Insiders
Hospitality Industry Shows Support to Presidents Economic Agenda
Maldives Promotion House – Some of the most well known Maldivian hoteliers and prominent figures of the hospitality industry recently voiced their support for the Fiscal and Economic Reforms Programme proposed by the president.
President Mohamed Nasheed presented the reform programme at a ceremony held recently. According to the government, the new taxing system will increase government income and remodel the business environment to better fit the modern standards.
Maldives Association of Tourism Industries (MATI) showed support from among all private associations, though MATI’s prior opposition to the introduction of a taxation system. While the ceremony was attended by prominent businessmen from various fields and industries, the government noted and duly thanked MATI for its support.
President of MATI, Mohamed Umar Manik said that the government is well aware of current needs of the people which can only be fulfilled by increasing the income.
“The reform programme details the sources that the government plans to earn an income from. The way I see it, it’s an ideal reform programme,” Chairman of Universal Group and MATI President, Manik said.
Hussain Hilmy, the Director of Sunland Travels, spoke at the ceremony saying that, “when a tax system is introduced, it has to be assured that the Maldives will remain a competitive player in the global market”.
“Maldives can only remain a competitive player in the global market if the tax system is stable and transparent. If the country is to develop the business environment needs to be fashioned to be more receptive to foreign investment and capital.”
Hilmy also noted the importance of a well managed and administered taxation system. “Distinguished President, we wish to see the tax paid by the tourism sector invested to improve the living standards of our people as transparently as possible. And we in the tourism industry completely support your efforts in reducing national expenditure,” he said.
Mohamed Waheeduddin, owner of Bandos Island Resort, also spoke at the ceremony and said that tax should be paid by businesses that utilise public land and resources to function.
“How can I say that Bandos belongs to me? It’s not mine. The island belongs to the Maldivian people. Taxes need to be levied because we are using the people’s resources to run our businesses,” he said.
Waheeduddin expressed his support for the government’s efforts to strengthen democracy in the country and the economic reform agenda. He also assured his full assistance to the government in every possible way.
“As an individual belonging to the private sector I fully support the government’s reform programme and I’m sure my counterpart Mohamed Umar Manik will agree with everything I’ve said,” he said.
Waheeduddin noted that the state had not been earning the maximum amount attainable from the tourism industry. “Taxation should have been introduced 25-40 years ago,” he added.
Ibrahim Mohamed, Secretary General of MATI also supported the idea and took the initiative to pay tax to the government. “People always point out how vocal MATI had been about taxation, but it is quite likely to happen if we were to pay taxes more than we earned an income. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t support taxation. In fact MATI was the first organisation to start talks on taxation with the government,” he said.
Mohamed called on the government to use the income earned in taxes in a responsible manner. “Tax basically means a payment paid by the people to the government for the government to invest in services for them. So a huge responsibility is attached to it,” he said.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, part of Minor Hotels, has announced the appointment of Thaaif Ahmed as the Director of Sales & Marketing, effective 1 May 2024.
Thaaif brings nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, with a significant portfolio of roles within Minor Hotels. His career includes serving as the Director of Sales at NH Collection Maldives, where he played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth and fostering strategic partnerships.
Throughout his tenure, Thaaif has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities and a profound understanding of the industry landscape. His strategic prowess and collaborative approach have consistently delivered outstanding results, making him a respected figure within the organisation.
In his previous capacity as Cluster Director of Sales, overseeing Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives, Anantara Veli Resort Maldives, and Naladhu Private Island, Thaaif contributed to the success and growth of the brand.
As he assumes the role of Director of Sales & Marketing at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Thaaif is poised to leverage his wealth of experience and expertise to drive brand positioning, enhance revenue streams, and elevate the overall guest experience. His appointment underscores the resort’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the hospitality sector.
Please join Stuart De San Nicolas, Cluster General Manager of Anantara Kihavah, Avani+ Fares and NH Collection Havodda plus Riaan Drever, General Manager of Fares in congratulating Thaaif on his well-deserved promotion. We also express our gratitude to Paul Counihan, for his support during our pre-opening and opening stages. Paul will transition to focus on Anantara Kihavah, our sister property in Baa Atoll, while Thaaif assumes leadership at Avani+ Fares Maldives.
Set on the natural tropical island of Fares and surrounded by the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve’s deep blue hues, the resort offers an abundance of aquatic adventures as well as pristine sandy beaches for pure relaxation. With 176 stylish villas, pavilions, and studios, Avani+ Fares welcomes couples and honeymooners, as well as families and groups, with a focus on multi-room accommodation.
Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives has announced the appointment of Warren Moore as the resort’s new Executive Chef.
Chef Warren Moore hailing from South Africa, brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise, having earned his Culinary Degree at City and Guilds Culinary Institute. With over 25 years of distinguished service in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry, Chef Warren is poised to elevate the culinary offerings at Seaside Finolhu to new heights.
In his previous role, Chef Warren served as Executive Chef at Jawakara Maldives, where he showcased his culinary prowess and leadership skills. Prior to that, he spent seven years honing his craft within various properties of the esteemed Crown and Champa Resorts Group. His culinary journey has taken him across continents, including stints in South Africa, Mozambique, London, and the United States.
As the Executive Chef at Seaside Finolhu, Chef Warren will oversee all culinary operations, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and food quality are maintained. His responsibilities include supervising daily kitchen operations, managing food production, and leading kitchen staff with a focus on excellence and innovation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Warren Moore to our team at Seaside Finolhu,” said Steven Phillips General Manager of Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives. “His extensive experience and passion for culinary excellence will undoubtedly enhance the dining experience for our guests and further solidify our reputation as a gastronomic heaven in the Maldives.”
With Chef Warren Moore at the helm, Seaside Finolhu looks forward to delivering unforgettable culinary experiences that celebrate the rich flavours of the Maldives and beyond.
W Maldives has announced the well-deserved promotions of two of its dedicated team members, Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed, effective April 15th, 2024.
Ahmed Zahir, known as Coacha, has been promoted from Welcome Manager to Rooms Division Manager. Coacha’s journey at W Maldives began in December 2010 as a Welcome Agent. Over the past 13 years, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, holding various roles within the Welcome department.
Known for his dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences and his outstanding interpersonal skills, Coacha is a true asset to the W Maldives team. His experience extends beyond the resort, having served as a task force member at the St. Regis Red Sea and as a pre-opening trainer. He is also actively participating in the Marriott Kurimagu Program, a program designed to cultivate Maldivian leadership in the hospitality industry. With his extensive knowledge of Welcome operations, Coacha is perfectly suited for his new role as Rooms Division Manager.
Ismail Saeed, also known as Saito, has been promoted from Lounge Manager to Welcome Manager. Saito’s W Maldives story began in March 2010 as a Welcome Agent. He then transitioned to airport operations as a Lounge Ambassador in 2013. Throughout his tenure, Saito has displayed a strong commitment to personal growth, consistently developing his skillset. He has participated in a cross-exposure program at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, working in Housekeeping, and has also supported the resort’s Style operations in the past three months. This diverse experience across multiple departments makes Saito a perfect fit for his new role as Welcome Manager.
The appointments of Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed underscore W Maldives’ commitment to nurturing talent and promoting from within. Both individuals bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and innovation to their respective roles, promising to further enhance the guest experience and uphold the resort’s reputation for excellence.
-
News1 week agoGreen Globe Recertification for VARU by Atmosphere
-
News1 week agoGuinness world record holder Nathaniel Alapide creates sand art drawing at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
-
News1 week agoRenowned Integrative Movement Therapist Mins Teo to lead exclusive wellness residency at Patina Maldives
-
Awards1 week agoMaldives wins in 2 categories at Marine Diving Awards in Japan
-
Awards1 week agoSO/ Maldives nominated for Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards
-
Drink1 week agoSavouring paradise: Taste of Mediterranean cuisine at Kuramathi’s Palm
-
News1 week agoSoneva Secret whispers: Bespoke luxury unveiled in Haa Dhaalu Atoll
-
News7 days agoFun amplified: Hard Rock Hotel Maldives unveils Summer Camp-Cation 4.0