THE TOUCHLESS REVOLUTION - Hotelier Maldives
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THE TOUCHLESS REVOLUTION hotelier.mv | Volume 8 | Issue 53 TOURISM INDICATORS EXCLUSIVE THE GM’S VIEW SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW ASIA PACIFIC HOTEL Roshan Radhay, Interview with VILLA HAKATHA, TRANSACTIONS TOTAL LUX* Maldives’ Brad Calder, FUELING THE FUTURE USD3.7 BILLION IN 1H ‘Magician of Marketing’ General Manager, 2021: JLL Hurawalhi and Kudadoo
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CONTENTS
COVER STORY
THE TOUCHLESS
REVOLUTION
14 36 28
CAREERS
EXCLUSIVE
MEET AHMED
HOTEL REVIEW
ROSHAN RADHAY, ‘HANDHU’ RASHEED:
20 THE TALE OF JW MARRIOTT’S NEW
LUX* MALDIVES’ DIRECTOR OF GUEST
VELIGANDU ‘MAGICIAN OF MARKETING’ SERVICES
58 48
30 44 33
F&B
THE WONDROUS WINE
CELLARS OF THE
MALDIVES
THE GM’S VIEW F&B WOMEN IN HOSPITALITY
INTERVIEW WITH MEET NAVIN SINGH, ANURADHA
BRAD CALDER, EXECUTIVE CHEF OF ABEYWICKRAMASINGE
69
GENERAL MANAGER, MOVENPICK RESORT CORPORATE PURCHASING DESIGN
HURAWALHI AND KUREDHIVARU MALDIVES MANAGER COCOON MALDIVES
KUDADOO AND YOU AND ME BY COCOON MEET ISABELLE MIAJA THE MALDIVES
HOTEL DESIGN GURU
12 TOURISM INDICATORS
ASIA PACIFIC HOTEL
SUPPLIER NEWS
7 NEWS & EVENTS TRANSACTIONS TOTAL MAKING TIPPING
USD3.7 BILLION IN 1H 55 F&B
EXCLUSIVE: ARUNKUMAR TAMILSELVAN, SOMMELIER, ABROAD EASY
2021: JLL ANANTARA KIHAVAH MALDIVES VILLAS
9 GM FORUM
52 F&B
66 74 PRODUCT REVIEW
INTRODUCING THE WORLD’S MOST MAGNESIUM-RICH ADVERTISER’S INDEX
10 EVENT CALENDAR EXCLUSIVE: JUDE
PERERA, SOMMELIER, MINERAL WATER - ROI
HUVAFEN FUSHI Sea Gear 2
Asia Forwarding 3
42 PEOPLE CONSERVATION 62 AIRLINES
SINGAPORE AIRLINES GROUP COMMITS TO NET ZERO Fluid Wood Products 19
64 REMOVING BARRIERS
HOTEL MANAGMENT MEETING RAFFLES
MALDIVES MARINE CARBON EMISSIONS BY 2050 Seara Sports Systems 41
68 BUYER’S GUIDE BETWEEN HOTEL
TECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGIST ON Deli United 57
MARKETING WORLD OCEAN DAY 75 PRODUCT REVIEW
MARAZ INTRODUCING HEALTHY AND ORGANIC AS Marine 62
Reollo Enterprises 79
78 LISTINGS AND OPERATIONS DRINKS FROM GREENSTONE, AUSTRALIA
Manta Air 80
72 PRODUCT REVIEW
VILUNÜ: BESPOKE 76 SUPPLIERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
VILLA HAKATHA
MALDIVIAN SCENTS FUELING THE FUTURE
4 www.hotelier.mv ISSUE 53 HOTELIER MALDIVES 5
EDITORIAL NEWS & EVENTS
Towards a Touchless Guest Journey Mumbai International Airport Begins
Direct Flights to Maldives
Hotelier Maldives Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj allowed Indian and Maldivian
Volume 8, Issue No: 53 International Airport (CSMIA), carriers to operate flights
Mumbai, has commenced between the two countries. In
EDITORIAL weekly passenger flight 2020, over 371 flights carried
Mohamed Mamduh, operations between Mumbai 46,735 passengers between
Managing Editor, and Malè , effective from 15 July. Mumbai and Malè .
mamduh@hoteliermaldives.com As reported in Defence Aviation
Post, there will be four direct In May 2021, Maldives
Naufal Naeem, flights twice a week; two flights implemented a temporary
Editorial Advisor and Contributor are operated by IndiGo and two suspension of entry for tourists
by GoFirst, formerly known as originating from South Asian
Donna Richardson, GoAir. countries, including India.
Contributing Editor This restriction was lifted on
India is a major source market 15 July 2021 and is expected
Naza Nazeem, for Maldives tourism industry, to improve arrival numbers
Content Marketing Executive with 90,216 tourist arrivals this from the market. Visitors are
year until 14 July 2021. There required to offer a negative PCR
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS were a total of 62,960 tourist result before arrival and two
Aminath Zahir, Noah Davis, Laura arrivals from India at the end doses of a Covid-19 vaccine two
Williams, Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz of 2020. During the same year, weeks before the travel date in
India created an air bubble order to avoid mandatory travel
LAYOUT DESIGN & COVER ARTWORK arrangement with Maldives, quarantine.
Ali Riyaz the first one in South Asia. It
Dear Readers,
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY
Welcome to issue 53 of Hotelier Maldives.
Contactless tech pre-dates the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the crises accelerated the
OF THE FOLLOWING:
Velana International Airport, S Hotels Ground-breaking Agreement Signed to Introduce Accor’s
adoption of new technologies in the hospitality and travel industry.
In our cover story for this issue, contributing editor Naufal Naeem ‘re-imagines’ the old
and Resorts Public Company Limited,
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Veligandu
Island Resort & Spa, LUX* South
SO/ Hotels & Resorts to the Maldives
Ari Atoll, LUX* North Male Atoll,
ways by looking at the changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated in how we
Hurawalhi Island Resort, Kuredu Resort
interact with each other. For hoteliers and the hospitality industry in general, ensuring a
Maldives, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo,
safe guest journey and establishing trust and safety with our guests is paramount.
Gili Lankanfushi,Conrad Maldives
Rangali Island, Intercontinental
As the tourism and travel industry regain momentum after reopening borders, we see that
Maldives Maamunagau, JW Marriott
total arrivals for the year has surpassed the half million mark and if there are no further Maldives Resort 7 Spa, Huvafen Fushi,
surges of COVID-19 cases, we can look at a hopeful ending for the year. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas,
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, OZEN
In our regular segments we feature Brad Calder, GM at Hurawalhi and Kudadoo Maldives by Atmosphere Resort, Villa Hakatha,
in the GM’s view segment, ‘Handhu’ Rasheed in Careers, Anuradha Abeywickramasinghe in Vilunü, Freepik.
Women in Hospitality and Roshan Radhay in an exclusive interview.
CLIENT RELATIONS
We also have a very special resort review featuring Veligandu Island Resort in this issue & ADVERTISEMENT SALES
and a feature looking at the ‘Wondrous Wine Cellars’ in the Maldives resorts. sales@hoteliermaldives.com,
+960 7910858
In product reviews and supplier news we have reviewed beverages newly introduced to the S Hotels and Resorts Public by speedboat from Velana keep their finger on the pulse. brand’s first Maldivian property.
market and interview Andrei Starchenko who recently developed an App that helps you to MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Company Limited, the flagship International Airport, this
tip staff without cash. Naza Nazeem hospitality arm of Thailand’s eclectic resort will bring a fresh Guests will be able to unwind “With its signature sense of
naza@hoteliermaldives.com Singha Estate PCL, has signed a sense of avant-garde style and on SO/ Maldives’ private style and commitment to
hotel management agreement sophistication to the Maldives, island or take advantage of creating unique guest journeys,
If you would like to comment or publish an opinion article, please email them to
to introduce SO/ Hotels & while also reflecting the fantastic facilities at The SO/ is the ideal fit for our third
mamduh@hoteliermaldives.com or info@perspective.mv
Resorts to the Maldives. The local spirit of this captivating Marina @ CROSSROADS, an island. It will stand out from the
project will be owned by an destination. 800-metre lifestyle area and crowd, complement our two
equal joint venture with Wai beach walk where visitors can other industry-leading brands
Sincerely, Eco World Developer Pte. Ltd. Highly creative and fashion-led, discover cool cafés, refined and complete our collection
(WEWD), a leading business and each SO/ Hotel is an avant- restaurants, a chic beach of luxury and lifestyle resorts,
real estate conglomerate. garde masterpiece imaginatively club, upmarket boutiques, further raising the bar for
inspired by an iconic, signature a spa, the Marine Discovery hospitality in the Maldives,” said
Opening in 2023, SO/ Maldives designer. Only found in socially Centre and a 30-berth yacht Dirk De Cuyper, chief executive
PUBLISHER
will take centre stage on the vibrant destinations such as marina. SO/ Maldives will officer of S Hotels & Resorts,
PERSPECTIVE PVT LTD
third island of CROSSROADS Berlin, Bangkok, St Petersburg become the third resort at a proven track record of
4th Floor, M. Kaneeru Villa,
Maldives in South Male Atoll. and Singapore, it is one of CROSSROADS Maldives, joining developing exceptional lifestyle
Mohamed Mamduh Orchid Magu
The property will feature eighty the fastest-growing brands in SAii Lagoon Maldives, an resorts, including CROSSROADS
Managing Editor Male, Republic of Maldives,
breath-taking beachfront and Accor’s lifestyle portfolio. SO/ original and inspiring retreat for Maldives.
PO Box No 20212
over-water villas, all adorned Hotels & Resorts are designed millennially-minded travellers,
Mobile: +960 7246292, +960 7999008
with designer interiors and an for savvy travellers who have a and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives,
Email: info@hoteliermaldives.com
audacious twist. Just 15 minutes passion for fashion and like to the iconic music-themed
www.hoteliermaldives.com
6 www.hotelier.mv ISSUE 53 HOTELIER MALDIVES 7
NEWS & EVENTS GM FORUM
Deal Activity in the Travel and Tourism
Sector Increased by 39.6 Per Cent in
June 2021: GlobalData HOTELIER MALDIVES GM FORUM 2021
A total of seventy-four deals (comprising COVID-19 pandemic, could be a positive
mergers and acquisitions, private sign for the coming months.”
OPEN FOR
equity, and venture financing deals)
were announced in the global travel and
tourism sector during June, according to All the deal types (under coverage) also
GlobalData, a leading data and analytics witnessed growth in deal volume in June
company. GlobalData reveals that this is an compared to the previous month. While
increase of 39.6 per cent compared to the merger and acquisitions deal volume
fifty-three deals announced in May. increased by 26.5 per cent, the number of
SPONSORSHIPS
private equity and venture financing deals
increased by 9.1 per cent and 137.5 per cent,
Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, respectively.
comments: “Deal activity in the travel &
tourism sector showed signs of recovery
in June, following a decline during the past Deal activity also showcased improvement
few months. The growth in deal activity in key markets including the US, the UK,
for a sector that has been hit badly due to China, Germany and Spain, while India
lockdown and travel restrictions amid the witnessed decline in deal activity.
Taj Named as Strongest Hotel Brand in the World The fifth edition of
Taj, which has two properties
in the Maldives, has been
the Hotelier Maldives
voted the world’s strongest
hotel brand according to the
GM Forum is open for
Brand Finance Hotels 50 2021
report. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa,
sponsorship.
Emboodhu Finolhu island and
Taj Coral Reef in North Male
welcomed the news. Scheduled to take place
Puneet Chhatwal, Managing on 23rd September 2021
Director and Chief Executive
Officer, Indian Hotels Company, at Crossroads Maldives,
said, “This is a proud moment
for the Indian hospitality the event will feature
industry on the global stage.
Taj being rated as the World’s keynote speeches,
Strongest Hotel Brand is a
testament to the unwavering presentations and panel
trust our guests have
consistently placed in us and discussions on a range
the warmth and sincere care
our employees have embodied of topics including hotel
day-after-day. We will continue
our endeavor to elevate the
consultancy, London-based
Brand Finance assesses the
shortlisted Taj as one of the fifty
most valuable hotel brands in
achievements of any Indian
brand on the world stage. It technology, market
world class experiences of
luxury hospitality and deliver
relative strength of brands
by considering factors such
the world. testifies to the timelessness
of Taj and to the leadership forecasts and human Sponsorships for GM Forum 2021 are Maldives. The Forum acts as a platform
available in the following categories; Title for general managers to get together
the magic of Tajness to all our
stakeholders.”
as corporate reputation,
customer familiarity,
A spokesperson for Brand
of Indian Hotels Company
Limited (IHCL). Since taking
resources management. Sponsor, Platinum Sponsor, Gold Sponsor, and discuss issues faced by the industry.
Finance said: “Renowned Silver Sponsor, and Bespoke Partnerships. It features keynote speeches and panel
marketing investment and staff
satisfaction.
for its world-class customer
the reins of IHCL in 2017, CEO
Puneet Chhatwal implemented
Maldives minister of Early bird offers are available until 25 discussions allowing the GMs to hear from
GM of Taj Exotica Resort & service, the luxury hotel July 2021 in all categories. To become their peers and global experts on various
Spa, Samrat Datta and GM of chain scores very well in our
the brand’s five-year plan to
spur growth and strengthen
tourism Dr Abdulla a sponsor of GM Forum 2021 or make key topics decided by an advisory panel
Taj Coral Reef Samir Khanna, After taking these criteria Global Brand Equity Monitor an inquiry, you may call hotlines (+960) consisting of industry insiders. It is also
echoed the same feelings and into account, they tabulate for consideration, familiarity,
market leadership, and he
was instrumental in adopting
Mausoom is confirmed 7910858 or (+960) 7999008 or email sales@ the ideal platform for hotel suppliers and
celebrated the success with a brand strength index (BSI) recommendation, and hoteliermaldives.com service providers to reach out directly to
their respective teams score out of 100. Taj scored a reputation especially across its
the R.E.S.E.T 2020 strategy to
overcome the challenges posed
to give a keynote at the resort and hotel operators and network
BSI of 89.3, corresponding to a home market of India.” with general managers, owners and
The accolade was awarded by
AAA brand strength rating and
by the pandemic.
Forum. Inaugurated in 2016, the Hotelier Maldives
GM Forum is the only dedicated event for
developers.
making it the world’s strongest
world’s leading brand valuation This is one of the greatest resort and hotel general managers in the
hotel brand. The report also
8 www.hotelier.mv ISSUE 53 HOTELIER MALDIVES 9
EVENT CALENDER
4TH HOSPITALITYINSIDE
THINK TANK (HITT)
September 13 - 14, 2021
Munich Skift Global Forum 2021 - the flagship global conference on the
INTERNATIONAL HOTEL INVESTMENT Munich, Germany business of travel - is back in person. It will take place as a three-
day hybrid conference at the iconic TWA Hotel next to JFK in New
FORUM (IHIF) 2021 The 4th HospitalityInside Think Tank (HITT), which will take place
York City, with both online and in-person speakers and attendees.
September 1 - 3, 2021 in Munich in September, can now be booked. The programme
Now in its eighth year, Skift Global Forum 2021 is where industry
InterContinental Berlin is available online. The title: “Sustainability & Digitalisation: The
leaders and executives will come together to discuss travel’s
Berlin, Germany Change Drivers.” Behind it all: the power package of the future, also
great comeback, making this Forum the most consequential in its
for hospitality companies. In these difficult times, it offers a real
history.
Following a period of volatility, security and solidarity are positive perspective.
natural and instinctive responses. Hospitality will always be a Join us in 2021 as we together reignite the global travel industry’s
human-powered industry; a community of welcoming, warm The HospitalityInside Think Tank (HITT) has never been so
return!
and generous individuals who, collectively, come together to comprehensive, international and top-class. This year, the
create a network that provides comfort for intrepid explorers,
sanctuary for travellers and escapism for adventurers. This is
Think Tank will also present itself in hybrid form for the first
time. Put simply, the HITT 2021 forms a bridge from sustainable ANNUAL HOTEL CONFERENCE (THE AHC) THEMES
delivered amidst stunning architecture, delicious food, relaxing and connected hotel buildings to a digitalised hotel operation. September 27 - 28, 2021
• Reigniting Travel’s New Economy: Travel has a renewed
surroundings, sustainable operations and by a team ready to It will confront classic concepts with the demands of the new Hilton Manchester Deansgate purpose and importance as the world reopens. It won’t be taken
serve, entertain and delight. All this is as it has always been and “sustainable natives” and new lifestyle paths and look at mixed-
Manchester, United Kingdom for granted again. How will the industry seize new economic
will be in the future. But there are questions that need asking, use developments and technology opportunities at high speed.
opportunities, and also rebuild with a broader responsibility in
discussions to be had, debates to be tabled and lessons to be Day 1 identifies the general picture. Day 2 breaks things down and
Imagine a professional environment that allowed you to be the mind?
learnt. The platform for all this will be, as it has always been, the focuses in on concrete day to day situations.
very best version of yourself with access to new trends, sharing
International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF). IHIF is the 4th HospitalityInside Think Tank (HITT) is organized by
of best practise, suggestions for improvement, understanding • A World On The Move: For many, how we live and work has
global voice of authority in hospitality investment, development HospitalityInside
of future challenges and solutions to past ones. An environment dramatically changed through the pandemic, and there are
and operations. The meeting place for dynamic, forward-thinking that was supportive but creative, productive but innovative still even bigger shifts in mobility and who has access to travel
and progressive leaders. Join us at IHIF 2021. CONTACT
and meaningful but energising. We invite you to join us ahead. How can travel plan ahead to be a geopolitical force for
International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) 2021 is organized by MICHAEL WILLEMS
at The AHC and Unlock The Potential for two days during good?
Questex Phone: +49 821 885 880 20
this dynamic conference and thriving exhibition. Absorb an
acclaimed programme of world-class keynote speakers, engaging • Regional Tourism is Here to Stay: Travel has found new
CONTACT presentations by industry leaders and interactive workshops, strength in its own backyard. But will destinations and hotels
Emily Newman debates and panel discussions where senior figures in their preserve this local focus and open arms as the International jet-
Communications and Content Manager field share valuable insight. Participate in the many and varied set return.
Phone: +44 (0)7771 686202 networking opportunities throughout the conference carefully
created to ensure you benefit from reacquainting with existing • Hospitality’s Uncertain Rebound: As leisure travel sees a strong
contacts whilst forming new relationships for the development of return, hotels are facing a tale of multiple cities, with some
your business. brands and regions faring very well, and other still closed. How
ARABIAN & AFRICAN HOSPITALITY Hoteliers, owners, operators and managers as well as investors,
long can this last given the lack of group, business, and urban
travel?
INVESTMENT CONFERENCE (AHIC) developers, designers, architects, consultants, tourism leaders
• Aviation’s Imminent Inflection Point: As government aid comes
September 20 - 22, 2021 and regional tourist boards will gather for two days of unrivalled
practical knowledge designed to add real value to their business to an end, how will airlines evolve with the delayed and sluggish
Madinat Jumeirah return of business travel and international routes? Is the real
operations.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates test still ahead?
Don’t miss our exclusive hotelier rate:
ONCE AGAIN, WE HAVE MADE IT THROUGH AS AN INDUSTRY • Overcoming Travel’s Recency Bias: Travel’s bounce back seems
We are offering an exclusive hotelier rate to hotel owners of
AND REACHED A NEW FRONTIER. YET THERE IS A BIG to be moving far faster than people imagined. What lessons can
up to ten self-operated UK-based properties only either under
JOURNEY AHEAD OF US, AND AS AN AFRICAN PROVERB we learn from this return and how travel can adapt to counter
their own brand or under a franchise or consortium agreement
SUGGESTS - IF YOU WANT TO GO FAR, GO TOGETHER. future hurdles?
HIHOTELS BY HOSPITALITY INTERNATIONAL To navigate this new era shaped by the Great Reset, we are
(not operating any hotels on behalf of third-party owners). This
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CONVENTION 2021 - GROWING THROUGH bringing together the active and close-knit communities of
the Arabian Hospitality Investment Conference (AHIC), Saudi
delegate price. Please contact rscahill@questex.com with details
of your properties to request this Exclusive Hotelier Rate.
online, how will the consumers and the industry return to a
PARTNERSHIP Arabia Hospitality Investment Conference (SHIC), Africa Hotel
Investment Forum (AHIF) and the Global Restaurant Investment
Annual Hotel Conference (The AHC) is organized by Questex
focus on experiences, local, and the senses, along with balancing
heightened expectations of convenience?
September 14 - 15, 2021 Forum (GRIF). CONTACT • Unlearning Travel’s Old Habits: Will the industry go back to
Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel, Casino & Marina
Emily Newman the old status quo and forget lessons of the pandemic? How can
Atlantic City - NJ, United States Under the new banner of the Arabian & African Hospitality Communications and Content Manager travel look beyond attracting travelers at any cost, and instead
Investment Conference (AHIC), these communities will bring a Phone: +44 (0)7771 686202 find a better way to rebuild?
Franchisees of hihotels by Hospitality International are invited for larger group of investors, and leading stakeholders, creating a Email: enewman@questex.com
two days of Education, a Vendor Trade Show and Fun! robust buyer and seller platform with more opportunities under
hihotels by Hospitality International Convention 2021 - Growing one roof. With their presence, we can have the much-needed
Skift Global Forum 2021 is organized by skift Inc.
Through Partnership is organized by Hospitality International Inc conversations to rise from this pandemic together, enhancing
the value of market insights, networking, time spent, and the
CONTACT potential of partnerships and opportunities.
Bridget Lohnes
Creative Services Manager Arabian & African Hospitality Investment Conference (AHIC) is
Phone: 770-270-9266 organized by Bench Digital
10 www.hotelier.mv ISSUE 53 HOTELIER MALDIVES 11
TOURISM INDICATORS BY JLL
ASIA PACIFIC HOTEL
Additionally, a two-tier market is at play Longer-term confidence in the sector While investors remain wary of some of
across the region and, other than a handful remains high as buyers remain on the the shorter-term challenges facing the
of gateway markets where buyer demand hunt for opportunities across the region. Asia Pacific hotel industry, highlighted by
is holding up pricing, due to the ongoing Record amounts of capital are being raised delays in vaccine rollouts and the impact
impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on global for investment into the real estate sector. of new strains and outbreaks, JLL’s full year
travel and hospitality, investors continue with an assortment of buyers from private outlook points to increased investment
to adjust their risk expectations across equity players to high net worth investors activity in the second half.
TRANSACTIONS TOTAL
most markets and are largely targeting and corporates are vying for positions on
opportunistic value-add plays, according sales. According to JLL analysis, Australia
“We anticipate a sharper business cycle
to JLL. and Japan top the list for offshore capital,
rebound, which will drive hotel investment
while domestic investor demand is driving
momentum across the Asia Pacific region.
activity in China and South Korea.
“In our interactions, it is clear there The strong finish to the second half of
remains a gap in pricing across most of the the year will likely be driven by a pipeline
key markets. However, for the most part, Additionally, leisure markets are seeing a of major sales that have exchanged and
USD3.7 BILLION IN 1H
the region’s hotel owners are not under resurgence of investor interest on the back which are due for completion in Australia,
any stress owing to relatively low gearing, of expectations for expedited recovery Thailand, Japan and China. With this
strong lender relationships and, depending in view of the pent-up leisure demand. backdrop, our full year forecast for the
on jurisdiction, broader government Maldives, Phuket, Koh Samui and Bali region remains in line with our forecast
support,” says Nihat Ercan, Senior are all set to see sales concluding during of USD 7 billion at the start of 2021,
Managing Director, Head of Investment the second half of the year with Maldives representing an approximately twenty per
Sales, Asia Pacific, JLL Hotels & Hospitality expected to be the region’s most active cent increase in year-on-year transaction
2021: JLL
Group. leisure investment market in 2021. volume,” says Ercan.
Across the region, sixty- “Confidence in the Asia Pacific hospitality
sector’s recovery remains high and investor
one hotel sales have been sentiment continues to view the industry
recorded since January through a longer-term lens. Volumes
have held up well within the backdrop of
2021 as investment volumes government lockdowns and travel curbs,
decline by 3.7 per cent year- with the hotel sector’s resilience remaining
an evergreen theme throughout the
on-year pandemic,” says Mike Batchelor, CEO, Asia
Pacific, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group.
Asia Pacific hotel investment Investment in the Asia region totaled
remained flat in the first USD3.53 billion, accounting for
half of 2021 with USD3.7 approximately ninety-four per cent of the
overall volume. China, Japan and South
billion in sales, a decline Korea represented the three most active
of 3.7 per cent year-on- markets in the Asia Pacific, collectively
accounting for eighty-six per cent of sales.
year, according to a news
release issued by JLL on China led regional deal volume at USD 1.3
5th June 2021. In total, 61 billion of transactions, up fifty-four per
cent year-on-year, with conversions of
hotel investment deals serviced apartments for strata sale and sale
were transacted in the first of older hotels for conversion to alternative
use a key theme. Traditionally the region’s
half of the year across nine most active market, Japan had a slower
countries and representing start to the year with volumes down forty-
seven per cent to USD 1.1 billion however
over 10,000 rooms. major sales by Japanese corporates that are
underway or planned for the second half of
the year will boost transaction volumes.
According to investment data tracked
and analyzed by JLL (NYSE: JLL), hotel
transaction volumes in the first half of Activity in Australia also rebounded
2021 stand approximately eighteen percent strongly in the first half of 2021 driven
below the same period in 2019, which by the closing of AccorInvest Portfolio
was the peak of the investment market in for circa USD134 million, advised by JLL.
Asia Pacific. However, the completion of Overall volume of USD215 million in deals
several major transactions continues to closed represented a 312 per cent year-on-
demonstrate the resilience of the sector year increase in investments with scalable
and growing confidence of investors in and core opportunities continuing to
the hospitality market despite the current attract strong investor interest and in turn
challenging operating environment and holding up pricing.
travel restrictions.
12 www.hotelier.mv ISSUE 53 HOTELIER MALDIVES 13
HOTEL REVIEW BY AMINATH Z AHIR
Within a luxurious resort group in the Announcing ‘The Tale of lucky to have excellent team
Veligandu’, Fathuhulla Ibrahim, working with him, who he
blue kingdom, one can Maldives. Now visiting general manager, said, “We are considers the biggest asset on
find one of the most guests can connect one of the long-established this beautiful island.
resorts in the country, and we
authentic resorts in the with Veligandu’s past have created it for our guests Opening on December 24, 1984,
Maldives. Veligandu through a collection of to connect with our fascinating Veligandu was named after the
past. It is brimming with vivid Dhivehi word for ‘sandbank’.
Island Resort and spa, old photographs that photography and an inspiring Known as the secluded island,
in the North Ari atoll is provides an insight into archive of images over the the resort began with only
years, showcasing some of the with 17 standard rooms made
one of the Maldives’ the resort’s humble most captivating and heart- from coral bricks with no
founding resorts that beginnings. ‘The Tale warming moments of Veligandu air conditioners, one small
retains its original of Veligandu’, is a history. We cherish these restaurant, one bar, two dhonis,
moments in our hearts; these one jetty, and with less than
charm as it entices compilation of time- moments are our life.” 50 team members. One of the
honeymooners today. honoured photographs resort’s owners is one of the
Fathuhulla is a Maldivian first architects in the Maldives.
The secluded haven that plunges readers
THE TALE OF
national with more than He and his Maldivian partners
of Veligandu island into the charm, history, 25 years’ experience in the designed and developed the
hospitality industry. As a island. Back then there was one
resort and spa is a and transformation of general manager for 10 years, small reception, restaurant,
property of the Crown one of the Maldives’ he loves working hospitality bar and kitchen. Transfers are
industry. Believing the key to done by small speed boats.
& Champa resorts pioneering resorts. success is honestly, loyalty and From 1984 to 1990 there was an
VELIGANDU
collection – the leading hard work, he counts himself Italian Club Francorosso that
14 www.hotelier.mv ISSUE 53 HOTELIER MALDIVES 15
HOTEL REVIEW opened for nine months of the water villas and 20 sunset and diving site. Service is high island oozing with Maldivian Due to Covid-19 the resort year and closed for three. In jacuzzi water villas. and always friendly in line charm. As one of the last niche closed operations for five 1991 they introduced Star Tour with the barefoot concept products in the Maldives, the months re-opening on Sweden and from 1993 onwards, Today, Veligandu has and easygoing lifestyle. All 91 resort has a boutique feel September 2020. Currently, German, UK and Swiss markets distinguished itself as one of the villas are designed for guests’ yet is unpretentious. The the resort has 210 employees started visiting. From 1998, the leading resorts in the country, comfort offering simple island resort champions sustainable of which 65 per cent are locals first 10 water bungalows were voted amongst the top resorts living yet bringing emotion of tourism with beautiful beaches and 35 per cent are expatriates. built at north end followed for romance in Asia and the home and sense of tranquillity. wrapped around the island, Fathuhulla explains: “Our focus by another 12 rooms in 2001 Maldives. With 91 tastefully They offer authentic and great accommodation, and is to give more opportunity and along with a spa and gym. On appointed accommodations, unique experiences to invite an excellent house reef. All train locals, especially young May 1, 2007, the resort closed including over-the-water and guests into a world of Maldivian this luxury is affordable and generation. So that they can for major renovation and re- beach villas, an impressive array beauty and culture. Currently consistently balanced with lead this industry in the future. opened on December 23, the of entertainment, facilities, and Veligandu is number 10 of high quality food and beverage Furthermore, 65 per cent of the same year with 74 villas in three activities, as well as the warm 439 hotels in the Maldives on options, giving it a five star feel. management team members are categories, a swimming pool, Maldivian hospitality the resort TripAdvisor. Furthermore, they locals. new bar, kitchen, restaurant, is renowned for, guests are have received a 5.9/6 score in Veligandu enjoys a significant spa and several other facilities. guaranteed a truly authentic HolidayCheck, 9.4/10 Score in number of continuous repeated This resort has an air of relaxed Another 11 rooms were added and memorable holiday Agoda, 4.8/5 score in Expedia guests who love the views romance, making it ideal for in 2013 with new pavilion bar experience in this secluded and a 9.6/10 score on Booking. and Zenlike peaceful, positive couples. Approximately 95 per and staff accommodation at the paradise. com energy of the resort. Guests cent of the resort’s customers owner’s island – This brought can enjoy uninterrupted views, are honeymooners or couples the total up to 91 villas across Veligandu is perfect for nature Visitors can switch off and with an average annual room who choose the island for its five different categories – with lovers as its coral reef is noted get away from it all on this occupancy of 90 per cent even laid-back atmosphere. For 11 beach villas, 10 water villas, 16 as an outstanding snorkelling authentic and charming during the pandemic. those who would like to be jacuzzi beach villas, 34 jacuzzi 16 www.hotelier.mv ISSUE 53 HOTELIER MALDIVES 17
HOTEL REVIEW more active there are ample tempt experienced divers. Since offers a snack menu at the Bar, healing energy combines with water sports opportunities. there are only two resorts in pool and in-villa-dining. With Asian massage techniques and The island is surrounded by a this atoll, our divers are largely a variety of venues, each with chemical-free, pure organic beautiful house reef around the spoiled with uncrowded diving a unique twist on beachside products to create a natural, island, access from your villa or conditions. hospitality, Veligandu has holistic and personalized the main jetty or at the end of something for every taste and approach to caring for each the sandbank. It is renowned Veligandu offers some of the occasion, make the most of your guest’s health, beauty and well- for its turtles, reef shark and best restaurant and bars in the vacation and try them all. Staff being. Then there are fishing many colourful fishes. Talk Maldives, with a scrumptious go above and beyond to provide excursions, a love boat cruise, to divers who have been to selection of cuisine and drinks customer service and the food yoga, snorkelling, diving, water Rasdhoo area before and you’ll form around the world. The is high quality and has a wide sports, the gym and volleyball soon find out that this atoll Dhonveli restaurant serves ‘all variety. The chef greets guests entertainment options. is quite a sensational diving you can eat’ buffet style meals with a smile and conjures up Veligandu Island Resort and location full of spectacular dive for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the most delicious food. From Spa, North Ari atoll known as spots including Hammerhead in a traditional open-air, sand arrival to departure guests feel Rasdhoo atoll is 50 km from Point, also known as Big Blue. floor, thatch roof dining room. at home on the island. the airport - about 20 minutes Although it’s a relatively small Madivaru offers ‘optional’ al seaplane ride away from Velana atoll, there are still some 19 fresco feasts and experiential For pure relaxation, Duniye airport or 70 minutes speedboat dive sites on offer, ranging beach dining with carefully Spa, provides a tropical ride. from easy going reef dives that selected à la carte cuisine, spa experience, focused on are suitable for beginners to featuring fresh grilled seafood wholeness, simplicity, purity more challenging dive sites to and prime beef. The resort also and quality. The therapist’s 18 www.hotelier.mv ISSUE 53 HOTELIER MALDIVES 19
SPECIAL FEATURE BY NAUFAL NAEEM
THE
TOUCHLESS
REVOLUTION
A SOCIAL EVOLUTION
We are currently witnessing social Our war with Pestilence is far from over. necessity in this war.
Bringing forth massive upheavals culturally,
evolution in real time. Forced upon
socially and even politically, the aftermath
us by a microscopic entity, it is of this event will linger on for many years
With the coming of the virus, the pandemic
has made the sense of touch a threat to
changing the way we live, work to come. Just like the bubonic plague to
our wellbeing. A natural sense that comes
and interact with our peers and the Spanish Flu, pandemics of this scale are
to us unconsciously has now become
colossal catalysts in activating paradigm
loved ones. These are fundamental immobilized. It’s a sense that really plays a
shifts in our society as a whole. Such
changes that are shaking up the transformative events have unfortunately
huge role in the expression of our emotions.
The receptors on our skin immediately sets
social structure, and behavior that become a human reality. These are events
off an emotional response with each and
we have become so used to in our we as a species undergo periodically.
every physical touch. Whether it’s a warm
Perhaps it can also be seen as crucial
everyday lives. Ultimately, we are hug when we meet a friend or a handshake
moments in time that reminds us of our
facing an event that is challenging vulnerability and responsibility to the
with your colleague at the office, physical
interaction is being replaced with physical
and testing the fundamentals of world we live in and to the global society
distance between each other, which now
our primal adaptation, as a species in its entirety. The importance of global
signals care and respect towards the other.
co-operation in achieving a safer tomorrow
that is highly social.
as one global community is now a definite
20 www.hotelier.mv ISSUE 53 HOTELIER MALDIVES 21SPECIAL FEATURE
A TIME TO RE-IMAGINE HOTELS & RESORTS
THE OLD WAYS
When it comes to hotels and other accommodation providers, there are numerous points at which technology
can be deployed to reduce direct contact between guests and employees alongside reduction or removal
of barriers that will require physical interactions to move through. Let’s take a look at the entire guest journey
experience to determine where we can deploy relevant solutions.
As the tourism industry slowly new reality. From the stage of
restarts across the globe, one booking to post stay, technology
of the heaviest concerns on the
minds of hoteliers is how we
are going to adapt to the new
reality. How do we align our
and digitization needs to be
brought to the forefront in
enabling a completely touchless
guest journey in hospitality.
PRE-STAY
strategies in the new consumer At this stage, guests are looking
landscape? How do we adapt for the right hotel experience
Let’s take a look at the four-
our products and services to through research, reviews and
step approach proposed by
meet the new requirements?
McKinsey & Company to help consultation with travel specialists.
The biggest challenge now is
businesses to move towards
building trust and confidence
greater contactless operations.
in our travelers. This is what PRE-STAY
This way, instead of looking
really sways them, not the price.
at one particular business
In order to do this, we first • Virtual walk throughs of the property
in hospitality, we can take
need to set the foundations on
a more holistic approach in
which we can build the rest. In
understanding what you could • Introduction to the hotel’s mobile
a world where touch is a threat,
do with your business today, application
a “contactless” guest journey is
tomorrow and beyond.
what needs to be pursued in the
IDEA – A FOUR STEP APPROACH TO RISK
MANAGEMENT FOR BUSINESS OPERATIONS
IDENTIFY DIAGNOSE & DEVELOP & ADAPT & SUSTAIN
INTERACTIONS PRIORITIZE RISKS EXECUTE SOLUTION
CHECK-IN
Identify types of in-person
interactions in your value chain
within these three buckets:
Define risks associated with each
interaction type, then prioritize
risks based on factors such as
Understand which types of
interventions will be most effective
for your business and begin
Work across the organization to
continually adjust solutions to
meet the needs of the evolving
PROCESS
• employee to employee intensity and frequency executing solutions global situation This usually involves numerous touch points which
• employee to customer needs to be addressed, from meet and greet at the
• customer to customer airport by the hotel’s staff to the guest’s physical
Source: McKinsey & Company movement through the hotel premises for the check-
in process.
This four-step approach helps businesses to identify where
interactions take place in their operations, the intensity and CHECK-IN PROCESS
frequency along with the level of risk they impose to both their
employees and customers. Finally, by understanding these touch • Automated doors – for touchless entry to the premises
points, businesses can assess what are the practical solutions that
they can deploy to effectively minimize the risk factor. Last but not • Biometric authentication for guest identification
least, businesses will need to be on the ball and be adaptive to the
continuously evolving situation and adjust their deployed solutions
• Automated check-in through hotel’s mobile application
to enhance their customer experience alongside addressing the
safety for both their clients and employees.
• Facilitating contactless payment options
22 www.hotelier.mv ISSUE 53 HOTELIER MALDIVES 23SPECIAL FEATURE
STAY &
STAY & MOVING AROUND
• Gesture activated elevators with proximity sensors AIRPORTS & AIRLINES
MOVING • Digital concierge system For airports and the entire aviation industry, touchless technology will be crucial to enabling and enhancing
their overall operations while at the same time ensuring the safety and security of passengers and staff
AROUND
• QR code menus at restaurants and bars with possible experience
alike. Ranging from contactless check-in to automated security processes and touchless health screenings,
enhancements through Augmented Reality plug-ins
companies are deploying a wide range of tactics to reduce interaction between passengers and staff to
• Food and beverage items to be ordered through the mobile application curb the spread of the virus.
This is what shapes the entire experience.
Therefore, it would be important for • Using technology to monitor capacity utilization in restaurants to enforce
businesses to ensure that whatever
protocols that are in play enable a
new maximum occupancy restrictions and aligning with social distancing
requirements
CHECK-IN CHECK-IN PROCESS
• Biometric and facial scanning
PROCESS
frictionless guest experience throughout • Mobile app-controlled room functionality:
their stay.
·· Lights • Vital signs screening
·· Temperature
Deploying technology that
• Self-service bag drops
·· Curtains & blinds can automate processes
·· Room access (As a digital Key) can significantly improve
• Self-check-in kiosks with proximity
operational efficiency and sensors
·· TV and audio devices
passenger experience.
• Digitization of all in-room collaterals: From self-service kiosks to • Contactless payment options for
biometric face recognition extras
·· Spa menu
technology, some of the
·· Room service menu and ordering pain points in the entire •C
T scanners allowing
·· Services details passenger journey are advanced screening of
passengers and bags
slowly becoming a thing
including in-bag liquids
of yesterday. and electronics
MOVING
AROUND THE MOVING AROUND THE TERMINALS
TERMINALS • Crowd control technology, monitoring
traffic density and passenger social
distancing in terminal spaces
CHECK-OUT
From wayfinding to
queue management, • Digital wayfinding applications and
there are numerous location services
PROCESS strategies that
managements are
deploying to their
• Touchless PPE vending machines
• Contactless duty-free shopping
Enabling a seamless process for operations. Often
experiences with automated self-payment
check-out will assist in creating a unseen and subtle, and checkout processes integrating
much more favorable impression in these optimizations cashless payment
the minds of your guests. Apart from however add value to
the convenience and cutting down the the entire experience • Virtual shopping walls, allowing purchases
service time, it also reduces the need CHECK-OUT PROCESS while at the same time to be shipped to your hotel or home
for a large front desk team to service ensuring the safety
• Digital only check-out option through mobile device or in-room TV • Baggage notifications prompted to
your guests. and security of both
individual passengers through mobile
• Folio access through mobile application with the possibility of disputing passengers and airport application to avoid gathering of crowds
charges through application staff. near luggage belts
• Contactless payment options
24 www.hotelier.mv ISSUE 53 HOTELIER MALDIVES 25SPECIAL FEATURE
AIRCRAFT
BOARDING
KEEPING IT “HUMAN”
While minimizing queues and
staff to passenger interactions, the
boarding process is seen as one
of the riskier touch points in the
entire journey when considering
virus transmission.
AIRCRAFT BOARDING
• Smart queuing mechanisms with
boarding sequences prompted to
individual passenger’s mobile devices
• Biometric boarding procedures allowing a
smooth and quick boarding process
IN-FLIGHT
EXPERIENCE
Numerous airlines are already deploying technology that
enables passengers to take full control of the onboard services
and entertainment systems through their personal electronic
devices reducing passenger to surface contact to help reduce
the risk of inflight infections.
IN-FLIGHT EXPERIENCE
• QR code connectivity between personal
mobile devices and inflight entertainment
systems enabling zero touch access to in-
flight content and entertainment
• Cashless inflight purchases
When it comes to staying Although touchless technology had can also help us personalize and enhance
become something familiar to us over the guest experiences alongside bringing on
• Digital lavatory queue management ahead of your competitors, past decade or so, it has never been in a serious improvements to cost efficiencies
systems
those who will come on position such as it is today. Businesses and across all operations, ultimately creating
communities as a whole are being forced greater value for the business itself.
• Digital in-flight collaterals top will be those who are to embrace the digital revolution and bring When it comes to staying ahead of your
innovative enough to fundamental changes to their entire modus competitors, those who will come on top
Biometrics and mobile applications have a operandi obliging to new policies and will be those who are innovative enough
crucial role to play in allowing us to make incorporate solutions that regulations. Touchless technology looks to incorporate solutions that are touchless
a seamless transition towards a touchless are touchless yet does not to be in the forefront of this movement, as yet does not compromise or neglect the
guest experience throughout the entire every touch point in the entire customer human element that is ever so cherished
customer journey. Many of the functions
compromise or neglect journey are now being re-calibrated with in the hospitality industry. This will be a
and processes that are involved in the the human element that intelligent, hands-free solutions, as we year of trial and error, of learnings and new
entire chain can be integrated and enabled find ourselves in a world where human opportunities. It is a time where we need
through these two components.
is ever so cherished in the touch and proximity are now the biggest to become even more human-centric than
hospitality industry. threat to our safety and security. Not ever before in order to make a meaningful
only will these technological solutions and sustainable transition into this brave
make our travel experiences safer, but it new world.
26 www.hotelier.mv ISSUE 53 HOTELIER MALDIVES 27CAREERS BY AMINATH Z AHIR
MEET AHMED
How do you approach hiring staff and
more importantly how do you develop
your people?
When hiring for my team, I look for
‘HANDHU’ RASHEED:
right attitude as I believe learning and
developing of skills is possible for any
individual with right attitude and mind set.
JW MARRIOTT’S NEW
Do you ever encounter any culture-
related challenges and how do you deal
with them?
Yes, I believe it is one of the most common
DIRECTOR OF GUEST
challenges faced by all but what’s important
is how we deal with it. For me, I have a
good relationship with my team, I am open
to discuss any concern and the trust they
SERVICES
have on me helps me, makes it easy for me
to overcome any such challenge. We might
not be able to eliminate this fully but open
discussions and having trust of your team
would be a vital thing when you face such
a challenge.
How would past co-workers or classmates
describe you?
Ahmed Rasheed, How did you come to work in resorts? What does a typical day in the life of your
role entail? Most describe me as an optimist. I have
known as Handhu, has I knew my family could not afford the
cost of higher studies, so I decided to Overseeing daily works of my team, helping
maintained good bond with many of my
past co-worker, teachers and classmates.
join a resort. It was more like a testing them out of any obstacle faced. Ensuring all
recently been promoted ground. Developing my skills for the future special requests are delivered, following up What is your process for de-escalating a
opportunities. I began my resort career on any glitches reported and planning for customer argument?
to Director of Guest as reservation agent at the same time was the next day.
assisting front office as receptionist. After I believe the most important part is to
Services at JW Marriott about two year I moved to Housekeeping What makes guests happy and how do you listen and understand the concern. We
as housekeeping supervisor and filled all define good customer service? often tend to listen to reply but not to
Maldives. In these housekeeping positions before taking my
current role. Meeting the expectation, in terms of
understand. Once a clear understating
of concern is obtained, overcoming any
post-Covid times, he Tell me how you feel to be promoted to
service and product is what makes a guest
happy. Good customer service means
situation will be easier.
Director of Guests Services? meeting and exceeding their expectations,
has been embracing interacting in a positive friendly way
What measures has the resort taken
to ensure that they are responsive to
It feels great but its big step up in showing them that they are important to combating the spread of covid-19 now
the challenges that responsibility. us. that people?
the pandemic has You have more than a decade experience Are guests more concerned about the As a resort under Marriott International
in housekeeping operations and was effects of covid-19 and how do you assure flagship, we do have additional set
brought and dealing previously executive housekeeper,
why did you decide to diversify into all
them? guidelines by Marriott International apart
from Health Protection Agency of Maldives
with managing staff Guest Services? Are you embracing that
challenge?
Post Covid-19 a high percent of guests
are much more focused on sanitation
and Ministry of Tourism. Before the
beginning of operation each member of
than before. Several measures have been
and services offered I like to be challenged. Guest service is taken to assure a clean and hygienic
JW Marriott Maldives has been trained on
these guidelines and were briefed on their
something I am passionate about, meeting environment is provided for guests stay. role as an individual and a team.
by the resort. Hotelier people from different cultures and These information are shared with guests
like eventually you will find your passion
and the success journey that you would
What is your motto in life?
background is something I enjoy a lot. during all the stages of guest journey, apart What motivates you in your career? Focus on the progress not the result. The
enjoy.
Maldives caught up from that all our associates trained on effort and hard work you go through is
How is your role different to your “Marriott Commitment to Clean” which not Success and this journey to succeed, has more important than what is achieved in
How does it feel to be part of the JW
with him to find out his executive housekeeper now that you must
deal with customers too?
only focuses on sanitation and hygiene but
also how we communicate these measures
shaped me to who I am today. Marriott family? the end.
thoughts about his new As an executive housekeeper I was
to our guests. What advice would you give to those
starting out in their career and perhaps
Being part of JW Marriott Family was a Where do you see yourself in five-years-
dream come true, to work for and to be time?
solely dealing with customers only for
appointment. housekeeping needs or services, what is
aspiring to become a director one day? part of Marriott International was always a
focus of my career. The people first culture Five years will see productive learning
different now is this includes each and If you are certain about what you want in and developing my skills and being part of
we adopt, the support and inspiration you
every service offered by resort. your life it’s easy to start the journey, but such esteemed company, I can see myself
get from your superior at JW Marriott is
being uncertain should not hold you back. incomparable. growing to a resort manager.
Start something that you think you might
28 www.hotelier.mv ISSUE 53 HOTELIER MALDIVES 29THE GM’S VIEW BY DONNA RICHARDSON
HM: As the role of a general manager
largely involves leading and directing
people, do you adhere to a certain
From sand bank picnic for
Interview with management style or philosophy?
BC: My team are aware of our goals and
my expectations, but it is also important to
show them how to achieve these, not just
billionaire businessman Jack Ma
and 34 people to arranging as a
Brad Calder,
point them in a direct to head. I believe in
giving my team the necessary tools and
knowledge required to do the best job and
giving them the trust to do their job.
surprise the Maldives best Boru
Beru band for the drummer Tommy
General Manager,
HM: You’ve worked in the Maldivian
tourism sector for quite a long time,
what are the main changes within the
sector that you’ve observed over the
Lee of Mötley Crüe, these are the
Hurawalhi and Kudadoo challenging and creative aspects of
years and are there any changes you
anticipate for the near future?
BC: I consider myself very privileged to
work in the Maldives for over seven years
and it has allowed me the time to explore
our job that we love so much.
and dive most of the atolls. At present, we
are very consumed by the pandemic and
navigating our way through this difficult
time. I believe the government and resort HPL is the largest owner of Four Seasons I will jump in for a quick snorkel around
As the cluster general manager of owners have done an admirable job in properties in the world. But in all, working our amazing house reef. I have also taken
Hurawalhi and Kudadoo, two of reopening the Maldives especially if you with the many different cultures over five up padel tennis which being a game of
the most exclusive resorts in the consider the current state of other major countries has taught me the most about doubles is very sociable and great for guest
tourist destinations. managing people. interactions.
Maldives, Brad Calder is counted
as one of the most experienced However, we should not forget the HM: What does cluster managing the HM: What qualities make a good general
men in his business here in the pre-pandemic challenges, which remain two resorts entail? manager?
archipelago. unresolved. The development of new
resorts in the last five years led to a BC: To work in the Maldives, it is best BC: A general manager must be people
dramatic increase in bed capacity but the to keep yourself busy so managing two focused, caring for your guests and your
Before his arrival in the Maldives, increase in arrivals did not grow at the resorts is challenging enough to keep me team, understanding their needs, delivering
Calder worked at one of London’s same pace to fill these resorts, especially in motivated. Nevertheless, of course you on, and exceeding their expectations. As
most exclusive private members the summer months of May to September. cannot be involved in the same level of general managers, our role is diverse, and
clubs, and at five-star hotels in detail in every aspect of the operation daily I like to explain it as we are knowledgeable
As we come out of the pandemic so I have had to become more strategic and in many different aspects of a resort
New Zealand, Bali and Fiji. He is competing tourist destinations with higher put even more trust in my team to deliver however, we rely on those who are in
now seven years into his tenure annual tourist arrivals will be fighting for my vision to the detail I would normally experts in their field.
in the Maldives and brings a the same tourist dollar. On a long-term apply. I still do drill down in detail on all
wealth of knowledge in resort basis, we need a significant increase in aspects to ensure my vision is maintained HM: You have worked in hotels around
investment in destination marketing to but this is done on a rotational basis so I
management to the Crown and open more direct flights from European can manage my time effectively.
the world each must have their own
Champa resorts. and Chinese cities. To support the increase
merits, what do you love the Maldives
of flights we will need the second runway most and do you see yourself staying
HM: What is your most memorable
Calder prides himself on keeping guests at Velana International Airport plus the here?
island moment?
happy on both islands. Whether that is new terminal with increased baggage
below the waves at restaurant 5:8 allowing handling capabilities and of course for the BC: What I love about the Maldives is
BC: My most memorable island moment is the passion that those who work in the
them to savour the most incredible fine new seaplane terminal to be operational. opening Kudadoo Private Island. After a lot industry have for attentive service and the
dining among the fishes at Hurawalhi Until this is achieved, we will have excess of preparation, planning and training it was drive they display, giving their full effort
or making anything happen, anytime, inventory of bed nights in the Maldives. great to see it all come to life. each day.
anywhere over at Kudadoo. Many of his
luxury clientele choose to stay in these HM: How has your experience prepared
resorts for their beauty, exclusivity, and HM: Do you have any advice for hoteliers HM: What does Hurawalhi with its luxe
you to work in the Maldives? joining the industry?
their service. Among those guests include underwater restaurant and Kudadoo
Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, model BC: Working in a private members club with its anything, anytime anywhere
Naomi Campbell, Liverpool footballer BC: Love what you do and make sure you
in London for over four years taught me are willing to share your knowledge to help policy offer to the luxury traveller?
Mohamed Salah, billionaire businessman the sophistication of European service your team members grow. How do you consistently deliver on that
Jack Ma and many more. and service expectations. Working in Fiji promise?
taught me the real challenges of remote
Hotelier Maldives spoke to Calder about island operations where supply lines are
HM: What hobbies do you enjoy when
means to be a good general manager, you are not at work? BC: Hurawalhi’s 5.8 Undersea Restaurant
challenging compared to the Maldives and provides an amazing experience with the
his leadership style, working in the the team members do not have the same
finest hotels in the world, working in the BC: I am a very keen diver; it is my underwater world, but it is also renowned
drive that the Maldivians do. Working for for is cuisine, service and wine. We are
Maldives, the pandemic, his passion for HPL Bali and the Maldives probably taught meditation where I am undisturbed in the
diving and much more. silence of the ocean. The beauty of the always trying to push the boundaries and
me the most about corporate resorts deliver new and unique experiences to
as the systems and procedures are very underwater world amazes me every day. So
hence, if I cannot find the time to go diving, our guests and we have become a market
Four Seasons centric, since the owner of disruptor with the introduction of our
30 www.hotelier.mv ISSUE 53 HOTELIER MALDIVES 31You can also read
