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Sales, marketing takes spotlight at Kandooma Maldives
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has strengthened its Sales & Marketing division with a series of appointments to support the resorts renewed focus on India, Europe/UK, USA, China and Middle East target markets.
“Like many resorts worldwide, following Covid-19, we’ve taken a close look at our business, where it’s coming from and what geographical markets need more focus. We are excited with the changes we have implemented to drive revenue and customer experience,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.
“Our team are all hands-on contributors in their field of expertise. We work well collaboratively balancing individual opinions of some strong personalities with strategic decision making. Let me just say our revenue meetings are a lot of fun.” he added.
With the impending departure of Inad Ibrahim who held the role for several years, taking the overall lead is newly appointed, Mike Tan Yan as Director of Sales & Marketing based on the island who will start 1 May.
In April, Dhawal Vyas, joined as Director of Sales – India. Well known in his market, Dhawal is spending time in-market driving leisure business as well as spending time on the island.
With a network of global operators, travel agents and DMC’s Simona Dobre, with 25+ years in senior level Sales & Marketing roles most recently in the UAE, has joined as Director of Sales – Europe/USA. Simona is an expert in the wholesale/leisure space and splits her time between Miami USA and Romania.
Another veteran with 25+ years experience is Sharon Garrett who is remotely leading Marketing from New Zealand. With extensive experience in Asia Pacific and the Middle East with well known brands, she is responsible for Marketing, Communications, Partnerships, PR and product development.
Priyanka Sarkar has been recently appointed as the resort’s Marketing Communications Manager, with a heavy focus on influencer visits and new media. Priyanka is the glue that brings the operation and marketing minds together. This is her first role in the Maldives.
Experienced graphic designer Shaimaa Shebl from Egypt has recently celebrated her one year anniversary with the team providing on-property creative development with a focus on short video reels to support the property’s efforts in the social media landscape.
Maldivian Fahud Ali is a key team member responsible for eCommerce and managing the onsite reservations team. Though not a new appointment, Fahud has worked his way up with IHG over 11+ years and rounds out the team. He is central to achieving the resort’s goals with a keen focus on OTAs and direct bookings.
Keeping this group of passionate minds focused on commercial goals and revenue is Justine Thomas, Director of Revenue based in Bangkok who joined the team at the end of 2022. Justine brings several years experience in revenue with high profile brands to the team.
The property has also appointed additional Sales support team members on the island including Ying Wang a Chinese national who has been appointed Sales Executive with responsibility for the China market, and a soon to be announced island-based Sales Manager to support the leisure sales directors. Specialised agencies providing support in key target markets and niche disciplines have been appointed around the world.
“The world we now live in, enjoys greater acceptance of remote and flexible working. That combined with the technology and tools to make it a success, meant we could look to people with the experience we need without them having to actually live on the island where we have limited accommodation. I think it’s a win-win, but time will tell if the strategy gives us the bottom line we are seeking,” added Mark.
“As a four-star resort serving the mid-market in what is known as a luxury destination, we have exciting plans ahead and are delighted to have assembled a strong and experienced team to drive those plans forward from a Sales & Marketing perspective. Had we tried to attain this level of experience through a normal hiring model our budgets simply wouldn’t stretch. By utilising remote working we can manage payroll and payroll related costs and attract great talent. It is just reframing and looking at things through a different lens.”
General Manager, Mark Eletr will be joined by new Director of Sales & Marketing, Mike Tan Yan on the Visit Maldives stand at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai 1 – 4 May, 2023. (Stand No. AS6110)
Located in the South Male atoll just 40 mins from the airport by boat, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a beautiful island paradise. White sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms and turquoise waters form the backdrop for a wide variety of leisure pursuits and some of the best diving in the Maldives. Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two storey Beach Houses and the popular Overwater Villas for their stay. Families are well catered for with a choice of 2- and 3-bed villas as well as the Kandoo Kids’ Club and its full activities programme. Six food and beverage outlets ensure healthy appetites are satisfied and the flavours of the Maldives are explored. For those guests who desire the ultimate in relaxation, sun loungers and hammocks are located around the island and the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers the ultimate in tranquility and escape for body and mind.
For more information, visit www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com
RAAYA by Atmosphere has received its latest recognition at the Travel Time Awards, held in Moscow in August 2026, where the island resort was named “The Best Family Resort in the Maldives 2025”.
The award marks RAAYA’s second consecutive recognition from Travel Time, following its win as “Opening of the Year 2024”.
The recognition reflects the resort’s growing presence in the Russian travel market and its approach to family holidays in the Maldives, with a focus on shared experiences, exploration and activities designed for guests across generations.
Located on a private island in Raa Atoll, RAAYA is centred around the fictional story of Seb, a shipwrecked artist and adventurer whose narrative is incorporated throughout the resort experience. Guests can take part in island exploration, creative activities and ocean-based experiences, alongside family-oriented facilities and a range of dining options under The RAAYA Plan™.
The award was also presented during a visit to the resort by Russian film actress Katerina Shpitsa, known for productions including “Metro”, “The Crew” and “Poddubny”. During her stay, Shpitsa presented the Travel Time Awards 2025 accolade to RAAYA by Atmosphere General Manager Mario Stanic.
“Receiving this recognition for a second consecutive year is a proud moment for everyone at RAAYA,” Stanic said. “Winning the Travel Time Award 2025 for Best Family Resort is a wonderful recognition of what we stand for — bringing families together through shared experiences and lasting memories within a backdrop of a tropical island paradise.
“We are proud to create experiences that resonate with Russian families and families from around the world, offering a place to connect, discover and create memories together. We thank the awards team, our partners and our guests for their continued trust and support.”
The award adds to the international recognition received by RAAYA by Atmosphere since the resort opened in July 2024. The property has positioned its offering around experiential hospitality, design, family-focused programming and its castaway-inspired narrative.
RAAYA features 167 beach and overwater villas, a collection of dining venues and a range of land and ocean activities within its Raa Atoll setting.
With two Travel Time Awards in consecutive years, the resort continues to develop its position within the family travel segment in the Maldives.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives will welcome award-winning food creator Kabita Singh, the personality behind Kabita’s Kitchen, for a special culinary residency in October to mark International Chefs’ Day on 20 October 2026.
Known for making everyday Indian cooking accessible to a wide audience, Singh will move from her digital kitchen to the Maldives, joining the resort’s culinary team for a live cooking experience created for guests.
The collaboration will bring together Singh’s approach to Indian cuisine — centred on familiar flavours, accessible recipes and an increasing focus on wholesome cooking — with Sun Siyam’s Plant Based Bliss philosophy, which promotes the nutritional and holistic benefits of plant-forward dining.
As part of the International Chefs’ Day celebrations, Singh will cook alongside Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s culinary team during a live session in front of resort guests. The experience will feature a specially curated selection of vegetarian, vegan and health-conscious dishes developed in collaboration with the resort’s chefs and inspired by Singh’s own cooking philosophy.
Guests will have the opportunity to watch Singh prepare the dishes, learn about the techniques and stories behind them, and sample her interpretation of plant-forward Indian cuisine in a Maldivian island setting.
Kabita’s Kitchen has grown from a home-cooking channel into one of India’s most widely followed food platforms, with approximately 14.6 million subscribers on YouTube alone. Singh has built her audience through content ranging from regional favourites and vegetarian staples to festive dishes, street-food classics and everyday family recipes.
Her influence within India’s food and digital content sector was recognised at the inaugural National Creators Award in 2024, where she received the Best Creator in Food Category award, presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We are really excited to welcome Kabita to Olhuveli and bring a taste of Kabita’s Kitchen to the Maldives,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.
“Food is such an important part of the way people connect, and this is about bringing our guests closer to the experience, watching Kabita cook, discovering the flavours and stories behind her dishes, and of course tasting them together. Her fresh, approachable style is a great match for our Plant Based Bliss philosophy, and celebrating International Chefs’ Day together with our own culinary team makes it even more special. We want dining at Olhuveli to be fun, social and full of moments that guests remember long after they leave the island.”
Located in South Malé Atoll, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is part of Sun Siyam’s Lifestyle Collection. The resort combines beach experiences, dining, entertainment, wellness and other activities within its broader island offering.
You & Me Maldives has been named Best Adults-Only Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s positioning, guest experiences and continued focus on adults-only hospitality in the Maldives.
The award was presented during the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August 2026, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards recognise achievements, innovation and contributions across the Maldivian tourism industry.
Located in Raa Atoll, You & Me Maldives has established itself as an adults-only retreat catering to couples, honeymooners, friends and solo travellers seeking privacy and tranquillity.
The resort combines its island setting with accommodation, personalised service and experiences centred on romance, wellness, gastronomy and exploration, creating an intimate environment designed specifically for adult travellers.
The recognition comes as You & Me Maldives marks seven years of operations and welcoming guests from around the world.
“As we celebrate this important milestone, we are deeply grateful to our loyal guests, partners, and dedicated team members who have been part of this journey,” said Mohamed Imthiyaz, General Manager of You & Me Maldives.
“These seven years represent not only growth and success, but countless love stories, memories, and unforgettable experiences created on our island. Receiving the ‘Best Adults-Only Resort’ award at the TTM Awards is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the passion and dedication of our entire team.”
The Best Adults-Only Resort award further strengthens You & Me Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector, recognising its focus on combining an adults-only concept with personalised service and island experiences.
Looking ahead, You & Me Maldives plans to continue developing its concept and guest experience through new activities, offerings and services, while maintaining its focus on the adults-only luxury segment in the Maldives.
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