Hanny Wahyuni, with her diverse experience across media, agency, and hospitality sectors, brings a wealth of knowledge and innovative thinking to her role as the Market Director of Marketing and Communications for Marriott Bonvoy – Maldives Resorts.
In this exclusive interview, Hanny reflects on her career in marketing, explaining how she integrates Marriott’s global brand standards with the unique charm of the Maldives. She discusses her approach to combining the Maldives’ luxury and sustainability with Marriott’s established brand identity. Additionally, Hanny shares how she adapts to industry changes, ensuring Marriott Resorts in the Maldives remain consistent with global standards while meeting evolving customer expectations and staying ahead of hospitality trends.
My journey into the world of marketing and communications began with a passion for storytelling and connecting with people. I have worked in three different segments: media, agency, and hotel. This diverse experience has given me an understanding of 360-degree marketing with the advantage of working with a diverse range of clients across various industries as well. What attracted me to the hospitality industry was the charmed and dynamic environment where every day presents new opportunities to meet with interested stakeholders. The opportunities of leveraging a destination, crafting compelling narratives, and building lasting relationships with the stakeholders (guests, media, influencers, business partners etc) is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, the hospitality industry is constantly evolving, with trends in travel, technology, and guest expectations driving innovation. This keeps work exciting and allows for continuous learning and growth.
Staying ahead of marketing trends in the Maldives’ hospitality industry, especially when catering to a diverse and discerning clientele, involves a multifaceted approach through continuous learning and adaptation, leveraging data & analytics, embracing digital marketing evolution, a variety of storytelling from sustainability, wellness, design, culinary to culture, and collaboration with the targeted media and influencers from key markets.
We implement the Marriott International standard in each marketing aspect while at the same time, we identify the unique aspects of the Maldives, such as its stunning natural beauty, the pioneer of luxurious overwater villas, underwater experiences, eco–friendly practices and many more, and incorporate these elements into our branding to highlight what makes the Maldives special. Branding implementation is very important, and despite that, we ensure that our messaging respects and reflects the local culture of the Maldives. We need to adhere to the brand guidelines, which include our approach to asset creation, collaboration and activation.
Navigating the competitive luxury hospitality marketing industry as a woman has presented its unique challenges, but it has also been a journey of growth and resilience. I believe it’s important to build a support network and find mentors and allies within the industry who can provide support and valuable insights. Building a strong network helped me navigate challenges and seize opportunities for growth. To stay ahead of trends, it is vital to stay informed and adapt to changes, ensuring our strategies remain relevant and effective along with continuous learning and adaptation. Last but not least, balancing work and personal life – setting boundaries and ensuring self-care is essential to maintaining a healthy work-life balance; hence, I travel a lot to expand my knowledge and meet interesting people along the way. The journey has been rewarding, and I hope I will be able to support and inspire other women in the industry.
Embracing differences, equal opportunity and putting people first is part of Marriott International’s culture of inclusion and the way we do business. The Marriott Maldives Business Council, an integral part of Marriott International’s global network of Business Councils which are made up of general managers from Marriott’s diverse portfolio of brands in the Maldives – coming together to collaborate on shared goals such as strengthening community ties, supporting Marriott’s environmental, social and governance efforts, and driving sustainable business practices, that plays a pivotal role in developing strategies that positively impact both the local community and tourism industry.
The Marriott Maldives Business Council expands its efforts to empower local communities, particularly women and youth, through projects that focus on agriculture innovations, sustainable tourism, and resource conservation.
One essential lesson I have learned in my career is the importance of self-advocacy. We need to trust in our skills and knowledge and proactively seek out opportunities for growth and leadership. Volunteer for challenging projects, take on additional responsibilities and show our willingness to learn and lead; surround ourselves with mentors, allies, and peers who support our goals. A strong network can provide guidance, encouragement, and valuable connections. Most importantly, also to support and uplift other women in the industry. By advocating for others, we create a more inclusive and supportive environment, which benefits everyone.
