Chef of the Year Harshal Kumar: Crafting culinary journeys at Hurawalhi, Kudadoo Maldives
Chef Harshal Kumar, the Cluster Executive Chef for Hurawalhi Island Resort & Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, was recently honoured as the Chef of the Year at Hotelier Maldives Awards 2024. This recognition marks an important moment in his career, which has been characterised by a continuous focus on precision, sustainability, and innovative approaches to guest […]
Indian film stars return to Maldives for holidays after brief hiatus
After a period of reduced visits from Indian film stars, the Maldives is once again seeing an increase in high-profile visitors from the Indian entertainment industry. Prominent Bollywood stars and TV personalities have been choosing the Maldives as their preferred holiday destination, with some even celebrating birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and other special occasions in the […]
MU Maniku calls for increased flights to remote atolls to boost tourism
The Maldives Association for Tourism Industry (MATI) Chairman, Mohammed Umar Maniku (MU Maniku), has emphasized the need for increased flight connectivity to remote atolls to expand tourism in the Maldives. Speaking at a panel discussion on Tourism Day, MU Maniku, a veteran of the tourism industry, highlighted that the lack of adequate flights poses a […]
New foreign exchange policy risks collapsing Maldives’ tourism industry, economy
Government’s misguided foreign exchange policy will destroy the economy. The government’s newly announced policy to force tourist resorts to convert US$500 per head into local Maldivian Rufiyaa will spell a disaster for the industry and the economy as a whole. There is a belief amongst certain officials and the general public that Maldives resorts are […]
Resort Manager Manas Panda: Navigating hospitality experiences at OBLU NATURE Helengeli
The journey from a wide-eyed graduate to the helm of a resort nestled in Maldives is not a path walked by many. For Manas Panda, Resort Manager at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by Sentido, this journey was ignited by an unexpected spark during a simple educational tour in his home of India. As he reflects on […]
Passion and leadership: Andrew Jansson’s vision for Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
Andrew Jansson, the Cluster General Manager of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, has dedicated nearly 30 years to the hospitality industry. His journey, marked by a deep passion for travel and a commitment to leadership, has taken him across 14 different countries, each contributing to his unique approach to managing luxury […]
Embracing sustainable tourism in Maldives: A call to action
On this World Tourism Day, it’s crucial to evaluate the future of tourism in the Maldives, a paradise known for its breathtaking waters and rich marine biodiversity. The sustainability of this industry is at a crossroads, demanding urgent attention to environmental issues that threaten both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of those who depend on […]
Leveraging Maldives’ unique selling points: Insights from experts at GM Forum 2024
In a panel discussion hosted by Hotelier Maldives during the recent GM Forum, experts from across the hospitality industry came together to discuss how the Maldives can leverage its unique selling points (USPs) to remain a competitive and aspirational destination in the global market. The panel, moderated by Aishath Ihuma, Director of Business Development at […]
Vital role of Velana International Airport in developing Maldives’ tourism
In his presentation at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024, Mohamed Mihad, Chief Commercial Officer at Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), highlighted the critical role of Velana International Airport (VIA) in supporting and driving tourism in the Maldives. His speech, titled “Velana International Airport (VIA) and Tourism Development,” provided valuable insights into how the airport’s […]
Mohamed Jailam presents Artificial Intelligence’s role in travel at GM Forum 2024
At the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024, Mohamed Jailam, CEO and Managing Director of Javaabu and Co-Founder of DhivehiGPT, delivered a presentation titled “How Artificial Intelligence (AI) Will Revolutionise Travel.” His talk centred on how AI is already transforming various sectors, and the potential it holds for revolutionising the travel and hospitality industry. Jailam began […]
WeChat’s Etienne Ng highlights Chinese traveller trends, digital payments at GM Forum 2024
At the recently-concluded Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024, Etienne Ng, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay), delivered a presentation on the evolving trends of Chinese travellers and the crucial role of digital payments in the hospitality industry. The session offered attendees a deep dive into how WeChat, one of the most […]
Ooredoo’s managed solutions for future-ready Maldives resorts
In a presentation at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024, Rajesh Mehta, Chief Business Officer of Ooredoo Maldives, emphasised the transformative role of managed solutions in enhancing hospitality efficiency. The event marked the eighth edition of the forum and Mehta’s fourth appearance, where he outlined the importance of centralised ICT infrastructure for resorts. Mehta opened […]