Featured
Sun Siyam Resorts launches new creative department; introduces key roles to elevate brand
Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts has introduced new key management roles as well as a recently developed Creative Department to its corporation with Sara Siyam as new Creative Director, Claudia Klingbeil as Director of PR & Communications, and Shammun Mohamed as Director of Digital Communications.
The new Creative Department will overlook the brand growth, all aspects of branding and visual content, implement new communications and PR initiatives, develop unique experiences as well as resort-based events.
The creators behind Sun Siyam Resorts strongly believe in local capabilities and have made it their mission to develop Maldivian talent in the hospitality industry, hence with Sara and Shammun joining the creative department, the company brings highly talented young and experienced locals to elevate the brand.
Sara has worked in Sun Siyam Resorts since 2017, starting her journey on a group-level PR Executive role and quickly developed into the Assistant Manager of PR and Marketing. In November 2020, she started her new role at Siyam World Maldives as the PR and Marketing Manager where she played an essential role in developing the branding, content, PR, and communications aspects of the resort. She worked with her team in launching the brand-new property on October 28th 2021.
In her new position as the Creative Director at Sun Siyam Resorts, she will determine the creative vision of the group and enhance brand awareness through public relations, advertising campaigns, brand stories as well as unique experiences and events for each of the Sun Siyam properties. Sara will lead the creative department in implementing new strategies and creative goals to boost the Sun Siyam brand globally. She will also be working closely with the Sun Siyam PR and Marketing teams to implement new strategies.
Sara has a Masters Degree in International Tourism and Hospitality, from James Cook University in Singapore and has a passion for creating new innovative ideas and events. Coming from a family with strong tourism and hospitality background and seeing and experiencing the company from within, Sara has an ambitious goal to make Sun Siyam a one-of-a-kind and unique local brand that emphasises on creating and delivering unique experiences.
Sara said: “Creating limitless and unique experiences has always been a passion of mine, with this dynamic age, there is constant need for innovation, in terms of branding, and experiences we offer, the messages that we convey through different digital platforms and what makes us unique or stand out from the rest. With five different properties in the Maldives, each unique with their offerings and experiences, Sun Siyam Resorts offers something for everyone and by enhancing our creative side and coming up with new ideas for guests’ experiences and events, we will surely be able to take this company to new heights!”
Originally from Germany, well-travelled, and having lived and worked in Australia, United Arab Emirates, the Maldives, and Europe, Claudia will serve Sun Siyam Resorts as a trusted brand and pr advisor in her new role as Director of PR & Communications and will do so from her base in Spain, Europe. She will develop and implement pr and communications strategies as well as spearhead all global Sun Siyam Resorts PR Agencies to boost brand awareness, cultivate relationships with media, press and journalists, as well as effectively drive global PR activities and editorial opportunities.
Being a versatile and accomplished public relations and communications specialist, Claudia comes with more than a decade of hands-on experience within the global tourism, travel, and luxury hospitality industries. She most recently served Sun Siyam Resorts as a Consulting Director of PR & Marketing during the opening of its newest game-changing Maldives island property Siyam World.
Claudia also played an integral part of the two luxury island openings of Amilla Fushi & Finolhu Maldives, as well as rebranding Huvafen Fushi Maldives while she held the Cluster Director of Communications role at The Small Maldives Island Co.
Having also worked and lived in the United Arab Emirates, with several PR & Marketing Manager roles at public, private, and corporate sector companies such Radisson Blu or The Abu Dhabi Country Club and Al Maya Resorts, Claudia also comes with film production project management know-how as an added value before she started working as a freelancer and consultant for several start-up and global travel, lifestyle, and hospitality brands to help them excel in their public relations, communications, and branding endeavours.
“Claudia’s expertise and in-depth knowledge of communications and PR will be a major asset in implementing our communications strategy, enhance brand exposure, and take the company to the next level. We are extremely excited to have Claudia on the team, leading our public relations and communications division,” said Deepak Booneady, VP of Commercial at Sun Siyam Group.
Shammun Mohamed brings with him a new level of innovation and creativity. Shammun has a Degree in Mass Communication from NICC in Bangalore, started his creative journey at Ahmed Fahud Studio, a local advertising firm, and has worked at Sun Siyam Resorts as a PR Executive and as the Cluster PR Manager for Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Sun Siyam Iru Veli, His true calling and passion lies in the creation of content and storytelling. As the Director of Digital Communications, Shammun will be responsible for developing, managing, and executing communications strategies through all digital platforms and ensure that Sun Siyam digital experiences align with and support its mission, vision, values, brand, reputation, and strategic goals.
Shammun said: “I am really excited to take on this new challenge, with an amazing team and bright and new ideas we will really be able to create something unique and beautiful here at Sun Siyam Resorts and we want to make sure the World knows it! Working at the cutting edge of technology and innovation across multiple platforms by connecting creative approach to the business strategy has always been my calling.”
Featured
AIDA brings over 2,000 tourists to Maldives in major economic boost
Maldives recently welcomed the Italian-flagged cruise ship AIDA, carrying 2,139 tourists. Operated primarily for Swiss, Austrian, and German visitors, the ship arrived on December 8, 2024, from Muscat, Oman. This visit marks the first cruise ship arrival since regulatory changes were implemented at the request of the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA).
The AIDA’s stopover is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. The influx of tourists is likely to benefit various businesses, including restaurants, souvenir shops, local dhonis, guesthouses, and retail outlets in Malé and Hulhumalé. This surge in activity is anticipated to further solidify the Maldives’ position as a leading cruise destination in the region.
This milestone underscores the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to diversify its tourism offerings. Beyond its economic impact, the AIDA’s visit is expected to enhance foreign reserves and contribute to broader national economic growth. The vessel is scheduled to depart the Maldives on December 9, 2024, at 6 PM, after a brief yet impactful visit.
The Maldivian tourism industry continues to thrive despite global challenges. This achievement follows recent accolades, including being named the World Travel Awards’ (WTA) World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year and earning the title of World’s Leading Green Destination for the first time. The successful introduction of cruise tourism marks the beginning of a promising new chapter, with future visits poised to further invigorate the industry and local economy.
Celebration
A Soaring Festive: celebrate the season in style at Ifuru Island Maldives
This festive season, Ifuru Island Maldives invites guests to a tropical paradise celebration under the theme ‘A Soaring Festive.’ Taking place from December 21, 2024, to January 10, 2025, the event promises a vibrant, entertainment-filled program designed to create joy, excitement, and lasting memories.
Catering to diverse preferences, A Soaring Festive offers an array of experiences, from dynamic nightlife and unique performances to relaxed island vibes, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Renowned DJ Rawlo will headline the nightly entertainment, captivating audiences with high-energy performances and dynamic beats. Breaking away from conventional DJ stereotypes, Rawlo’s electrifying sets promise to keep guests dancing under the stars until late into the night.
Adding to the festive lineup, the talented duo Synthetic Seduction—comprising Evgeniya and Olcay—will deliver versatile performances, including soulful saxophone melodies, lively DJ sets, and engaging duo band shows. Whether guests are enjoying cocktails by the pool or dancing on the sand, this duo creates the perfect ambiance for both relaxation and high-energy fun.
For those seeking visual artistry, Jonas and Aygul will dazzle with awe-inspiring fire shows, mesmerising LED displays, skillful juggling acts, and elegant belly dancing. Their multi-faceted performances promise to light up the island with unforgettable entertainment.
Complementing the headline acts, ‘A Soaring Festive’ features a variety of activities designed to enhance the holiday experience. Guests can participate in beach games, competitions, and themed culinary events that celebrate the flavors of the season, ensuring a celebration filled with joy and excitement.
Featured
New deep-sea fish species discovered in Maldives: Chromis Abadhah
In a breakthrough for marine science, a new species of fish has been discovered in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Named Chromis Abadhah, the species derives its name from the Maldivian Dhivehi word Abadhah, meaning perpetual, symbolising the ongoing commitment to planetary conservation. The name also acknowledges the support of the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, which funded the research.
The fish was first spotted near Maafilaafushi in the Kaafu Atoll. Subsequent studies revealed that the species inhabits multiple regions of the Maldives, ranging from Lhaviyani Atoll to Dhaalu Atoll. Researchers documented the fish in eight distinct locations, indicating that it may be distributed across various parts of the country.
Chromis Abadhah resides at depths between 95 and 110 metres, in the mesophotic zone, where sunlight begins to fade. This habitat sets it apart from other species in its family, which are typically found in shallower waters of around 30 meters.
The new species belongs to the ‘Dan’ba’ family, a group of damselfish commonly found in Maldivian seas. However, Chromis Abadhah is distinct from its relatives in several ways:
- Unlike other Chromis species, it lacks the characteristic black cross line near the neck.
- Its upper shell comprises 14 bones, compared to the typical 13 seen in related species.
While other Chromis species, such as Chromis axillaris, Chromis pelora, and Chromis woodsi, are found in various parts of the world, Chromis Abadhah appears to be endemic to the Maldives, making it a unique addition to the region’s biodiversity.
The study was a collaborative effort involving Maldivian experts and international scientists. To better understand the species, researchers captured four specimens using a specialised net. Their findings, published in a scientific paper, highlight the importance of deep-sea exploration in uncovering hidden marine treasures.
The identification of Chromis Abadhah underscores the Maldives’ rich marine biodiversity and the critical role of research in its preservation. This discovery also emphasises the importance of protecting deep-sea habitats, which often harbour unique and endemic species.
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