Women in Hospitality: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ Senior Sales Manager Naziya Hassan

If you are looking for a dream destination to escape the mundane, look no further than Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, the newest addition to the Hyatt family of luxury resorts. Nestled in the pristine Raa Atoll, this resort offers a blend of innovative design, crafted luxury, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you want to relax in your private pool villa, indulge in a spa treatment, or explore the underwater wonders, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has something for everyone.

But who is one of the persons responsible for connecting the world with this island hideaway? Meet Naziya Hassan, the Senior Sales Manager for UK and Europe at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. Naziya is a veteran of the hospitality industry in the Maldives, with a career spanning over two decades. She has worked in various roles and sectors, from telecommunications to tourism, and has proven her skills and dedication in every challenge.

Naziya started her career as an Operations Support Officer at Dhiraagu, the leading telecom provider in the Maldives. There, she learned the ropes of organizational and administrative tasks, which would serve her well in her future endeavors. She then moved to Alia Investments, where she worked as an Office Administrator for three years. She also had a stint as an Executive Assistant at Sultans of the Seas, a luxury yacht charter company.

But it was in the tourism industry that Naziya found her true calling. She joined Universal Resorts, the leading resort operator in the Maldives, as a Sales Assistant. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Regional Sales Manager after 11 years of hard work and excellence. She was responsible for managing multimillion-dollar sales, developing and implementing sales strategies, and negotiating contracts with key partners worldwide. She also played a vital role in the pre and post opening sales of prestigious resorts like Dhigali Maldives, Faarufushi Maldives, and Milaidhoo Maldives.

Naziya shared her insights on her time at Universal Resorts: “My journey at Universal Resorts was a tremendous learning experience. I had the opportunity to be one of the pre and post opening sales leader for prestigious resorts like Dhigali Maldives, Faarufushi Maldives and Milaidhoo Maldives. The challenges were immense, but they fueled my determination to excel in the industry.”

Naziya also demonstrated her ability to adapt to changing situations and overcome obstacles. She developed and executed contingency plans to deal with unexpected scenarios affecting sales and business. She also established and maintained strategic partnerships with partners and key accounts globally.

In 2022, Naziya took on a new challenge, joining the post opening team of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives as a Senior Sales Manager. This move reflects her passion for growth and excellence in the hospitality sector. She said, “Joining the post opening team of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is an exciting challenge. Alila is brand of Hyatt Corporation and the hallmark of Alila is the combination of innovative design and crafted luxury in unique locations. It’s an opportunity to contribute to the establishment and success of a new venture, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to make a positive impact.”

Naziya is not only a successful professional, but also a lifelong learner. She holds an MBA major in Strategic Management with distinction from Avid College and a Business Administration Diploma from the Association of Business Executive UK. She believes in the importance of continuous learning in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape.

Naziya is not only a successful sales manager, but also a role model for women who want to pursue a career in hospitality. She has faced and overcome many obstacles in a male-dominated industry, and has proven her skills and leadership in every challenge. She is passionate about empowering more women to join and excel in the hospitality sector. She said, “The hospitality industry is evolving, and it’s heartening to see more women taking on leadership roles. Diversity brings a richness of perspectives, and I believe women have a unique contribution to make in shaping the future of hospitality.”

Naziya’s journey in the Maldivian hospitality sector is a story of courage, adaptability, and excellence. She has worked in various roles and sectors, from telecommunications to tourism, and has always strived to learn and grow. She has been instrumental in the success of several prestigious resorts in the Maldives, including the stunning Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, where she currently works as a Senior Sales Manager. Her story serves as an inspiration for all those aspiring to carve a niche in the dynamic world of hospitality.