Insiders
Starwood Hotels Hits 200th Hotel Milestone In Asia Pacific
Maldives Promotion House – Powering ahead in Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced it has surpassed the 200th hotel milestone with a flurry of recent openings in China, India, Thailand and Malaysia. Starwood continues to widen its lead as the largest operator of four and five star hotels in Asia Pacific with plans to reach over 320 hotels by 2014.
“The opening of our 200th hotel in Asia Pacific underscores the vitality of this market and its importance to our future growth,” President and CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Frits van Paasschen said. “Demand for our high-calibre brands continues to soar across Asia’s many dynamic markets, driven by phenomenal economic growth and significant increases in outbound travel, particularly from China and India.”
Asia Pacific is Home to Starwood’s Highest, Largest and Tallest Hotels
Starwood’s diverse portfolio in Asia boasts several record-setting properties including its highest, largest and tallest hotels. The soon-to-open, 100-story St. Regis Shenzhen tops the charts at 441 meters. Starwood’s most highly elevated hotel is The St. Regis Lhasa, perched on the Tibetan Plateau, and its largest property is the nearly 4,000 room Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central located on the Cotai strip – the “Las Vegas” of Asia.
“In 2001, Starwood had around 80 hotels in all of Asia Pacific, just ten years later we are celebrating the opening of our 200th hotel,” Chairman and President of Starwood’s Asia Pacific Division, Miguel Ko said. “Through the strength of our brands and our strong teams, we’ve more than doubled our footprint and added over 40,000 jobs to the region. Starwood’s momentum continues, we will open nearly 35 hotels in 2012 and welcome over 10,000 new associates to our team.”
Eye on China and India
China will play an outsized role in global travel within the next decade as one of the world’s fastest growing travel markets, with 100 million outbound travellers expected by 2015. Starwood now has 86 hotels open in China and nearly 100 more in development and expects to open one hotel in China every two weeks through the end of 2011. Nearly half of Starwood’s future hotels in China will fly the Sheraton flag, building on the brand’s 30-year legacy in the country, which has paved the way for robust growth across Starwood’s other world-class brands.
India is now Starwood’s fourth largest market and a close second to China in terms of future hotel development. Starwood now has more four and five star hotels than any other hotel company in India, where it expects to open its 50th hotel in 2013 and have 100 hotels either open or in development by 2015. Starwood also announced earlier in the year the signing of the first W in India – W Mumbai, followed by the recent signings of W Noida and W Goa Retreat. With the introduction of W Hotels as well as the entry of the first St. Regis in India with St. Regis Noida, eight of Starwood’s nine brands will fly their flags in India including W, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Le Méridien, Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton and Aloft.
Trends Picking up in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia
Starwood is experiencing robust demand in many of Asia’s other fast-growing economies including Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Following the recent opening of Four Points by Sheraton Resort Langkawi, Starwood will grow 30 percent in Malaysia in the next three years with plans to open another four hotels including Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan, Sheraton Desaru Resort, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur and W Kuala Lumpur.
In Indonesia, Starwood will add another four hotels by 2012 to its current portfolio of 12 properties. With the opening of Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11, Thailand will be the first country in the South East Asia region to have eight out of nine Starwood brands. Today, Starwood has a robust footprint of 18 hotels in Thailand with another six openings planned by 2014.
News
The Nautilus Maldives welcomes Christopher Terry as Executive Chef
The Nautilus Maldives has announced the appointment of Christopher Terry as their new Executive Chef. Chef Terry brings a wealth of experience and a global flair to the resort’s diverse dining experiences.
A native of Antigua and Barbuda, Chef Terry’s culinary skills encompass a wide range of cuisines, including Mediterranean, French, Caribbean, European, and Asian. This makes him a perfect fit for The Nautilus, which is known for its eclectic and unique dining options.
Throughout his 15-year career, Chef Terry has honed his craft at some of the world’s most prestigious luxury resorts, including Aman, Rosewood Resorts, and Sandals Resorts. His exceptional talent has been recognized with numerous awards, such as the Artisan Award at the Antigua & Barbuda National Youth Awards and Young Chef of the Year by the Antigua Hotel’s and Tourist Association.
Chef Terry believes in using the finest ingredients, with a focus on fresh, local produce. His culinary philosophy aligns perfectly with The Nautilus’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences and unforgettable taste journeys for its guests.
Under Chef Terry’s leadership, guests at The Nautilus can expect to explore the following:
- Zeytoun: Offering a focus on the aromatic herbs and spices of the Mediterranean.
- Ocaso: Blending Japanese cuisine with a modern Latin American twist.
- Thyme: Featuring comforting international cuisine, with flavors ranging from Asian to Mediterranean.
Chef Terry’s creations promise to be a reflection of pure, high-quality ingredients, thoughtfully paired for a delicious dining experience.
Equipped with a degree in Culinary Arts and a Wines and Spirits certification, Chef Terry brings a spirit of curiosity and a passion for culinary innovation to The Nautilus. Inspired by the Maldives’s rich natural bounty and pristine ingredients, he aims to elevate The Nautilus’s menus with his signature Caribbean-infused creations.
To discover the epicurean journeys available at The Nautilus Maldives, visit www.thenautilusmaldives.com.
News
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort appoints Thaaif Ahmed appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, part of Minor Hotels, has announced the appointment of Thaaif Ahmed as the Director of Sales & Marketing, effective 1 May 2024.
Thaaif brings nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, with a significant portfolio of roles within Minor Hotels. His career includes serving as the Director of Sales at NH Collection Maldives, where he played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth and fostering strategic partnerships.
Throughout his tenure, Thaaif has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities and a profound understanding of the industry landscape. His strategic prowess and collaborative approach have consistently delivered outstanding results, making him a respected figure within the organisation.
In his previous capacity as Cluster Director of Sales, overseeing Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives, Anantara Veli Resort Maldives, and Naladhu Private Island, Thaaif contributed to the success and growth of the brand.
As he assumes the role of Director of Sales & Marketing at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Thaaif is poised to leverage his wealth of experience and expertise to drive brand positioning, enhance revenue streams, and elevate the overall guest experience. His appointment underscores the resort’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the hospitality sector.
Please join Stuart De San Nicolas, Cluster General Manager of Anantara Kihavah, Avani+ Fares and NH Collection Havodda plus Riaan Drever, General Manager of Fares in congratulating Thaaif on his well-deserved promotion. We also express our gratitude to Paul Counihan, for his support during our pre-opening and opening stages. Paul will transition to focus on Anantara Kihavah, our sister property in Baa Atoll, while Thaaif assumes leadership at Avani+ Fares Maldives.
Set on the natural tropical island of Fares and surrounded by the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve’s deep blue hues, the resort offers an abundance of aquatic adventures as well as pristine sandy beaches for pure relaxation. With 176 stylish villas, pavilions, and studios, Avani+ Fares welcomes couples and honeymooners, as well as families and groups, with a focus on multi-room accommodation.
News
Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives appoints Warren Moore as Executive Chef
Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives has announced the appointment of Warren Moore as the resort’s new Executive Chef.
Chef Warren Moore hailing from South Africa, brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise, having earned his Culinary Degree at City and Guilds Culinary Institute. With over 25 years of distinguished service in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry, Chef Warren is poised to elevate the culinary offerings at Seaside Finolhu to new heights.
In his previous role, Chef Warren served as Executive Chef at Jawakara Maldives, where he showcased his culinary prowess and leadership skills. Prior to that, he spent seven years honing his craft within various properties of the esteemed Crown and Champa Resorts Group. His culinary journey has taken him across continents, including stints in South Africa, Mozambique, London, and the United States.
As the Executive Chef at Seaside Finolhu, Chef Warren will oversee all culinary operations, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and food quality are maintained. His responsibilities include supervising daily kitchen operations, managing food production, and leading kitchen staff with a focus on excellence and innovation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Warren Moore to our team at Seaside Finolhu,” said Steven Phillips General Manager of Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives. “His extensive experience and passion for culinary excellence will undoubtedly enhance the dining experience for our guests and further solidify our reputation as a gastronomic heaven in the Maldives.”
With Chef Warren Moore at the helm, Seaside Finolhu looks forward to delivering unforgettable culinary experiences that celebrate the rich flavours of the Maldives and beyond.
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