Hotelier Maldives Awards 2023: Announcing categories

Hotelier Maldives, the leading publication for hospitality professionals in the country, has announced the categories of this year’s awards.

The Hotelier Maldives Awards are designed to recognise and reward the outstanding achievements and contributions of tourism industry employees across various categories, such as housekeeping, engineering, food and beverage, spa and wellness, sales and marketing, and more. The annual awards aim to celebrate the heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation and guest satisfaction of their properties. The awards also seek to inspire and motivate hotel staff to excel in their performance and deliver exceptional service with the spirit of Maldivian hospitality.

The 2023 Hotelier Maldives Awards will include 21 general categories for staff.

Wellness Personality of the Year

The award is for hotel wellness professionals who manage or provide health, fitness, spa and lifestyle services to their guests. They should demonstrate excellence in delivering wellness programmes and treatments.

Concierge/Guest Services Personality of the Year

The award is for front office staff and concierges who excel in customer service, hotel and local knowledge, and problem-solving. They should also be able to upsell and promote hotel services, and go the extra mile for guests.

Housekeeper of the Year

The award is for housekeepers who are organised, meticulous, and respected by their team. They should also show innovation, efficiency, and motivation in their work.

IT Personality of the Year

The award is for IT experts who manage network, hardware and software issues, and communicate well with users. They should also demonstrate innovation and cost saving strategies in their role.

Engineer of the Year

The award is for hotel engineers who keep the hotel running smoothly and efficiently. They should also show environmental awareness and cost-saving initiatives in their work.

Landscaper of the Year

The award is for landscapers who create and maintain beautiful gardens and landscapes for the hotel. They should also adapt to different weather conditions and seasons.

Security Officer of the Year

The award is for security officers who protect the hotel and its people, and improve security systems and processes. They should also review incidents, introduce new initiatives, and work well with others.

HR & Training Personality of the Year

The award is for HR professionals who manage employee relations, recruitment, training, and localisation. They should also promote the hotel industry, lead and develop associates, and communicate well.

Aviator of the Year

The award is for seaplane crew who fly tourists to their destinations, despite weather or time challenges.

Mariner of the Year

The award is for speedboat crew who navigate and assist in sea transfers for tourism, regardless of weather conditions.

Procurement Personality of the Year

This award recognises a hotel employee who is responsible for purchasing goods and materials in an efficient, ethical and eco-friendly way. The candidate will have improved the purchasing process, reduced costs and waste, and maintained good relationships with suppliers and other hotel areas.

Finance Personality of the Year

This award honours a hotel employee who is in charge of managing the financial aspects of the hotel, such as forecasting, budgeting, auditing and complying with regulations. The candidate will have achieved high standards of performance and accuracy, and supported the hotel’s profitability with numbers.

Sales Personality of the Year

This award celebrates a hotel employee who is skilled at selling rooms and events to clients and increasing the hotel’s revenue. The candidate will have used innovative strategies, good client management and a strong commitment to close deals.

Marketer of the Year

This award acknowledges a hotel employee who is creative, strategic and knowledgeable in promoting the hotel and the destination. The candidate will have demonstrated remarkable abilities in creating captivating campaigns, immersive storytelling and sustainable initiatives.

PR and Communications Personality of the Year

This award recognises a hotel employee who is responsible for communicating the hotel’s personality, brand image and awareness in the market. The candidate will have a flair for using media and social media in imaginative ways, and will be able to manage all press relations effectively.

Chef of the Year

This award is for a chef who has created innovative menus, led their team with excellence, and enhanced the dining experience of the hotel. The candidate will have examples of their dishes, innovations, and financial achievements. The candidate will also be a friendly and charismatic person who interacts with diners and staff.

F&B Personality of the Year

This award is for an F&B staff member who has created unique promotions, loyalty schemes and partnerships to attract and retain diners. The candidate will also provide a personal service and manage and motivate their staff effectively.

Young Hotelier of the Year

This award is for a hotelier under 30 years old who has worked in the Maldivian and international hotel industry for at least two and five years respectively. The candidate will have shown remarkable progression, development and contribution to their team and hotel. The candidate will also have a fresh perspective, a passion for their work, and a positive impact on their colleagues and guests.

Unsung Hero of the Year

This award is for a hotel employee who works in hotel operations and performs their tasks with dedication, efficiency and a smile. The candidate will be a humble and hardworking person who always has a positive attitude and a willingness to help.

GM of the Year

This award is for a General Manager who has a passion for their work and a leadership style that inspires and empowers their staff. The candidate will also have a hands-on approach, a service-oriented mindset, and a business acumen that drives revenue, profitability and competitiveness. The candidate will also have examples of how they have benefited their owners, staff and guests.

Hotel Team of the Year

This award is for a hotel team that has worked together to bring success to their property. The team will be represented by the executive committee, who will reflect the achievements and stories of every department. The team will have an exciting story that showcases their teamwork, collaboration and excellence.

Four awards will also be given to hotels.

CSR Programme of the Year

This award is for a hotel or resort that has shown outstanding commitment and contribution to corporate social responsibility (CSR). The award evaluates the property’s CSR initiatives and their impacts on the social, environmental, and economic well-being of its stakeholders and the community.

Training and Development Programme of the Year

This award is for a hotel or resort that has shown excellence and innovation in training and developing its staff. The award assesses the property’s training and development programmes and their effects on the skills, knowledge, and performance of its employees across all levels and departments.

Sustainability Champion of the Year

This award is for a hotel or resort in Maldives that has shown outstanding commitment and contribution to environmental conservation and sustainability. The award examines the property’s sustainability efforts and initiatives and their impacts on reducing its environmental footprint, conserving natural resources, and protecting the biodiversity of the Maldives.

The Hotelier Maldives Awards will be open to all hotel employees who work in properties that are registered with the Ministry of Tourism. The nominees will be evaluated by a panel of judges comprising of industry experts, senior hoteliers, and representatives from Hotelier Maldives.

The Hotelier Maldives Awards are a testament to the dedication and excellence of hotel employees in the Maldives, who are the backbone of the hospitality industry. The awards are a way of saying thank you to these hardworking individuals who make the Maldives one of the most desirable destinations in the world. The awards are also a way of celebrating the diversity and richness of the Maldivian hospitality culture, which is renowned for its warmth, friendliness, and professionalism.

The entry guidelines and application process for the Hotelier Maldives Awards 2o23 will be published on the Hotelier Maldives website in the coming weeks. Winners of the 2023 awards will be announced at a gala ceremony that will be held in Q2 2024. The date and venue of the ceremony will be announced soon.