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 […]
Harnessing data: Malik Mohamed on business intelligence future in Maldives tourism
At the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024, Malik Mohamed, Director of Business Intelligence at Pulse Hotels & Resorts, delivered a presentation on the vital role of business intelligence (BI) and revenue optimisation in the evolving tourism industry of the Maldives. He highlighted how leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and predictive tools can unlock substantial […]
From honeymoon haven to family favourite: dnata Travel Group’s John Bevan on future of Maldives travel
In a keynote at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024, John Bevan, CEO at dnata Travel Group, shared his insights on the evolving landscape of luxury travel and the future of the Maldives as a premium destination. John, who has been based in Dubai for the last three and a half years, leads dnata’s global […]
Evolving trends, challenges in luxury travel: Insights from GM Forum 2024 panel discussion
On September 19, 2024, the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum hosted an insightful panel discussion titled, ‘Redefining the Luxury Travel Experience.’ Moderated by Reena Abdul Wahid, Communications Strategist at the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), the discussion delved into the evolving landscape of luxury travel and how industry leaders are adapting to meet changing traveler […]
Navigating economic challenges and tourism: Insights for Maldives’ tourism future
The Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on September 19, featured a thought-provoking panel discussion titled, ‘Shaping the Future: Strategic Insights from Maldives.’ This session aimed to address key issues concerning the Maldivian economy, with a particular focus on the tourism sector, foreign investment, fiscal policies, and aviation infrastructure. Moderated by TV […]
Surfing: Catalyst for sports tourism in Maldives
The Maldives, renowned for its stunning atolls and luxury resorts, is on the cusp of redefining its tourism appeal by tapping into the flourishing market of sports tourism—specifically, surfing. This shift is exemplified by the rising prominence of local surfers like Ahmed Agil, whose journey and achievements illuminate the vast potential of surfing as a […]
Struggles of Maldivian airline: Time to let private airlines soar?
As the flag carrier and national airline of the Maldives, Maldivian has long been a symbol of national pride, connecting the scattered islands of the archipelago and serving as a gateway to the world. However, beneath the surface of this emblematic role lies a harsh reality: Maldivian has consistently struggled to operate profitably, raising questions […]
Maldives cuts tourism forecasts amid market, geopolitical changes
The Ministry of Finance in Maldives has revised its tourism growth forecasts downward, reflecting changes in market composition and economic and geopolitical circumstances. According to the Macroeconomic Update, published in late June, in 2023, tourist arrivals reached 1.88 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels with a 12.1 percent increase compared to 2022. The first three months of […]
Why World Environment Day matters for Maldives, tourists
Maldives is synonymous with pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, and breathtaking marine life. This idyllic paradise, however, faces a very real threat: climate change and environmental degradation. World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5th, takes on a particular significance for the Maldives, with the 2024 theme – Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience – striking […]
Afsal ‘best’ for tourists; sacrificed in guest service
Ahmed Afsal, a 39-year-old housekeeper from Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll, was a star employee at Centara Grand Island Resort. Tourists consistently praised him raving about his attentiveness, creativity, and friendly demeanour. Afsal wasn’t just a great housekeeper; he was a kind and helpful person who went above and beyond for his guests. Afsal, who is single […]
