News
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives launches eco-friendly initiative to recycle bed linens into hand cloths
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives has announced the launch of an innovative eco-friendly initiative to repurpose used bed linens into hand cloths for public restrooms. This initiative is a significant step under the “Recycle-Reuse” initiative, part of the broader Sun Siyam Care programme, reflecting the resort’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
An initiative that was implemented recently by the Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s housekeeping team gives new life to previously discarded bed linens by converting them into hand cloths for the resorts public areas. This practice not only minimises waste but also aligns with the Olhuveli’s dedication to environmental responsibility, ultimately saving costs previously spent on paper tissues.
The step-by-step recycling process begins with the collection of damaged bed linens, which are then taken to the in-house tailor. Each king-sized bed sheet is carefully cut and crafted into approximately 60 pieces of 10×10 inch washcloths. The tailor cuts the bedsheet to 11×11 inches, folds an inch on each side, and stitches the edges to prevent fraying. This ensures that every piece of fabric is utilised to its fullest potential, with no chemicals involved – only a thorough washing before placement in the restrooms. The bed linens, due to their high absorbency, are ideal for this recycling process. The only equipment required is a sewing machine and the skilled hands of the tailor, making this initiative highly efficient and sustainable. To maintain health and safety standards, each outlet uses separate bags to carry fresh and soiled wash cloths, preventing cross-contamination. The laundry department uses an 8kg machine dedicated to washing these cloths, ensuring they meet hygiene standards before use.
This initiative significantly reduces textile waste, as no discarded linen goes to waste. Instead, linens are converted into washcloths, wiping cloths, or dusters, completely eliminating textile waste from the resort’s operations.
Hassan Adil, General Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives, remarked, “This initiative aligns with global sustainability standards and practices in the hospitality industry. By reusing towels, Sun Siyam Olhuveli reduces the number of laundry loads, leading to a substantial reduction in water consumption, aligning with the goals of the Sun Siyam Cares programme. This programme emphasizes reducing energy and water use, managing waste, and supporting community development while investing in renewable energy.”
Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to join in celebrating this significant step towards sustainability. Through initiatives like these, the resort continues to lead the way in responsible tourism, ensuring that its natural paradise is preserved for future generations.
Sun Siyam Resorts is dedicated to operating sustainably and responsibly in the Maldives and Sri Lanka while offering authentic guest experiences. The group-wide Sun Siyam Cares programme prioritises sustainability through initiatives such as reducing energy and water use, managing waste to reduce plastic use, supporting community development, and investing in renewable energy. It also focuses on conservation efforts and work to preserve local heritage and cultural practices. By following these sustainability practices, the resorts aim to minimise the environmental impact, carbon footprint and contribute to the socio-economic well-being of the communities in which they operate.
Food
Vismark and BBM join forces to host fusion of Southeast Asian excellence
Guests at Maldivian resorts will experience vibrant Southeast Asian cuisine this September as Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) teams up with Vismark Food Industries for a series of culinary showcases.
From September 8 to 19, 2024, Vismark’s Corporate Chef Samson Lim, alongside BBM’s team, will lead live cooking demonstrations at select resorts. Designed to inspire creativity in the kitchen, these sessions allow chefs to explore new flavours and techniques, creating unique and unforgettable dining moments for their guests.
“I’m excited to collaborate with the talented chefs of the Maldives,” says Chef Samson Lim. “These sessions aren’t just about cooking; they’re about sharing techniques, sparking inspiration, and introducing key Southeast Asian ingredients like dim sum, paus, sambal, and laksa pastes—ingredients that can transform resort menus.”
BBM has been a leading supplier to the Maldivian hospitality industry for over 30 years, with a reputation for bringing premium products and culinary innovations to the region. Vismark Food Industries, based in Singapore, is a trusted name in the global food market. For over three decades, Vismark has been exporting high-quality Southeast Asian delicacies to many countries worldwide, supplying top hotels, restaurants, and food service industries across the globe. Their commitment to excellence and authentic flavours has made them a favourite among culinary professionals seeking to elevate their dishes.
While resort guests won’t witness the culinary demonstrations themselves, they’ll undoubtedly taste the results as these fresh, bold flavours make their way into buffets and à la carte menus. The collaboration aims to blend traditional Southeast Asian elements with global influences, ensuring guests experience something authentic and extraordinary.
“Our ingredients give chefs the flexibility to explore endless possibilities,” says Steve Tan, Director of Business Development at Vismark. “Whether they’re crafting authentic Southeast Asian dishes or experimenting with fusion, we’re giving them the tools to create innovative, standout meals for their guests.”
AVS Subrahmanyam, COO of BBM, underscores the initiative’s importance to Maldivian hospitality: “This partnership goes beyond showcasing ingredients—it’s about providing chefs with the knowledge and creative freedom to elevate their dishes to new heights. We’re proud to support the Maldives’ world-class resorts with the best products and hands-on expertise.”
By curating high-quality ingredients and fostering partnerships with global brands, BBM has continually driven innovation in the Maldives’ food and beverage industry. This partnership with Vismark demonstrates their commitment to maintaining the Maldives’ status as a premier destination for its natural beauty and exceptional dining experiences.
As the Maldives strengthens its position as a global tourism leader, collaborations like this ensure its culinary offerings remain exciting, diverse, and competitive on the world stage. BBM and Vismark are enabling resort chefs to create extraordinary dining experiences, fusing Southeast Asian flavours with international appeal.
Business
Pulse Hotels’ Malik Mohamed to deliver presentation at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024
Malik Mohamed, Director of Business Intelligence at Pulse Hotels & Resorts, is set to deliver a presentation at the upcoming 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.
Malik’s presentation, titled “Business Intelligence and Revenue Optimisation,” will address key strategies and insights related to maximising revenue through effective business intelligence practices. His session is expected to provide valuable information for hotel managers and industry professionals attending the forum.
Ali Naafiz, Editor of Hotelier Maldives, commented on the inclusion of Mohamed’s presentation in the forum, stating, “The GM Forum continues to bring together experts who can share practical and relevant knowledge. Malik Mohamed’s presentation will offer attendees a chance to gain a deeper understanding of how business intelligence can drive revenue growth.”
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 Mailk Mohamed joining the lineup of speakers and presenters, 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 serve as the keynote speaker at the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024. The event will also feature Etienne Ng, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay), as a featured speaker. Both leaders are expected to share valuable insights relevant to the Maldivian hospitality industry during the forum.
Business
Etienne Ng, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay), to speak at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2024
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.
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