Connect with us

Business

Haute Grandeur Awards 2017 to take place in Bangkok in October

Published

on

Anticipated as one of the most dazzling events on the luxury hospitality calendar, the annual Haute Grandeur Global Hotel and Spa Awards gala ceremony is set to take place on October 27 in Thai capital Bangkok.

The gala ceremony, to be held at the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel, commends exceptional hospitality establishments across seven continents and 172 countries, including the Maldives. Awards will be given in 94 categories.

This prestigious red-carpet event is associated with status and exclusivity, drawing admired industry influencers, decision-makers and VIPs together in celebration as top luxury hospitality brands vie for the ultimate accolade in overall excellence. Leading hospitality groups represented include Anantara, Banyan Tree, Dusit Thani, Fairmont, Hilton, Mandarin Oriental, Sofitel, St Regis, The Four Seasons, The Peninsula, Rosewood, The Ritz Carlton, and Westin amongst others.

“Hospitality is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries. Healthy competition is crucial to the sustainability of an industry that creates so many jobs globally,” Haute Grandeur founder and Managing Director Marinique de Wet was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“We are proud to contribute and encourage establishments worldwide to continuously excel on all levels.”

Each year, Haute Grandeur chooses a leading destination to host the prestigious gala ceremony. Bangkok won the bid to host this year’s gala ceremony.

“With its fusion of traditional and contemporary, Bangkok is a gift for the senses. One moment you’re exploring ancient temples and floating markets, the next you’re immersed in luxurious hotels, restaurants and boutiques,” De Wet said.

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, the South-East Asian flagship of Sofitel Hotels and Resorts, was chosen as the ideal host venue because of its unwavering dedication to raising the standards of service excellence in a highly competitive industry. The 32-storey state-of-the-art hotel is situated in a vibrant cosmopolitan district of Bangkok, and seamlessly blends French elegance with Thai culture to offer discerning guests a magnificent experience.

“We are honoured and proud to be selected as the host property for the 2017 Haute Grandeur Awards,” Khun Oliver Schnatz, General Manager of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, was quoted in the statement.

“This trusted awards system reflects our commitment to excellence, and recognises the talent and ambassadors who work with unwavering dedication to excel. We look forward to welcoming esteemed guests to this prestigious affair.”

Recognised as the highest accolade a hotel or spa can receive, a Haute Grandeur Award is a guaranteed golden stamp of excellence. Award winners and participating establishments are perceived as exceptional and distinguished by association.

The Haute Grandeur Awards system is unlike any other. Unbiased results are guaranteed through a fair, transparent process that recognises brilliance by means of quality guest feedback rather than the quantity of votes by a panel of judges or the general public. This unique approach to measuring excellence is why Haute Grandeur is in a class of its own.

The 2016 gala ceremony took place at the Fairmont Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, with Raffles Jakarta crowned as the overall victor.

As one of the most illustrious events of the year, the Haute Grandeur Awards gala ceremony is featured prominently in the media spotlight. Global event partners for this year include Etihad Airways, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sofitel Hotels and Resorts, and Uber.

Events

Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) holds its 34th Annual General Meeting

Published

on

The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) held its 34th Annual General Meeting at Kurumba Maldives today, with a total of 100 members in attendance. 

The day’s events began with a welcome address from the Chairman of MATI, Mr. Mohamed Umar, who also presided over the session. The agenda included an address from the Secretary General, Mr. Ahmed Nazeer, the review and approval of the minutes of the 33rd AGM, the review and adoption of the Annual Report and Financial Reports for 2023, the approval of the 2024 budget, the appointment of auditors for 2024, the welcoming of new members and election of executive board members to the two vacant positions (by-election).

In the member discussion session, the following topics were covered: the Government’s aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2023 and renewable energy generation in the Tourism Industry, new terminal of Velana International Airport and developments, employment challenges, the Industrial Relations Act and trade unions, environmental conservation and the significance of creating and executing efficient management plans for protected areas like the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA).

Following the official proceedings, the Minister of Tourism Hon. Ibrahim Faisal and the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Hon. Mohamed Saeed joined the forum. The Ministers provided remarks and engaged in a Member Q&A session. This session provided members with the chance to directly engage with the Ministers and delve into crucial industry topics. The queries focused on the Economic Outlook, forthcoming development plans and  immediate challenges and issues affecting the Tourism Industry.

A video presentation was also showcased that delved into the extensive work undertaken by MATI in 2023. The video also touched upon the Tourism Industry’s performance over the past 5 years, as well as the current and projected human resource capacity of the sector.

In his closing remarks, the Secretary General highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing industry challenges and called for greater unison amongst industry stakeholders, ending with an acknowledgement of the promising start to the year in terms of arrivals.

Executive Board Members elected to the 2 vacant positions (by-election):

  1. Ibrahim Shareef, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited
  2. Renato De Olivera, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and representative of Marriott International
Continue Reading

Business

Unlocking power of travel storytelling at Travel Creators Exchange 2024

Published

on

Join us for the Travel Creators Exchange 2024, taking place on February 1, 2024, at the Hotel Jen in Male’, Maldives.

This dynamic event provides a platform for networking and collaboration among Maldives-based travel creators, fostering connections, idea-sharing, and the establishment of lasting partnerships to expand opportunities and monetise content.

Our lineup of distinguished speakers includes:

  • Zihuny Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of MMPRC, will present on “Power of Digital Storytelling: Collaborative Strategies for Destination Promotion.” MMPRC actively markets the Maldives globally, utilising a comprehensive approach that includes travel trade shows, roadshows, digital marketing, and more.
  • Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Maldives Resort, brings over 23 years of hospitality industry experience. He will discuss “The Role of Content in Tourism Marketing,” drawing on expertise in revenue, customer service, sales & marketing, and human capital development.
  • Suresh Dissanayake, Assistant Vice President of Sales & Marketing of Heritance Aarah & Adaaran Resorts, with nearly two decades of experience, will shed light on “What does a Sales and Marketing Director Do?” He brings extensive luxury hospitality experience and a proven track record in sales, distribution, and marketing.
  • Vishal Amir Ahmed, a versatile cinematographer and content creator, will explore “Who is a Content Creator.” Currently associated with Various Arts Studio, he specialises in providing multimedia solutions to various clients.

Organised by Maldives Insider, Maldives Virtual Tour, Travel Trade Maldives, and Hotelier Maldives, this collaborative effort aims to empower Maldives-based travel content creators and elevate the Maldives as a premier destination for captivating travel storytelling.

Continue Reading

Events

Acclaimed contemporary artist Ana Pušica explores perpetuality and community at Patina Maldives

Published

on

Ana Pušica Kramer, an internationally  acclaimed contemporary artist, joins Patina Maldives for an exclusive  art residency in the now infamous Fari Art Atelier. From January 22 to  February 22, 2024, Ana Pušica will grace the shores of the Fari Islands,  weaving a vibrant narrative of colour and emotion across her larger  than-life canvases. 

Her artistry transcends boundaries, melding abstraction and figuration into awe-inspiring masterpieces. Having exhibited globally, from New York to Beijing, Ana’s paintings are a physical, intuitive act rooted in movement.  Described as a “beautiful fluorescent thunderstorm,” Ana’s art explores light and colour, capturing the energy of life itself. 

The Fari Art Atelier which has previously hosted the likes of Daniel Arsham, Chris Stamp and David Nott, will be transformed into Ana’s studio and gallery showcasing her enthralling artworks—a mesmerising journey through poetry, memory, and the vibrant interplay of colour. Guests at Patina are invited to delve into Ana’s world, where each stroke reveals layers of meaning, evoking sensations of intense lightness and boundless interpretation. 

At Patina Maldives, Ana will immerse herself in a month-long residency, inviting the Patina Malidves community or guests and team to witness her artistic fervour firsthand. Guests will have the rare opportunity not only to observe her creative process but also to engage with and create art alongside this luminary.

Experience artistry at its most exclusive

Art Exhibition
Experience Ana’s captivating exploration of colour and emotion in her spellbinding artworks displayed at the Fari Atelier.

Art Workshops: Message in a Bottle
As part of a collaborative artwork, Ana invites Patina guests to participate in short workshops, actively contributing to the creation of a permanent installation at Patina Maldives.

Open Studio Session
Join Ana for an exclusive open studio session, offering guests a behind the-scenes look at her creative process.

Ana Pušica residency package
Discover a world where creativity knows no bounds as Ana Pušica, the maestro of contemporary art, transforms Patina Maldives into an immersive canvas of inspiration.

Book now to secure your experience.
For more information and reservations, please visit Patina Maldives or contact
reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.