Maldives Uncovered: The Sunny Side Podcast

Destination Future (NGO)
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This podcast is all about the Maldives as a tourism destination. You'll hear insights from top industry leaders and experts. Join our community to get inspired and gain the knowledge you need to reach your business or personal goals.

Episodes

  1. 05/25/2025

    Paradise Expat: A Maldivian Hotelier's Global Journey

    Send us a text Ahmed Asim, a Maldivian hospitality professional, shares his journey from working in luxury resorts in the Maldives to becoming a General Manager at Anantara Rasananda in Thailand. With years of international experience, he offers unique insights on the value of global exposure for Maldivian tourism professionals and the future development of local talent in the industry. • Started career at Soneva Fushi before working at several luxury Maldives resorts • First international move was to Seychelles, then Thailand with Marriott International • Returned to Maldives to work at W Maldives and St. Regis before moving back to Thailand • Currently serves as General Manager at Anantara Rasananda in Koh Phangan • Working internationally provided experience with MICE tourism, large events, and domestic markets • Cultural adaptation and language barriers were initial challenges but not insurmountable • Few Maldivians pursue international opportunities due to comfort zones and attractive local packages • Believes international experience broadens perspective on hospitality fundamentals • Advocates for developing more local talent through education and international exposure • Encourages young Maldivians to pursue international opportunities despite initial challenges Connect with Destination Future: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/destinationfuture/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/destinationfuture   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationfuturemv/

    31 min

  2. 01/26/2025

    Luxury Tourism and Revenue Management with Ashfaq Ashique

    Send us a text The latest episode features Ashfaq Ashique, an experienced Revenue, E-commerce and Distribution Specialist who shares his deep insights into the evolving landscape of tourism in the Maldives. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptive strategies, technology's pivotal role, and how to resonate with diverse vacationing demographics.  • Exploration of Ashique's career journey in the tourism industry  • Discussion on the evolution of revenue management in luxury tourism  • Understanding guest demands and changing market dynamics  • The critical role of technology and AI in revenue strategies  • Insights on pricing approaches tailored to diverse nationalities  • Lessons learned during the pandemic and resulting adaptations  • Advice for aspiring leaders in the revenue management field  • Emphasis on sustainable tourism and protecting the Maldives' natural beauty

    38 min

  3. 12/27/2024

    Resilience and Leadership in the Maldives with Marc Reader

    Send us a text The podcast episode explores the unique challenges and opportunities present in the Maldives tourism industry through the lens of Marc Reader's extensive career. Insights into the importance of local culture, environmental sustainability, and effective leadership reflect the complexities and responsibilities associated with developing tourism in this iconic destination.  • Marc Reader recounts his journey from chef to resort general manager in the Maldives  • Emphasis on the significance of first impressions and the lasting beauty of the Maldives  • Discussion of the unique aspects that set the Maldives apart from other luxury destinations  • The critical role of Maldivian people in providing exceptional hospitality  • Environmental sustainability practices adopted by resorts to protect the beauty of the islands  • Leadership lessons and the importance of empowering team members in hospitality  • Exploration of current challenges facing the Maldives tourism sector  • Call for better government support and a long-term vision for the tourism industry

    45 min

  4. 11/27/2024

    Balancing Tourism Growth and Sustainability in the Maldives

    Send us a text In this Episode you will hear a panel discussion among industry experts on the topic of balancing tourism growth and sustainability in the Maldives. The discussion delved into the balance between tourism growth and sustainability, exploring diverse perspectives and solutions from these seasoned professionals. Their collective insights underscored the importance of integrating sustainable practices into tourism strategies to ensure the Maldives can thrive as a premier destination while safeguarding its environmental and cultural heritage. Moderated by Amjad Thaufeeq, Vice Chair of Destination Future, joined by industry leaders, including Ms. Marteyne Van Well (General Manager of Six Senses), Mr. Ahmed Jihad (General Manager of Cocoon), Dr. Simad Saeed (Managing Director of CDE), Ms. Ruth Franklin (Founder of Secret Paradise), and Ms. Fathimath Shaazleen (Resort Manager of Naladhu Private Island).

    1 hr

  5. 10/25/2024

    Maldives Tourism, Adapting to Change and Innovation with Mark Eletr

    Send us a text In this Episode, Destination Future (NGO) Co-Founders Abdulla Nabeel and Nuaas Mohamed are joined by Mark Eletr, the General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma, as we explore the unspoken topics of the island tourism. Connect with Destination Future: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/destinationfuture/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/destinationfuture  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationfuturemv/

    1 hr

  6. 09/26/2024

    Marketing, Sustainability, and Local Talent with Mark Hehir

    Send us a text In this Episode, Destination Future (NGO) Co-founders Abdulla Nabeel and Amjad Thaufeeg are joined by  Mark Hehir, a distinguished industry leader and long-time General Manager of some of the top resorts in the Maldives, to discuss tourism marketing, sustainable development, leadership and local talent.  Connect with Destination Future: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/destinationfuture/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/destinationfuture   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationfuturemv/

    1h 3m

  7. TRAILER

    The Sunny Side Podcast - Introduction

    Send us a text Ever wondered how the Maldives continues to captivate travelers from around the world? Discover the secrets behind this tropical paradise's timeless appeal in our latest episode of The Sunny Side Podcast by Destination Future. We promise you'll gain exclusive insights from top industry leaders who reveal the latest trends, sustainable practices, and technological advancements shaping the future of tourism in the Maldives. This is your chance to stay informed and inspired, whether you're a travel professional or a passionate globetrotter. Our expert guests offer invaluable perspectives on how this iconic paradise is evolving to meet modern demands while preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Tune in to understand how the Maldives maintains its allure, ensuring it remains a must-visit destination for years to come.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

This podcast is all about the Maldives as a tourism destination. You'll hear insights from top industry leaders and experts. Join our community to get inspired and gain the knowledge you need to reach your business or personal goals.

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