Travel Weekly recently sat down with Ibrahim Nahid, general manager of Paradise Island Resort in the Maldives, to discuss issues facing the industry and what global trends will look like in 2023 and beyond.

TW: Tell us about your role at Villa Hotels?

My role under Villa Hotels is to lead Paradise Island management to achieve business objectives, customer and employee satisfaction. To pilot the transition of elevating the property during its rebranding process. I am currently the present figure that promotes and assists line managers to achieve the vision and mission of the company.

I definitely take my role more than my titled position by shaping my team’s values of “what it’s like to work here.” To promote unity in a diverse environment.

What are your key priorities for 2022 and beyond?

During this critical stage of re-branding, my team and Villa hotel’s priorities are to ensure the needs of providing unique competitive services and offerings through Maldivian compassionate hospitality to modern-day travellers. Adapting to new trends, new systems and maybe more without sacrificing the sense of authentic Maldivian culture.

What is the purpose and personality of the “Villa Hotels” or the “Paradise Island” brand and how do you, your staff and/or your guests live and breathe these values?

Paradise Island always strives to create and make our guests feel a sense of peace, tranquillity and belongingness. The immense pleasure, joy and delightfulness we experience by being present and passionately serving our guests are equal to none with the satisfaction we humbly obtain.

Guests being the centre-point of all our actions and decisions, we are motivated in anticipating their needs and embrace every opportunity to serve them like our own or family.

What’s the biggest trends and opportunities in the industry at present?

Maldives in general is mainly focusing on elite tourism which is less than 1 per cent of the global travellers. And in order to maintain a reasonable occupancy, entities are battling out for the same narrow segment.

Medium and high-income level segment is the vast majority who wish to travel and experience different cultures and environments.

Yet, we need to keep in mind that the global travel market is becoming more conscious in terms of environment-friendly concepts and best practices to cater responsible tourism.

What do you see as the biggest threat to the global travel industry right now?

The instability of the major economic countries and environment-related issues are majorly threatening the tourism industry. As of right now, all markets are greatly affected by the inflation rate as well as the environmental issues that need to be addressed.

Looking into the Maldives, the biggest challenges are caused by insufficient labour market for the tourism industry due to geographical structures which hinder them (workers) to be away from family for a longer period of time.

How do you think Villa Hotels and Paradise Island differentiates itself from other resorts in the market here in the Maldives? 

Paradise Island ensures the quality of time. Reflecting on its purpose which is to restore the peace of mind and serenity of the souls of every guest at the end of their stay. The genuine kindness and the passion to serve and the delight of service of our family. Limitless offerings to guests from all walks of life.

What is the one thing you’d like Australian travel agents to know about Villa Hotels and Paradise Island, here in the Maldives?

Australians being known as surf lovers would surely be excited to know that Paradise Island is right next to famous great surfing points in the Maldives.

And I would proudly say that the underwater haven is right here in the Maldives. Adding to the bucket list of all Australian travellers would also be the unparalleled Maldivian hospitality which is an experience of a lifetime.

What keeps you up at night? 

Personally, I am very excited to be part of the ongoing transformation of Paradise Island. The vision we want to achieve and the amazing offers we are about to launch by the end of this year have been greatly my end-of-the-day checklist.

How do you relax? 

Relaxation for me is the sense of being able to lead the team for accomplishing and fulfilling the day’s agenda which is part of the bigger process of transformation of our mission. We are in a pivotal stage and being on my toes does help.

Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about yourself or about Villa Hotels and Paradise Island Resort?

We are committed to bringing unique, different and better experiences to our future guests, and as our company is evolving like no other as I have seen, I and my team are passionate and diligent in making it all real for our guests to remember their life.

You can see more HERE.