Shameem Mohamed started off his career as a phone operator. He has been a valuable contributor to the tourism industry of the Maldives with stints at Universal Hotels, Anantara Dhigu, W Retreat, Starwood Hotels, Kurumba Maldives, Amilla Fushi, Jalboot spanning across his career. He currently is the Resident Manager of Kuramathi Maldives- Part of Universal Hotels & Resorts.

The travelution team sat down with Shameem to hear his Maldivian Hospitality story and what keeps him going.

• Can you give us an introduction about yourself?

I was born in G.Dh Fiyoaree, hailed education in Male' City at Ahmadhiyaa International School, and hold a Business Management Diploma from Avid college of Maldives. I Hold NLP Executive Coaching and numerous other professional qualifications from international hospitality institutions across the globe. My hospitality journey started at the age of 16 years old and currently, I am in the position of Resident Manager at Kuramathi Maldives.

• Could you tell us about your journey in the tourism and hospitality industry and how did it all start?

When I was a kid, I had the ambition to become a professional soldier, as I am keen on physical activity. However, I ended up at a resort before that and decided to explore the hospitality industry with a friend. From the very first day, I was impressed by the people and the resort environment, then I decided to give it a go in the hospitality field and thus laid the very first brick of foundation of my hospitality career as a telephone operator. Since then I never took a break from my career and explored the industry in every aspect of Resort operations, Meaning I have worked in all core operational departments practically. In addition, I have worked Marine Aquatic field as a Qualified Dive Master & VDWS Water Sports Instructor. That gives me additional knowledge to understand the Maldivian resort in full cycle. Even though I have worked with some International brands, I remain with Universal Resorts Maldives. I must say my career was fulfilled by the support of senior management of Universal Resorts and the owners of the company. Along the way, they were all super supportive in every aspect.

• What do you love about Kuramathi Maldives and how has the experience been in this beautiful property so far?

The authentic and active life of the Maldives. Set in Rasdhoo Atoll, at Kuramathi we offer a “naturally Maldivian” holiday with unique twists to suit every guest. Whether you are a couple on a romantic getaway or a family seeking to enjoy quality time together, Kuramathi has something for you. Love every bit of our guest's journey and history of the island. As a Resident Manager of the resort, I ensure that we offer a wide range of leisure and recreational activities for the guests to have a wonderful experience during their stay and maintain the overall upkeep of the property.

• What are some of the biggest milestones in your career while working in the Maldives? Could you tell us about any proud achievements?

Much of my career consisted of establishing new brands, rebranding, and pre-opening. My biggest achievement would have to be working with W Retreat & Spa Maldives establishing the team & rebranding for Sheraton Maldives. It was a notable achievement in my career where I worked alongside one of the world’s leading hospitality leaders today.  Besides this as a person from the Marine Aquatic sector, I was one of the Pioneer Managers of Silver Sand Dive & Water Sports. It is great to see how far they have grown today as the biggest player in the aquatic marine industry of Maldives.

• Do you have any plans to make the experience for those conscious travelers better at Kuramathi Maldives? If you do what are the plans?

Kuramathi is an environmentally friendly resort and a proud holder of the Travelife Gold status since 2012. We already have many green initiatives in place such as marine protection programs, plastic use reduction methods, proper waste management just to name a few. As a member of our Environmental Committee, we are furthering our commitment to sustainability by constantly looking for ways we can integrate green solutions into our operations.

• Where would you position Kuramathi Maldives at visitor markets? And what would be your target markets?

Our focus was historically European based, today, while we do have a more diversified market, the European market is still a very important segment for us. We do not really target a specific market, but rather we offer the best rate and aim to create a memorable experience for each guest who stays with us.

• The Maldives received over 19 thousand tourists in 2020 and over 55 thousand tourists in 2021 from the United States? Is this an important market for Kuramathi? If so what is being done to tap into this market?

Indeed, the USA is one of the most diverse tourist markets in the world. As a large and luxuriant island offering abundance of choices, our value proposition strikes the right match for this market.

• What do the guests like the most about the way the resort delivers the service?

We convey an authentic service without losing the natural touch of a truly Maldivian experience. The percentage of return guests is very high in Kuramathi and that fact speaks for itself. However, our strongest selling point is the emotional connection our team creates with guests.

• Can you tell what is the most demanded service at Kuramathi Maldives?

We have a high demand amongst scuba divers, and the natural beauty of the island itself is the key to many other unique features of Kuramathi Maldives. We are rooted in sustainability and offer environmental awareness programs that enrich our guest's experience such as our full-fledged Eco Centre spearheaded by our Resident Marine Biologist.

• What do you want to tell the youth that wants to go build a career in this industry? What’s the advice?

Building a career in the hospitality industry is like building an international career. Chances of reaching your highest potential in this sector are higher than any other sector in the job market. In hospitality, we do not just offer only a package of benefits. We offer a livelihood life where employees get a chance to work and meet with lots of international people to map their career paths across the globe. In hospitality we build and mold decent discipline of lifestyle, Hospitality is an industry where each employee has equal opportunities and a safe environment. I believe in women empowerment and more women should join the industry and build their career in Hospitality instead of choosing jobs in Male' City. Especially as Maldivians are hospitable by nature and fast learners, we should be at the front row of this industry to preserve the legacy of our pioneers. I must say the future for Maldivian youth is very bright in this industry. Hence, I request today’s youth to join the industry. The future looks bright.