Lifestyle
Social media remains vital to hotels
Social media offers a tremendous opportunity for the boutique hotel sector to compete with larger international chain hotels.
Addressing delegates at the Boutique Hotel Summit 2013, Niki Leondakis said: “Social media has grown to become one of the most important and levelling aspects of marketing today, offering the opportunity for boutique hotels to connect with their guests as never before.”
Social media channels – including Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Flickr – allow hotel brands to “emotionally engage” with guests, building loyalty, Leondakis explained.
Delivery the keynote address at the summit, Leondakis added: “Guests can learn about our brands, allowing them to make a selection based on shared lifestyle affinities, through our shared love of art, design or fashion, for example.”
“Through social media we have the opportunity to groom guests before they arrive, to build that relationship.”
Leondakis also stressed the concrete results of a successful social media strategy, pointing out Google Analytics now allowed hotels to directly track revenue through the various channels.
She explained Thomson Hotels, of the two brands under the Commune umbrella, had determined guests who were ‘fans’ of its properties on a social media channel spent 35 per cent more during a stay than those who were not.
These guests also booked direct through the Thomson site, reducing revue lost to third party booking engines, while also rebooking at other properties within the portfolio.
There were also other advantages to social media, allowing boutique hotels to improve their searchability on search engines, for example, while also boosting partnership opportunities, allowing hotels to introduce customers to similar aspirations brands.
In future, technology will redefine the hotel sector, Leondakis argued, allowing hotels to offer customisable in room entertainment, for example.
The ability to check in remotely using a smart phone and to open room doors with the same device, will follow in the not to distant future, she added.
Lifestyle
Hina Khan finds serenity at Joy Island Maldives
Renowned Indian actress Hina Khan recently embarked on a serene escape to the idyllic Joy Island Maldives. The actress, known for her captivating performances, shared glimpses of her luxurious holiday on her Instagram account, leaving her fans mesmerized.
Hina’s posts showcased the island’s pristine beauty and her own blissful moments. She captioned one post, “There she goes again 🤩 Spreading JOY at @joyislandmaldives @thecocooncollection #joyislandmaldives #thecocooncollection.”
Another post featuring a stunning dolphin encounter read, “Just as all the children in my family find comfort in my lap, I find it in the depth of the ocean and it seems that the dolphins agree with me 😬 What a show.. 🐬 Best Best dolphin cruise ever at @joyislandmaldives.”
Hina’s love for the ocean was evident in a video showcasing her snorkeling experience from her Water Villa. She expressed her deep connection with the sea, writing, “This is where I belong, the ocean Humbles me 🙏🏻 #soulsoothing #waterbaby #oceanlover #reelsinstagram #reelitfeelit3d.”
Sharing more photos from her island adventure, Hina emphasized the transformative power of such experiences. She wrote, “It’s not about the number of Days we Live in Paradise but about what We Become after we do .. @joyislandmaldives @thecocooncollection #joyislandmaldives #thecocooncollection.”
Hina Khan’s captivating posts have inspired many to consider Joy Island Maldives as their next dream destination. The island’s luxurious accommodations, breathtaking natural beauty, and thrilling water activities offer the perfect escape for those seeking tranquility and adventure.
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives secures Travelife Gold Certification for sustainable excellence
Kuramathi Maldives has renewed its Travelife Gold Certification, a globally recognised accolade that underscores its commitment to sustainability. Travelife, an industry-led program, emphasises social responsibility and environmental management, encouraging sustainable practices among tour operators and accommodation providers. Achieving this award reflects the resort’s consistent efforts toward corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives, including preserving biodiversity, monitoring the marine ecosystem, implementing energy and water-saving measures, and collaborating with the local community on education and employment initiatives. A key aspect of this approach aligns with Travelife’s emphasis on employee welfare, ensuring fair wages, ethical working conditions, professional development opportunities, and adherence to health and safety standards. Furthermore, inclusive practices, such as providing equal employment opportunities and involving employees in sustainability efforts, contribute to a positive workplace culture where team members share a sense of ownership in CSR initiatives.
Central to these sustainability efforts is Kuramathi’s Eco Centre, managed by a team that includes a Sustainability Manager, Horticulturist, and Eco Centre Coordinator. This team works closely with the resort’s environment committee, which comprises members from various operational areas, to implement initiatives promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability. By minimising environmental impacts, enhancing community benefits, and upholding human rights and fair labor practices, Kuramathi demonstrates responsible tourism, seamlessly integrating growth with conservation.
Featured
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon opens Marine Biology Unit
Regarded by ‘Lonely Planet’ as one of the premier destinations for diving, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a tropical haven where lush greenery meets the expansive ocean. Surrounded by vibrant coral reefs brimming with marine life, the resort offers a rare combination of tranquility and adventure, providing guests with an extraordinary connection to nature. However, with global challenges such as climate change, overfishing, and pollution threatening marine ecosystems, the Maldives faces an urgent need to protect its delicate underwater environments.
In response to this growing responsibility, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon has taken a significant step in environmental conservation by establishing a dedicated Marine Biology Unit. This initiative aims to promote marine conservation and inspire a collective sense of responsibility among guests, staff, and the local community.
The Marine Biology Unit, formerly the resort’s library, has been transformed into an educational hub promoting sustainable tourism and ecological awareness. Led by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ first and only female marine biologist, the unit brings a unique and empowering perspective to marine conservation efforts. It provides an interactive space for guests to explore the intricate world of marine life, covering topics such as coral health and the behaviour of local fish species.
Daily educational sessions offer insights into the complex ecosystems of the ocean, with topics ranging from the marvels of coral reefs to the fascinating behaviours of the region’s marine life. To spark interest, the unit displays the day’s featured topic at its entrance, encouraging guests to participate. Fish identification checklists are also made available, helping visitors enhance their knowledge as they explore Ellaidhoo’s vibrant reefs.
General Manager of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sanjeeva Perera, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, “The launch of our Marine Biology Unit is the realisation of a long-awaited dream and a meaningful contribution to our ESG initiatives. Our mission is to empower guests and staff to become true stewards of the ocean, fostering a deep respect for marine life that will resonate long after their stay at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon. We hope this initiative not only enriches their experience but also builds a foundation of environmental responsibility that extends to the wider community.”
A longstanding advocate for eco-friendly practices, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon recognises the critical importance of preserving the island’s extraordinary natural beauty. By involving guests as active participants in environmental protection, the resort aims to create a lasting positive impact, cultivating a shared commitment to safeguarding the pristine marine environment for future generations.
-
News1 week ago
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives officially opens
-
News6 days ago
Ambani’s family vacations in Maldives
-
Action1 week ago
Uncover the ocean’s secrets at Cinnamon Dhonveli
-
News1 week ago
‘Tis the season to be jolly at JOALI Maldives
-
Featured1 week ago
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon opens Marine Biology Unit
-
Celebration1 week ago
JOALI Maldives celebrates six years of art and luxury with Maison Ruinart
-
Celebration1 week ago
VARU by Atmosphere marks five years of unmatched hospitality
-
News1 week ago
Experience ultimate Maldivian dream with Sirru Fen Fushi’s ‘Millionaire for a Month’ giveaway