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The Westin Maldives Empowers Local Youth for Ocean Conservation

Westin Maldives partners with local youth and Christian Redl to combat marine pollution through beach cleanups and awareness sessions.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort actively promotes sustainability and community engagement. On 27 October 2024, the resort collaborated with Marriott Bonvoy Moments and twelve-time world record freediver Christian Redl. Together, they hosted an inspiring island cleanup and a plastic pollution awareness session at Maalhos Island. This event successfully gathered over 70 local school students. It empowered them to confront the urgent issue of marine pollution in the Maldives.

Vijay Kumar, the General Manager of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, stated,

“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Christian Redl and the community of Maalhos Island to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards. This event aligns with our resort’s mission to foster a deeper connection between our guests, the local community, and the ocean that surrounds us. By educating the youth on the importance of ocean conservation, we hope to contribute to long-term, sustainable change in the Maldives.”

During the session, Christian Redl, founder of the non-profit 7Oceans, shared crucial insights into global ocean challenges. He discussed topics like coral bleaching, ghost nets, and plastic waste pollution. His expertise illuminated critical environmental issues facing Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This extraordinary area showcases rare pink hydrozoan corals and seasonal gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks in Hanifaru Bay.

Moreover, the event partnered with USAID’s Ocean Plastics Reduction Activity. This partnership garnered enthusiastic support from the Maalhos community, particularly its youth. Participants engaged in an educational beach cleanup, where they learned to identify and categorize marine litter. This hands-on experience equipped them with valuable data collection skills. It also deepened their understanding of plastic pollution’s impact on marine ecosystems.

Justin DiVenanzo, the Acting Mission Director for USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives, stated,

“USAID is committed to sustainable, locally-driven solutions that enhance environmental resilience and expand economic opportunities for Maldivian communities. By uniting with The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Maldives Freediving Association, and the Maalhos community, we’re not only helping safeguard the marine environment but also equipping the next generation with the knowledge and inspiration needed to protect these precious ecosystems.”

Following the cleanup, Redl conducted an interactive session focused on plastic awareness. Participants eagerly presented their findings, categorizing waste materials, including beverage containers and food packaging. These engaging discussions stressed how individual actions can significantly influence ocean preservation. They upheld the community’s need for sustainable practices to protect the marine environment.

Through its collaboration with Christian Redl and engagement with the Maalhos community, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort champions ocean conservation. The resort emphasizes sustainability in every aspect of the guest experience, ensuring that both visitors and locals benefit from these vital efforts.

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Marriott Completes First KURIMAGU Leadership Program in the Maldives

KURIMAGU Leadership Program

Marriott International proudly announces the successful completion of the inaugural KURIMAGU Leadership Program. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to nurturing and empowering local Maldivian talent within the hospitality industry. The graduation ceremony took place on 29 November 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. It celebrated the achievements of the program’s first cohort. The cohort included 29 associates from Marriott’s resorts across the Maldives.

Mark Fletcher, Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore & Maldives at Marriott International, expressed his pride in the program’s success:

“We are incredibly proud of the progress made by the first cohort of KURIMAGU participants. KURIMAGU is more than just a leadership development program – it’s a platform for Maldivian talent to thrive. By empowering our associates with the tools and support to excel in leadership roles, we are shaping the future of Marriott while contributing to the long-term growth and prosperity of the Maldives’ hospitality industry. This is a critical part of our ongoing commitment to investing in and developing local talent for sustainable success”

A Year of Dynamic Learning and Growth

The KURIMAGU Leadership Program is a transformative 12-month initiative designed to develop the leadership potential of local talent. It prepares participants for key roles within Marriott and the broader hospitality industry. Graduates came from renowned properties including Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, W Maldives, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort & Spa, and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Marriott’s continued support for this initiative highlights its dedication to creating a pipeline of future leaders for the Maldives hospitality sector.

Over the past year, participants have engaged in an enriching learning experience. The curriculum included both in-person and virtual training sessions, self-paced e-learning, structured mentoring, cross-disciplinary exposure, and collaborative group learning. Participants also had opportunities to interact with senior leaders through insightful fireside chats. During these chats, they received valuable feedback on their career progression. Mentorship from seasoned hoteliers guided their development, fostering both personal and professional growth. This collaborative environment encouraged participants to share experiences. Learn from each other, and build lasting networks that enhanced their leadership capabilities.

Marriott International remains dedicated to nurturing local talent and fostering a culture of growth and leadership. The KURIMAGU Leadership Program reflects Marriott’s core value of “Putting People First” and contributes to the long-term success of both the company and the Maldives’ hospitality industry. Through initiatives like KURIMAGU, Marriott International aims to build a strong pipeline of talented individuals, ready to assume greater responsibilities and lead the future of the hospitality sector in the Maldives and beyond.

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