Connect with us

Featured

Neil Shorthouse on inter-resort collaboration, training locals in Maldives fast-growing tourism industry

Published

on

When Neil Shorthouse first arrived in the Maldives in early 2008 as the Cluster Director of Human Resources at Anantara Resorts Maldives, the Maldives tourism industry was an altogether different story. New investments, tightly controlled and directed by the government, were made mostly by a handful of seasoned local and foreign hoteliers. Growth was impressive and return on investment was unmatched. But for travellers, accommodation options were limited to luxury resorts that cost tens of thousands of dollars for a night’s stay.

Fast forward 10 years, and the industry has inevitably evolved. A plethora of new properties has come into play, with the backing of a combination of local and international entrepreneurs and seasoned hoteliers. Dozens have forayed into new and untapped segments of the market, greatly expanding the scope of an industry that was previously exclusive to luxury tourism. Tourist arrivals have crossed the one million milestone and is on course to reach an ambitious target of 1.5 million.

This rapid expansion in a short period of time poses several challenges, especially in getting enough skilled individuals to fill up managerial positions. Resorts are forced to bring in professionals from abroad to an industry already dominated by expatriates or promote individuals without giving them proper training and guidance.

“Some people will pick up very quickly and are very good at that role. But some people are put there because there is no one else to do it and they don’t necessarily have the skill set to do their job. This means that if they go to another property, they may actually fail,” Neil, whose 20-year long career in hospitality involves working with a variety of top luxury brands such as Regent Seven Seas, The World, Soneva, Six Senses, Anantara Resorts and Cheval Blanc Randheli by LVMH, says, in an interview with Maldives Insider.

Neil poses for a photo with the participants of a training programme he conducted at the Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) in Maldives. PHOTO/ HIH

Smaller resorts have to bear the brunt of the current deficit in getting skilled Maldivians for senior positions, as international hotel chains have the luxury of moving employees within its hotel portfolio. For new resorts, especially those owned and operated by up and coming local hoteliers, apprenticeship programmes run by industry leaders could be the answer.

Apprenticeship programmes for the hospitality industry are growing in popularity in countries such as the UK. In the Maldives, Four Seasons and Minor Hotels have been running their own apprenticeship programmes for years, and leading local resort operators such as Universal Resorts are formally getting into the game with their own apprenticeship and internship programmes for aspiring locals. These programmes have already enabled several young Maldivians to enter into the industry; starting at the very bottom and climbing up the ladder to achieve their goals.

“It’s all about getting to understand that when you start from the bottom and move up the ladder in the right pace, you appreciate it far more and you have a better understanding of the operation. So, if you want to be a chef, you start as a commis or in any other similar position. This way, they understand what it’s like to work at the very bottom and to move their way up,” Neil explains.

“What a great place it is to study hospitality when you have over a 100 resorts to get your work experience from. Almost every international brand is here. The experience students will get here in the Maldives is phenomenal.”

Neil conducts a training programme.

However, apprenticeship programmes are not enough to bridge the gap that currently exists, especially in light of the number of new resorts opening up across the Maldives. With dozens more expected to come into market in the next few years, Neil believes that resorts should collaborate with established local educational institutes such as the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Studies of The Maldives National University to offer courses as well as internship opportunities.

This collaboration needs to extend to inter-resort cooperation as well. Industry stakeholders should come together, and share information and ideas in an attempt to find ways to better adapt to the fast-changing trends.

“When I first came to the Maldives 10 years ago, it was very collective. Everyone spoke to each other. Everyone was involved and willing to assist. Nobody would say we can’t do this, we can’t do that. We had that trust and respect for each other,” Neil, who has worked in countries such as the UAE, Thailand, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Seychelles and the US, says.

“Nowadays it has become very secular in the sense that only some properties will talk to certain properties, or if there is a request for information, people don’t want to provide information to anymore. With the market becoming so challenging, it’s almost silly that no one speaks to each other and shares ideas. It maybe because it’s growing so big, that there are so many resorts, that it’s becoming more difficult to coordinate. But we need to have the inter-resort collaboration we used to have.”

Despite the challenges, Neil, who now runs his own hospitality consultancy firm Shorthouse Hospitality International (SHI), believes that training locals to take over managerial roles is the only way forward. Having worked with some “phenomenal” Maldivians who have gone onto become General Managers and HR Managers at reputed resorts across the country, he says that Maldivians can do every single task just as well as their colleagues from abroad if given the right skill set and opportunities.

“If you go to Thailand or any other destination, you can see a lot of locals in senior management positions. So, even from the guest perspective, having more locals in your workforce, especially in senior positions, is key. They are coming to the Maldives and they want to see locals. I think guests get more excited when they see that the resident manager is a Maldivian, or when they see a Maldivian chef or a Maldivian GM,” he explains.

“Those of us who are foreigners working here, are here as a guest. We have been given a work permit to work. I try to make sure that there is always a local capable of taking over my position. In my view, it’s all about giving back. It’s all about giving the skill set that they may or may not already have so as to ensure that they succeed.”

Neil (R-5) attends a networking session organised by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in London. PHOTO/ SHRM

The expansion of the tourism industry is set to continue, as local hoteliers and international hotel chains keep announcing new developments almost every month or so. With these developments, the uniqueness of the Maldives is changing as well; it is no longer the luxury, high-end destination that can only be accessed by the ultra-rich from the world over. New segments such as the booming guesthouse sector have opened up the Maldives to budget travellers and made the luxury resorts more affordable as well.

In this fast-growing industry, cooperation amongst properties and developing a capable workforce comprising a local majority are the key to survival. As Neil says, “We all make mistakes, but we need the opportunity to make mistakes in our career. If you don’t give the opportunity to locals, you won’t know their capacity.”


Editor’s Note: Shorthouse Hospitality International (SHI) is a luxury management and consultancy company headquartered in London, with operations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Indian Ocean and South Pacific Islands. SHI provides a hands-on approach to services focused on operations, corporate audits, human capital, and significant projects. Specialty vertical markets include boutique hotels and resorts, cruise lines and private member clubs, yachts and residential estates. Working from an individual project basis to full retained consultancy, SHI assists in identifying “who you are”, “where you want to be” and “how to get there”. The international hotels and resorts and luxury properties are not only each exquisite in their own way; but are all culturally authentic, emotionally compelling and completely unique. SHI was founded by Neil Shorthouse in 2014 following more than two decades of experience in creating industry-leading, revenue driving platforms for companies from start-ups to Fortune 500s. He has launched business endeavours for multi-national corporations and led world-class teams of hospitality professionals.  His portfolio includes The Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas, The Soneva Group, The World, Six Senses Hotels & Resorts and Cheval Blanc Randheli by LVMH-Hotel Management.

Featured

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa unveils stylish new Beach Villas with Pool

Published

on

With twice the outdoor space, an extended pool, a reimagined layout, and a fresh, airy design palette, the new Beach Villas with Pool at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa represent a remarkable transformation from their former Beach Bungalow form. The rich, dark wood tones and enclosed garden settings have been replaced with lighter, brighter, more spacious and refined options tailored for couples, honeymooners, and young families alike.

Set just steps from the shoreline and offering picturesque views of the ocean, lagoon, and sunrise, each Beach Villa accommodates up to three adults or two adults and two children under the age of 12. The interior living space now spans 70 square metres (753.5 sq. ft.), while outdoor areas have been extended to 285 square metres (3,068 sq. ft.).

Commenting on the culmination of the resort’s ongoing regeneration project, General Manager Didier Jardin remarked, “Kuda Huraa has long served as a sanctuary for those in search of a cosy Maldivian home-away-from-home. However, we recognised that our former bungalows posed limitations in layout, natural light and space. Our new Beach Villas encapsulate the soul of the island, blending comfort, care and the timeless magic of the Maldives into one seamless experience.”

Key highlights of the new Beach Villas with Pool include:

  • A Fresh and Inviting Aesthetic: The former darker colour scheme has been replaced with a lighter, more vibrant palette, featuring subtle sea- and sun-inspired tones of teal, turquoise, and tangerine.
  • Redesigned Interior Layout: A more functional layout begins with a bright porch leading into a light-filled en suite bedroom, complete with a study and dining area. A window-side daybed now offers serene ocean views, while a reconfigured walk-in wardrobe allows direct access to the bathroom. All villas include an outdoor shower garden, and select units feature additional family rooms.
  • Enhanced Outdoor Living: The previous plunge pool has been expanded to a 36-square-metre (388 sq. ft.) swimming pool, optimally positioned to showcase the ocean vistas. A new pergola fitted with a custom-designed round swing adds an Instagram-ready spot for lounging, dining, or simply basking in the sun.
  • Stylish Architecture and Interiors: Contemporary furnishings, including iconic pieces such as the B&B Italia armchair, elevate the visual appeal. A sophisticated mix of contrasting materials and textures, soft organic lines, and elegant architectural curves blend each villa harmoniously into its natural surroundings.

Each Beach Villa includes a host of complimentary features, such as daily fresh fruit, Kuda Spring bottled water, tea and coffee, twice-daily housekeeping with evening turndown, and beach essentials for children aged 12 and under.

For guests seeking a seamless and indulgent island retreat, the Bed & Breakfast package is available, offering a lavish buffet breakfast each morning at Café Huraa. This is included for two guests per bedroom (or four in a family villa or bungalow, and for all guests in suites). The package is available for stays up to 20 December 2026, subject to availability.

Continue Reading

Featured

Barceló Nasandhura celebrates World Chocolate Day with sweet surprises in Malé

Published

on

This July, Barceló Nasandhura is offering guests a taste of the sweeter side of life through a series of limited-time dessert experiences in the heart of Malé.

In celebration of World Chocolate Day, the hotel hosted a Chocolate Indulgence Station in the Nasandhura Lobby on 7th July. Held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the event featured handcrafted chocolate desserts and tastings led by Head Pastry Chef Mohammed, a certified Continental Judge in Pastry Arts. The occasion attracted a delightful mix of in-house guests and walk-in visitors, who also enjoyed a specially curated photo setup and the opportunity to purchase exclusive, limited-edition treats.

Additionally, from 4th to 7th July, a dedicated Chocolate Dessert Station was presented at the Oivaru dinner buffet, located on the hotel’s third floor, offering a decadent addition to the evening dining experience.

To conclude the month’s celebrations, guests will be able to enjoy a 10% discount on all ice creams at Alimas Coffee Lounge from 20th to 26th July. Featuring house-made flavours, this offering provides the ideal way to cool off and indulge during the warm island afternoons.

Continue Reading

Featured

Dive into sustainable luxury at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Baa Atoll

Published

on

Surrounded by flourishing reefs and pristine islands with the whitest of soft sands and crystal-clear waters, Coco Collection – a leading resort brand in the Maldives – invites guests to delve into the extraordinary underwater world of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.

Nestled within the crown jewel of the Maldives, the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is renowned for its commitment to everyday sustainability. Setting the standard for sustainable luxury, the resort has once again been recognised as the Maldives’ Leading Green Resort 2025, marking its third consecutive win at the prestigious World Travel Awards.

While the resort continues its efforts to protect and preserve a thriving marine ecosystem, it also encourages guests to immerse themselves in a range of signature marine experiences, all guided by resident Marine Educator Rosalie Bailie and supported by its long-standing partnership with the Olive Ridley Project.

The signature marine experiences include:

  • Guided Snorkelling – Guests may explore the house reef or venture to nearby coral gardens with expert guides. These excursions cater to all skill levels and often include sightings of green sea turtles, parrotfish, and, depending on the season, manta rays and eagle rays. Guests may also encounter hawksbill turtles grazing on coral at nearby turtle points.
  • Coral Planting & Restoration Workshop – Conscious travellers are invited to participate in meaningful conservation work through coral planting. With the guidance of the Marine Educator, guests can affix coral fragments onto reef frames which are then placed on the seabed, helping to regenerate damaged reefs and enhance marine biodiversity.
  • Discover Scuba Diving – From beginners to advanced divers, the island provides access to over 30 dive sites across the region, led by certified PADI instructors. Guests may dive among coral pinnacles, explore historic wrecks, and visit iconic spots such as Hanifaru Bay, famous for sightings of manta rays and whale sharks.
  • ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre Tour – Home to the Maldives’ first fully equipped, veterinary-run sea turtle rescue centre, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu offers guests the chance to engage with rescued turtles recovering from injuries or entanglements. Through this partnership with the Olive Ridley Project, guests can feed turtles, learn about conservation challenges, adopt a turtle, and contribute to protecting this endangered species.
  • Night Snorkelling – For a truly unique underwater adventure, the resort offers night snorkelling excursions led by the Marine Educator. As the reef transforms after sunset, guests will discover a different side of marine life, spotting lionfish, resting parrotfish, and other nocturnal sea creatures illuminated by torchlight.

Located in one of the world’s most spectacular hubs of marine biodiversity, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu promises an unforgettable escape. With the Discover Coco offers, travellers can enjoy 35% savings on their villa stay, making it the perfect time to plan an extraordinary Maldivian getaway.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.