Exclusive Interview with Imroz Uddin, Group Director of Sales & Marketing at Lily Hotels with Over 20 Years of Experience

The luxury Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives is known for its unbeatable all-inclusive plan and pioneer of the affordable luxury concept. The resort has a sister-property, Hideaway Beach Resort, Maldives. Hideaway is known for ultimate privacy and likewise, the resort is perfect for honeymooners.

MVHOTELS.Travel caught up with Imroz Uddin, Group Director of Sales & Marketing at Lily Hotels Pvt Ltd, Maldives to find out about how he ended up working at Lily Hotels and how the resorts are coping with the pandemic. Imroz is a dynamic hospitality professional with 20 years of experience. He started working with Lily Hotels Pvt Ltd Maldives from March 2020. Imroz joined in difficult times to lead and formulate the group’s sales and marketing strategies to maximize profitable revenue globally.

01- How did you career end up in Tourism? Is it possible to briefly share your career up to today?

Imroz: In the first 5 years of my career, I’ve played as Investment Banker (HNWI) in UAE from (2000-2005). At the beginning of the 2006 financial crisis arisen, time was difficult to sustain in the banking industry. I can say its game of destiny played a vital role to bring me to this beautiful industry. In the year 2006, February – Hilton Worldwide approach me with an offer to join this beautiful industry as Senior Account Director (ISO) based in Saudi Arabia.

I continued to build an impressive career with luxury brands including corporate and property-level roles with Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Kempinski, Starwood Hotels and Resorts & CapitaLand in across 3 different continents (the Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific & Europe) & 11 different countries (UK, Russia, UAE, KSA, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Cambodia, Vietnam & now in the Maldives), where I stint involved leading international delegations, Leisure luxury selling, cultivating corporate account relationships and enhancing the guest experience.

Prior to joining Lily Hotels, drive the position of Group Director of Commercial at MerPerle Hotels & Resorts, based in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. During the company’s high growth period, I’ve established a high performing sales culture and oversaw the group’s sales and marketing function for the portfolio of 5 properties and 1,500 keys inventory across Vietnam.

MVHOTELS.Travel Talks with Imroz Uddin

02- When did you come to know about the Maldives and what was your first impression of the destination?

Imroz: I came to know about the Maldives in February 2020. My initial thought was “Wow” as the Maldives is a unique & luxury destination opportunity and an excellent career prospect as a new addition in my profile.

03- How did you end up in Lily Hotels? When did you decide to join there?

Imroz: Lily Hotels Pvt Ltd, Maldives is a well-establish renowned hospitality brand with a market presence of the last 27 Years. Lily Beach Resort & Spa is iconic property that has first introduce the All-Inclusive Concept in the entire Maldives. Likewise, Lily Hotels has lived by a core values & Our culture’s leadership philosophy, the Red Ring, to live bold and stay sharp. These values attracted me so I decided to persuade my career path with Lily Hotels Pvt Ltd – Maldives.

04- When you took over the position, what was the first things you did for the company?

Imroz: I looked forward to collaborating with my new team and leading them to a game-changing mind set whilst navigating Lily Beach Maldives Resort and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa to achieve strong, profitable benchmarks for the industry and disrupting the industry norm. I am confident I will be able to propel the brand to even more successes and build on Lily Hotels’ vision to create value for our guest and stakeholders.

05- What are the challenges like? Is it possible to share 03 Challenges you are facing right now?

Imroz: Honestly, we don’t have any challenges. As you can see, during the high lockdown period our properties are run as normal operations with decent occupancy. So this I take it as strength & symbol of a strong stand.

06- How was August month for you? In terms of occupancy?

Imroz: In August 2020, Lily Beach Resort & Spa – delivered good results with decent occupancy. I can say we are on par within the top 5 performing properties in the destination of Maldives.

07- Do you think Maldives has the advantages of an isolated island destination? And Do you believe the destination and resorts are prepared enough?

Imroz: Obviously, Isolation is that’s beauty & destination of Maldives is offering to their unique travelers. Yes we have in place all Safety & Hygiene Protocols & measure are arranged during at this COVID19.

08- What do you think makes the resorts different and What’s new for Lily Hotels in 2021?

Imroz: They’re many uncountable benefits & features guest can enjoy at Lily Beach & Hideaway Beach i.e. Unique Accommodation, Exemplary Delicious Food, Water Sport Activities, Natural Sea Life & many many exciting features.

For Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is adding a unique new category of inventory, which will disclose to our partners & unique guest in mid-Q4 2020. And for Lily Beach Resort & Spa is soft upgrading facilities, which we will disclose to our partners & unique guest in mid-November 2020.

Feature image by Lily Hotels

In April, the idyllic resorts of the Maldives remained steadfast in their pursuit of perfection. With this, resorts worked on ushering in a wave of key appointments and promotions to elevate the guest experience to new heights. Committed to crafting unforgettable moments and personalized services, these appointments underscored the unwavering dedication of the industry to anticipate and exceed the expectations of every traveller. Here, we delve into the notable appointments made across the archipelago, showcasing the ongoing efforts to redefine luxury, sustainability, culinary excellence, and wellness in paradise.

Mahmoud Elkhouly Returns to Nika Island Resort & Spa as Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing

Nika Island Resort & Spa recently welcomed Mohmoud Elkhaouly as Assistant Director of Sales. Prior to working in the Maldives, Mahmoud worked in Egypt as a Reservations Sales Agent. His career started as a Reservations Sales Agent at Sonesta Beach Resort. From there, he worked his way up to Reservations Supervisor at Ayada Maldives Resort & Spa.

Sun Siyam Iru Veli Appoints Athif Ibrahim as Learning & Development Manager

This April, Sun Siyam Iru Veli also appointed Athif Ibrahim as the new Learning & Development Manager. Athif’s hospitality journey started at One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives. From here on, Athif has worked in various roles. This includes a notable tenure in front-office management. His his current role, Athif will harness his expertise to drive innovative learning strategies and create tailored developmental programs. Through these programmes, he can ensure the empowerment of staff members at Sun Siyam Iru Veli.

Sun Siyam Resorts Promotes Ahmed Naufal to Group Director of Sales & Marketing

Sun Siyam Resorts also announced the promotion of Ahmed Naufal to Group Director of Sales & Marketing. Prior to this role, Naufal worked as Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing at Sun Siyam Resorts. In his new role, Naufal will be responsible for developing robust sales and marketing growth strategies, fostering global partnerships, and driving business success for all of Sun Siyam Resorts. Naufal has been working with Sun Siyam Resorts since August 2021. He started his journey with the brand as Director of Sales and Marketing, playing a vital role in the global sales initiatives.

Chef Warren Moore Joins Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives as New Executive Chef

Chef Warren Moore, hailing from South Africa brings his wealth of experience as he joins Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll as the resort’s new Executive chef. With over 25 years of experience in the Restaurant and Hospitality industry, Chef Warren is set to elevate the culinary front at Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll. Prior to this role, Chef Warren also served as the Executive Chef at Jawakara Islands Maldives. Additionally, he has also spent seven years working in various esteemed properties of the Crown and Champa Resorts Group.

Baglioni Maldives Announces Two Key Appointments in April

This April, Baglioni Maldives also announced the appointments of Ahmed Azeef as Front Office Manager and Mariyam Rishma Hameed as Sales & Events Manager. With this appointment, Ahmed Azeef brings his wealth of experience to Baglioni Maldives. Additionally, Mariyam Rishma also brings a decade of experience to enhance the sales and events aspect of the resort.

The Ozen Collection Appoints Maalik Abdul Qayoom as Sales Manager

Yet another important appointment was announced this April at The Ozen Collection as Maalik Abdul Qayoom takes the role of Sales Manager – Destination Management Companies (DMCs). With this appointment, Maalik brings over 8 years of experience in Reservations and Revenue management. Prior to this role, Maalik has worked with esteemed hospitality brands such as Jumeirah, Fairmont, and The Residence as well.

SO/ Maldives Appoints Narain ‘Nick’ as Sales Manager

SO/ Maldives also made an important appointment this April as Narain ‘Nick’ takes on the role of the new Sales Manager of the resorts. Before this appointment, Nick has gained over 15 years of experience in different fields. In addition to hospitality, Nick also has experience in airlines and travel as well.

Avani + Fares Maldives Appoints Thaaif Ahmed

The newly opened Avani + Fares Maldives Resort announced the appointment of Thaaif Ahmed as the new Director of Sales & Marketing as well. With nearly two decades of experience in the industry, Thaaif brings exceptional leadership capabilities to the role. Prior to this, he played a pivotal role in driving revenue and growth at NH Collections Maldives. He has also worked at Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives, Anantara Veli Resort Maldives as well as Naladhu Private Island.

W Maldives Promotes Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed

This April, W Maldives announced the well-deserved promotions of Ahmed Zahir, who transitions into the role of Rooms Division Manager, and Ismail Saeed, now assuming the position of Welcome Manager. Formerly excelling as the Welcome Manager, Ahmed Zahir brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. The promotion is poised to further enhance guest experiences and operational excellence within the Rooms Division. Ismail Saeed, previously serving as the Lounge Manager, steps into the pivotal role of Welcome Manager. In this new role, his exceptional leadership skills and dedication to guest satisfaction will undoubtedly flourish.