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Meet Ahmed Naufal: Group Director of Sales & Marketing at Sun Siyam Resorts

Sun Siyam Resorts announces the promotion of Ahmed Naufal to the role of Group Director of Sales & Marketing. Previously serving as Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing at the company, Naufal will now spearhead the strategic sales and marketing initiatives across all six Sun Siyam Resort properties in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Naufal’s Journey with Sun Siyam Resorts

Naufal’s journey with Sun Siyam Resorts began in August 2021 when he served as Director of Sales and Marketing at Sun Siyam Olhuveli and led global sales initiatives for the resort’s three interconnected islands. In March 2023, he assumed the role of Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing, managing sales and marketing activities for Sun Siyam Iru Veli and Sun Siyam Olhuveli. Throughout his career, Naufal has held key positions at prestigious resorts in the Maldives, including One & Only Kanuhura, Baros Maldives, Milaidhoo, Dhevanafushi Maldives Luxury Resort, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, Radisson Blu Resort Maldives, and Movenpick Maldives.

In his new capacity, he will be responsible for developing robust sales and marketing growth strategies, fostering global partnerships, and driving business success for the entire Sun Siyam Resorts portfolio. Based at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Naufal brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of excellence in the hospitality industry.

Naufal’s promotion exemplifies our commitment to recognising and developing exceptional talent within our organisation. His extensive experience and proactove approach align perfectly with our company’s growth objectives. We are confident that his leadership will propel Sun Siyam Resorts to new heights of success, driving increased sales and revenue growth within the company says Deepak Booneady, CEO of Sun Siyam Resorts.

With over 17 years of experience in the Maldives hospitality sector, Naufal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Tourism Management from the Maldives National University. He has further honed his skills through professional development programs, including courses in Business Strategy and Revenue Management from Cornell University.

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Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.

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