Hotelier Maldives has announced that Etienne Ng, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay), will be a featured speaker at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024. The GM Forum, the largest gathering of hospitality professionals in Maldives, will take place on September 19 at CROSSROADS Maldives.

Etienne Ng leads Weixin Pay’s operations across Southeast Asia, where the platform has seen substantial growth. His session at the forum will primarily focus on Chinese travel trends and their spending behaviour. He will also highlight the role of digital payments in enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency within the hospitality industry.

Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, commented on the announcement: “Etienne Ng’s participation at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024 will offer attendees valuable insights into the growing impact of digital payments in the tourism and hospitality sectors. His experience in managing Weixin Pay’s expansion in Southeast Asia makes him a key voice in discussions about the future of payment solutions in the industry.”

This year’s GM Forum, now in its eighth edition, will focus on ‘The Evolving Luxury Landscape’ in the Maldives. Industry leaders will discuss the future of luxury travel, including the new luxury traveller’s psyche, digital marketing, and sustainable practices. Topics will cover private islands, underwater experiences, and the opportunities and challenges faced by hoteliers in the country. The forum will feature diverse panels and interactive sessions, emphasising personalised guest experiences and local cultural integration. It aims to foster active participation and share innovative case studies from the luxury travel industry.

Sponsors and partners of GM Forum 2024 include:

• Ooredoo Maldives: Digital Partner (Title Sponsor)
• Bestbuy Maldives (BBM): Silver Sponsor
• Dhivehi Insurance: Silver Sponsor
• Fuel Supplies Maldives: Silver Sponsor
• Manta Air: Aviation Partner
• Male’ Aerated Water Company: Beverage Partner
• Atmosphere Wellness: Wellness Partner
• Souvenir Marine: Transport Partner
• Printlab: Printing Partner
• CROSSROADS Maldives: Venue Partner
• Lights Out: Coverage Partner
• Associate Sponsors: Alia Investments, Villa Hakatha, GAGE, Wyntronix, Uniforms Unlimited and Spa Ceylon Maldives

With Etienne Ng joining the lineup of speakers, the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024 will offer attendees insights into the latest developments in digital payment technologies and their applications in the Maldivian hospitality sector.

John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group, will be the keynote speaker at the event. Hotelier Maldives will soon announce additional speakers, presenters, and panel discussions, further shaping the forum’s agenda.

Bandos Maldives is all geared up to celebrate International Housekeeping Week from September 9th to 15th, 2024, to honour the dedication and hard work of its housekeeping associates.

The week will feature a series of engaging activities designed to foster team spirit, enhance skills, and recognise the vital role of housekeeping in delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Bandos Maldives, along with the Kuda Huraa team, has organised a series of exciting activities to kick off International Housekeeping Week. The celebrations include friendly competitions, such as a bed decoration contest, football match, and a visit to Kuda Huraa for a friendly volleyball game and shared activities.

The week also features a fun-filled picnic with team-building games at the sandbank, and a creative bed decoration and towel art competition. The festivities will culminate in an official dinner and award ceremony hosted by the Bandos Management, demonstrating their commitment to supporting and motivating the dedicated housekeeping team.

Join the resort in celebrating the exceptional housekeeping team that keeps Bandos Maldives immaculate and welcoming for all guests.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced its upcoming celebrations for World Wellness Weekend, taking place from September 20th to 22nd, 2024. Guests are invited to embark on a transformative journey of holistic wellness amidst the serene beauty of the Maldives.

Nestled between verdant rainforest and white-sand beaches on a private natural island, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a place where luxury meets holistic wellness. With a choice of overwater and beachside villas overlooking the alluring waves of the Indian Ocean, guests enjoy unrivalled tranquility during an idyllic stay for World Wellness Weekend in 2024 .

The three-day retreat promises a comprehensive programme designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Each day features a curated selection of activities, including yoga, fitness classes, and wellness workshops, set against the luxurious settings of the resort. Activities can be arranged with the assistance of the iconic St. Regis Butler Service, and is complimentary to all guests at the resort.

Day 1: Friday, September 20, 2024:

• Begin with Morning Yoga & Meditation at the Yoga Sala.
• Strengthen your core with a TRX Workout in the Fitness Studio.
• Explore Ayurvedic healing during the “Balancing Your Doshas” workshop in the Drawing Room.
• End the day with an invigorating Beach Boot Camp at Alba Beach.

Day 2: Saturday, September 21, 2024:

• Start the day with a peaceful Morning Yoga & Meditation session.
• Engage in Kickboxing and Anti-Gravity Yoga for a dynamic workout experience.
• Discover the ancient art of Thai healing with the Tok Sen Thai Therapy Experience at Iridium Spa.
• Conclude with Chakra Yoga, focusing on the Ajna Chakra.

Day 3: Sunday, September 22, 2024:

• A calming session of Morning Yoga & Meditation sets the tone for the day.
• Indulge in a BR Skin Instant Workshop at Iridium Spa.
• Experience the unique Pool Bike Fitness class at Alba Pool.
• Learn the Art of Massage Techniques in a hands-on workshop.
• Energise with Jumping Fitness and finalise the retreat with Chakra Yoga, concentrating on the Sahasrara Chakra.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, which opened in November 2016, is nestled on a private island in a secluded Maldivian atoll, amidst thriving marine life. Just 45 minutes from Male by seaplane, guests are transported into a newfound paradise in the Dhaalu Atoll.

The resort draws inspiration from nature itself. Designed by WOW Architects | Warner Wong Design (Singapore), the unusual contemporary design of The St. Regis Maldives draws inspiration from the natural setting of the resort. This is represented by the manta ray shaped lagoon villas, a signature bar in the shape of a whale shark, a lobster-inspired spa and a spiral shell shaped library.

There are seven distinct dining venues, including two Asian specialty restaurants featuring Eastern haute cuisine and Japanese style Kaiseki cuisine, an international restaurant that offers dishes spanning from Asian to Western flavors, an underground wine cellar, a shack style restaurant, a signature overwater bar that rolls out stunning views of dramatic sunset, and a restaurant located inland amongst the tropical gardens featuring middle-eastern cuisine. Additionally, guests can also enjoy the Iridium Spa, which presents six overwater treatment rooms, including two that are dedicated to healing Ayurvedic treatments. Spa guests can also enjoy a Blue Hole.