GM Forum 2026 panel to explore building resilient resort organisations
Hotelier Maldives has announced a panel discussion focused on organisational resilience and leadership for the upcoming Hotelier Maldives General Managers (GM) Forum 2026, bringing together senior industry leaders to examine how resort businesses can prepare for and respond to periods of uncertainty.
Titled “Leading Through Uncertainty: Building Resilient Resort Organisations,” the panel will be moderated by Ismail Maiz Mohamed of Hotelier Maldives.
Joining the discussion will be Mohamed Khaleel, Managing Director of Pulse Hotels & Resorts; Mark Eletre, General Manager of Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa; and Abdulla Yasir, Managing Director and CEO of Visit Maldives.
The session will explore how resort organisations can strengthen their ability to respond to economic pressures, shifts in source markets, operational disruptions, workforce challenges and other changes affecting the tourism industry.
Drawing on perspectives from resort ownership and management as well as national tourism promotion, the discussion will examine how leaders can build organisations capable of adapting to changing conditions while maintaining operational continuity, service standards and long-term business priorities.
The panellists are also expected to consider the role of leadership during periods of uncertainty, including how management teams communicate with employees, make decisions under pressure and maintain organisational confidence when circumstances change rapidly.
Another area of focus will be the importance of planning beyond immediate operational challenges. The discussion will look at how resorts can strengthen internal systems, develop adaptable teams and create management structures that allow organisations to respond more effectively to future disruptions.
Khaleel will bring the perspective of a Maldivian hospitality group overseeing a portfolio of resort properties, while Eletre will contribute the operational perspective of managing an international-brand resort in the Maldives. Yasir will add the perspective of the country’s tourism promotion body, including the relationship between wider market developments and the operating environment for resorts.
The discussion forms part of the programme for the 10th Hotelier Maldives GM Forum, which will take place on 5 October 2026 at CROSSROADS Maldives under the theme “Resilience and Reinvention: Talent, Technology & Transformation.”
The annual forum brings together resort general managers, owners, senior executives, government representatives and industry partners to discuss issues shaping the Maldives hospitality sector. The 2026 edition will examine how the industry can respond to changing business conditions, workforce expectations and technological developments while strengthening its ability to adapt and grow.
Dhiraagu is the Premier Sponsor of GM Forum 2026, while STO Energy is the Platinum Sponsor. Bank of Maldives (BML) is the Banking Partner, Dhivehi Insurance is the Insurance Partner and Male’ Aerated Water Company (MAWC) is the Beverage Partner.
The forum’s Silver Sponsors are Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Villa Hakatha, Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) and Atoll Solar. ALIA, Uniforms Unlimited, Maldives Insider and Blue N White are Associate Sponsors.
Souvenir Marine is the Transport Partner, Manta Air is the Aviation Partner, and Storm Events is the Organising Partner for GM Forum 2026.
