldives to strengthen relationships with international culinary associations, renowned chefs, and key hospitality stakeholders, while supporting continued growth in visitor arrivals from priority markets. It also provides an opportunity to engage trade media and industry professionals, generating positive destination visibility and valuable coverage in leading culinary and travel publications.

Visitors to the Maldives stand are experiencing live demonstrations of authentic Maldivian heritage cuisine, offering an immersive introduction to the flavours and techniques that define the destination. The stand is also facilitating one-on-one meetings with travel trade and culinary professionals, while a range of promotional materials, including leaflets, stickers, and curated culinary factsheets, are being distributed to enhance destination awareness and recall.

The Maldives delegation is engaging with a targeted audience comprising professional chefs, culinary educators, hospitality and F&B leaders, luxury travel trade partners, as well as international media and food influencers. Insights gathered during the event will contribute to future marketing strategies, supporting the alignment of the Maldives’ tourism offerings with evolving global travel and culinary trends.

Participation at Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 aligns with Visit Maldives’ broader marketing strategy to diversify destination appeal, promote experiential tourism, and enhance global visibility through targeted industry platforms. Visit Maldives remains committed to strengthening its presence in key international markets while driving sustainable growth for the Maldivian tourism industry.