Rameez Hassan, known for his warm smile and ‘Can-do’ attitude started his career as a Receptionist. Today he is the Head of Airport Operations for the resort chain Aitken Spence Hotels. Here is Rameez’s inspiring journey

Born and brought up in Hulhudhoo of Addu City, Rameez is the youngest among his six siblings. From an early age on, Rameez searched for job security. When Tourism started hyping up in Maldives, he took the opportunity and joined the industry as a receptionist in 1995. After which, he worked as an Accountant Clark in Beyadoo and Bandos islands for sometime too.

We as hoteliers are dedicated towards serving people. We make people happy. So, join a company that emphasizes on discipline and embodies a character that envelopes rich corporate history and values with roots that are strong. I regard Aitken Spence as my second home and indeed, an example of an entity that has firmly built its roots here in the Maldives.”

Rameez Hassan

His career at Aitken Spence Hotels started by handling exclusive charter seaplanes for Adaaran Select Meedhupparu resort in 2001. Aitken Spence Hotels was the first to establish a resort in Raa Atoll. Due to the distance from the airport, seaplane transfers were required, giving Rameez the opportunity to turn his career around.

Later, with the growing presence of the company in Maldives, Rameez was recognized for his inherent pleasing and hospitable personality. From there, he was transferred to Male’ to assist in the airport operations for Aitken Spence as an Airport Representative. At that time, airport operations of Bathala Island, Rannalhi, and Meedhupparu were outsourced. To uplift the service standards of the resort chain, Rameez was appointed to take over the operations.

Rameez is a quick learner with a passion to serve. This led him to be a part of the company’s inaugural team starting and running its own airport service. He managed to build a team of professionals with the proficiency to serve at the airport. The addition of Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas and Adaaran Prestige Vadoo brought in a more expanded element to the way airport operations functioned where in. With expanded services, the entire airport’s management responsibilities were on Rameez’s shoulders.

His hard work paved the way up the corporate ladder one step at a time. From an Airport Representative to his current position as Head of Airport Operations for the fourth largest foreign investor in the Maldives. His daily responsibilities include managing the team as well as overseeing arrivals and departures of 300 to 400 guests. His commitment to the work and his humble personality has truly made a mark in the company as well as among the guests he meets daily.

I grew up in a small community, and I am truly proud of what I have achieved thus far. My aim is to work towards uplifting the career goals of young hoteliers, and tell them that if I can do it, then so can you. So, my message to those looking to enter the hospitality sector, is to listen to your superiors, be honest and do the best in whatever your job role may be.”

Rameez Hassan

As an ambassador for the luxury hotel chain Rameez is among the first impressions a guest would form of the brand. He attributes his success with the company on fellowship and passion to serve. According to him, during his 2-decade long career in the industry, what he mastered is the art of fellowship. He believes that having the experience, patience and the ability to understand another by putting them before oneself is a key competency for success. The next most significant key is understanding how to manage the guests and having the passion to serve.

One might only greet a person once. However, at the airport, I could end up greeting close to a 1,000 people a day, in and out and I do this with all my heart and energy. Even though the next guest would the 1,001st tourist to come in, my greeting would be the first greeting he or she would receive when they land in my country. I stand as the brand ambassador of my country as well as my company. So, that initial impression matters a lot,”

Rameez Hassan

Adaaran Resorts and Heritance Hotels and Resorts are a part of Aitken Spence Hotels. The leading Sri Lankan company, Aitken Spence PLC. The company’s portfolio comprises of 22 hotels, ten of which in Srilanka, four in Oman, one in India, and seven in Maldives. The company launched its latest property in 2019 with the opening of Heritance Aarah in Raa Atoll, Maldives.