With nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Naufal has steadily risen through the ranks to become the Group Director of Business Development at Sun Siyam Resorts. Starting as Director of Sales & Marketing at Sun Siyam Olhuveli in 2021, his consistent performance and strategic insight led to multiple promotions, ultimately leading to his current group-level role overseeing operations across all six properties in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

From working with leading luxury resorts in the Maldives to now steering business growth for Sun Siyam Resorts, his journey reflects a deep understanding of sales strategy, leadership, and market adaptability. In this conversation, he shares how those experiences have shaped his leadership style, his vision for Sun Siyam Olhuveli, and his approach to navigating an evolving tourism landscape.

Could you walk us through your career journey and how it has shaped your approach to leadership and business success at Sun Siyam Resorts?

I joined Sun Siyam Resorts in 2021 as the Director of Sales & Marketing at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, where I quickly demonstrated my ability to drive business success. My performance led to a promotion in 2023 to Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing, overseeing sales activities across several key resorts. In early 2024, I was promoted again to Group Director of Sales & Marketing for Sun Siyam Resorts, managing all six properties in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. With over 18 years of experience in the industry, I have had the privilege of working at renowned resorts such as One&Only Reethi Rah, Kanuhura, Baros Maldives, and Raffles Maldives Meradhoo. Most recently, I have taken on the role of Group Director of Business Development at Sun Siyam Resorts.

For me, leadership is about responsibility. I constantly strive for personal growth and to elevate my team as we work toward business success. I take a proactive approach to staying ahead of the curve by continuously improving and innovating. In my new role as Group Director of Business Development, I’m focused on leveraging my experience to drive strategic growth for Sun Siyam Resorts, while supporting the company’s efforts to expand into new markets and strengthen our brand presence. Leading by example and setting high standards is something I take very seriously every day.

What do you believe is the biggest opportunity for Sun Siyam Resorts in the current hospitality industry, and how will you capitalise on it to drive growth, especially for Sun Siyam Olhuveli?

What makes Sun Siyam such a unique brand is its Maldivian roots and its dedication to understanding the wants and needs of travellers. Each resort is unique in their experiences and what they offer. Between all properties, there is something for everyone. What truly sets us apart is our service and how our teams interact with guests, making them feel right at home. It’s the authentic Maldivian hospitality and the unique, memorable experiences we provide that define who we are.

The biggest opportunity for Sun Siyam Resorts in today’s hospitality industry lies in the growing demand for authentic, immersive experiences that reflect local culture while delivering world-class service. As travelers increasingly seek unique, meaningful stays, Sun Siyam Resorts, with its deep Maldivian roots and commitment to sustainable practices, is perfectly positioned to meet these demands.

For Sun Siyam Olhuveli, this opportunity can be capitalised on by further enhancing our offerings of locally inspired cuisine, cultural experiences, trending facilities, and PR and marketing initiatives that make a difference. By leveraging Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s prime location and expanding its already exceptional guest experiences, we can differentiate ourselves from other resorts in the Maldives.

With trends in the hospitality industry constantly evolving, how do you adapt Sun Siyam Resorts to stay ahead and ensure the brand continues to grow and remain relevant?

At Sun Siyam Resorts, we closely monitor global and local trends to adapt our offerings and stay ahead of the competition. This means continuously evolving our services and experiences to meet the needs of modern travellers. We focus on innovation while maintaining our core commitment to Maldivian hospitality and culture. By integrating sustainable practices, offering immersive cultural experiences, and embracing technology, we ensure that Sun Siyam Resorts remains a leader in the industry, providing guests with exceptional and personalised stays. Our ability to adapt is what allows us to maintain strong relevance in a fast-changing market.

How do you evaluate and adapt to changing consumer behaviours, like the increasing demand for experience-focused travel or the rise of “bleisure” (business + leisure) travel, particularly at Sun Siyam Olhuveli?

At Sun Siyam Olhuveli, we recognise the increasing demand for experience-focused travel and the evolving preferences of modern travellers. As a resort offering three unique island concepts, we have tailored our offerings to create distinctive, immersive experiences that highlight the beauty of our surroundings, while providing customised activities such as private island excursions, cultural explorations, and wellness programs.

Additionally, the rise of “bleisure” travel has become an important consideration for us, especially as we continue to strengthen our presence in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market. With our extensive event spaces and versatile facilities, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is well-suited to host business meetings, team-building activities, and large-scale events, while still offering guests the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the leisure side of our island experience. Our ability to cater to both business and leisure needs with top-tier amenities, including high-speed internet, workspaces, and event-ready infrastructure, positions us as a key destination for the growing MICE market in the region, particularly for neighboring countries. This adaptability ensures that we continue to meet the changing demands of our guests while attracting a broader and more diverse clientele.

In light of your recent developments and changes, how would you describe the evolution of Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s brand identity and how do you see the resort contributing to the larger vision of Sun Siyam Resorts over the coming years?

Sun Siyam Olhuveli has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a mid-range 4-star resort to an upper 4-star deluxe property, now offering 5-star facilities while maintaining excellent value for money. Our recent upgrades, including new room categories, enhanced facilities, and the addition of the longest pool in the Maldives, have redefined the guest experience. The resort now boasts a stunning beach, expansive spaces, and a variety of high-end amenities that appeal to both leisure and business travellers.

This evolution enhances Sun Siyam Resorts’ broader vision by strengthening our portfolio of multiple properties and attracting a more diverse clientele. Sun Siyam Olhuveli now caters to a wider range of guests, offering exceptional service and world-class facilities that align with the company’s dedication to providing unforgettable experiences. Moving forward, Sun Siyam Olhuveli will continue to contribute to the larger Sun Siyam brand by maintaining its reputation for quality, service, and great value, becoming one of the go-to destinations in the Maldives.

As a seasoned hospitality leader, what’s one piece of advice you wish you could have given your younger self when you were just starting out? 

Looking back, I would tell my younger self to embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth. The hospitality industry is full of ups and downs, and resilience and adaptability are essential for long-term success. One of the most important lessons I have learned is to never be afraid to take risks, as they often lead to the most rewarding outcomes. I also believe in staying true to your core values, especially in an industry that thrives on relationships, trust, and delivering exceptional experiences.

For the younger generation of Maldivians aspiring to reach leadership positions, my advice is to never limit yourself. Dream big, stay persistent, and be open to growth opportunities. Creating an environment that fosters mentorship and guidance is key to nurturing the next wave of leaders. As I always remind myself, “Dreams transform into thoughts, and thoughts lead to action.” With dedication and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, success will follow.