Grand Park Kodhipparu’s Ni Wayan Priyanka Diana: Embracing island life, cultivating success

Ni Wayan Priyanka Diana, an ambitious and dedicated hospitality professional from Bali, Indonesia, is making her mark in the Maldivian hospitality industry as Assistant Sales Manager at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives. Her journey from Bali’s vibrant tourism scene to the secluded islands of the Maldives offers insight into her passion for hospitality, her challenges, and the experiences that have shaped her career.

Priyanka’s love for hospitality began early, growing up in an environment deeply rooted in the industry. “Both my parents worked in hospitality,” she shares, “and being from Bali, where tourism is such a big part of life, I naturally gravitated towards it.” Her early exposure and curiosity led her to study hotel and tourism management in college, solidifying her path toward a career in hospitality.

Before joining Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, Priyanka spent seven years working in Bali, gaining invaluable experience in sales. In August 2023, she made the bold decision to relocate to the Maldives, seeking new challenges and opportunities in a different cultural setting. Reflecting on her move, she says, “Although Bali and the Maldives are both heavily focused on tourism, the experiences and the market dynamics are quite different. In the Maldives, I’ve learned so much—working in a multicultural environment and dealing with new clientele. It has been a fulfilling experience.”

One of the most significant differences Priyanka has noticed between her time in Bali and her current role in the Maldives is the multicultural nature of her workplace. “In Bali, I mostly worked with fellow Indonesians, but here, I’m working with people from all over the world—Sri Lankans, Indians, Maldivians, and more. It’s a melting pot of cultures, and that diversity has enriched both my professional and personal life.”

This exposure to different cultures has also been an essential part of Priyanka’s learning journey. She explains how this diversity has taught her to adjust her approach in sales to better cater to the preferences and working styles of her clients and colleagues. “Every culture has its own way of doing things, and understanding that helps me be more effective in building relationships.”

While the opportunities in the Maldives have been exciting, Priyanka acknowledges that her journey hasn’t been without challenges. “The biggest challenge for me was being far away from my family,” she admits. “It was difficult at first, feeling isolated on the island. But we have a ferry that regularly goes to Malé, and I’ve found ways to create my own community here by connecting with friends from different resorts.”

She also mentions the professional challenges that come with the job, especially in a competitive market. “The Maldives is growing as a luxury destination, and with so many new resorts opening, the competition is fierce. We constantly have to think creatively about how to maintain our edge—whether through personalised guest experiences or strategic partnerships with travel agents.”

Priyanka’s approach to sales is grounded in building strong, lasting relationships. “Sales is all about human-to-human interaction,” she explains. “When you build trust with your clients, they are more likely to stay loyal to your property. I believe that close communication and connectivity are key—clients need to feel that personal touch.”

Her network of contacts is vast, both in the Maldives and abroad. Priyanka keeps in touch with her peers across different resorts to stay informed about market trends. “We regularly chat, even if we can’t meet in person. We exchange insights on how our respective resorts are performing, and that helps me stay sharp and adaptive to market conditions.”

As for the future, Priyanka has her sights set on climbing the corporate ladder. “I’ve recently been promoted to Assistant Sales Manager, and my goal is to become a Sales Manager next. Who knows, in another five years, I might be a Director of Sales,” she says with a confident smile.

For young women considering a career in hospitality, Priyanka offers simple but powerful advice: “Be brave. Take risks. When opportunities present themselves, seize the moment and leap. You won’t know what’s out there until you experience it for yourself.”

She also emphasises the importance of exploring beyond one’s comfort zone. “I’ve always been curious about working abroad, and coming to the Maldives was a dream. It’s not just about career growth, but personal growth as well. If you want to build a career in hospitality, it’s essential to embrace new experiences.”

From Bali to the Maldives, Ni Wayan Priyanka Diana has not only expanded her professional expertise but also cultivated a deeper understanding of different cultures and the intricacies of sales in a globalised world. As she continues to make her mark in the industry, her story serves as an inspiration for others to follow their passion, take on new challenges, and seize the opportunities that life presents.