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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
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection has announced a collaboration with Ahmed Aleem Shakoor, who is currently in residence at the resort, introducing a creative element to the guest experience.
Aleem, a self-taught artist, is known for work that combines maritime themes, surrealism and symbolism. His practice spans watercolours, acrylics and mixed media, drawing inspiration from the Maldives’ history and ocean landscapes, often expressed through the use of light, depth and narrative.
During his residency, Aleem is working with the resort to develop a series of artistic and cultural experiences aimed at engaging guests. These include live painting sessions, informal interactions with the artist and workshops designed to encourage creative participation.
The programme forms part of the resort’s wider activities, with offerings such as mini canvas painting, coconut painting and creative art sessions available to guests. In addition, Tales Painted in Sunlight combines elements of Maldivian folklore, storytelling and visual art, providing further insight into local culture.
The collaboration reflects the resort’s approach to incorporating local artistic talent into its programming, while offering guests opportunities to engage with creative activities in a relaxed setting. The residency is designed to allow guests to explore artistic expression as part of their island experience.
As part of its seasonal programme, selected artistic activities are also included in the resort’s Easter offerings, providing additional opportunities for guests to take part in creative experiences during their stay.
Amilla Maldives has been named a joint winner in the Most OutThere Initiative in Inclusive Travel category at the Experientialist Awards 2026, following a Highly Commended recognition in the same category in 2025.
The Experientialist Awards recognise organisations shaping travel through inclusivity, individuality and design, with the inclusive travel category highlighting initiatives that address not only accessibility, but also how journeys are experienced by guests.
At Amilla Maldives, accessibility is integrated into the overall guest experience. The resort adopts an approach that begins at the planning stage and continues throughout the stay, with a focus on understanding individual guest needs and adapting experiences accordingly.
Aligned with its In Harmony with Purpose philosophy, the resort has introduced a range of measures aimed at improving accessibility. These include villa features designed for ease of use, accessible pathways across the island and adaptive experiences such as inclusive snorkelling and wellness sessions.
As an IncluCare Verified resort, Amilla Maldives continues to develop its offering through feedback and collaboration, with the aim of enhancing inclusivity across its operations.
Commenting on the recognition, Morgan Martinello said the resort remains focused on creating travel experiences that feel natural and accessible. He noted that the continued recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to improve inclusivity.
The award from OutThere, a platform focused on diversity and inclusion in travel, marks a further step in the resort’s efforts to create accessible and inclusive guest experiences.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, part of Centara Hotels and Resorts, has marked its first anniversary, highlighting a year of operations as a luxury island resort within The Atollia development.
During its first year, the resort has received international recognition, including being named among Favourite Overseas Leisure Hotels in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 and listed among the Top Ten Best Maldives Resorts in the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
Since opening, the resort has offered a collection of beachfront and overwater villas, along with two- and three-bedroom residences designed to provide privacy and space. Accommodation options include private pools or Jacuzzis, with design elements incorporating contemporary architecture, natural materials and Thai-inspired influences.
The resort’s concept draws on Thai heritage, reflected across its wellness, dining and guest experiences. At SPA Cenvaree Retreat, treatments are inspired by traditional Thai wellness practices. Dining options across the resort include live cooking experiences at The Gallery, Mediterranean-inspired seafood at Bluefin, and beverage offerings at venues such as Sunset Social, The Club and Coco Drift.
Guests can also take part in a range of leisure and recreational activities, including water sports and marine experiences. The resort caters to a variety of travellers, offering facilities for families, including a kids’ club and an entertainment zone for teenagers, as well as spaces for private events, group stays and corporate gatherings.
Commenting on the milestone, Jorge Fernandez said the resort combines elements of Thai heritage with the Maldivian environment to create a distinct guest experience. He noted that recognition received during the first year reflects the resort’s approach to hospitality, sustainability and service, while also acknowledging the role of guests and staff in its development.
As it marks its first anniversary, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives continues to focus on delivering curated guest experiences, with an emphasis on hospitality, design and sustainable operations within the destination.
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