Our team at Travel Trade Maldives decided to gain some insight into the inspirational story of Ali Nihad, Director of Sales and Marketing at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Bali, Indonesia.

1. What interests you about your particular job?

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is divine, the product and the reserve concept is indeed remarkable. There are many factors that I can easily reflect on, having Ana Henriques as a GM, who is well experienced as a GM for the Ritz Carltons and possess extensive knowledge of luxury sales and marketing, brings to me a valuable learning opportunity .Every day I am intrigued in the display of passion and genuine care of the ladies and gentlemen of Mandapa, last but not least commercially to lead and develop a such a talented team and a product is a privilege.

2. How long have you been working abroad?

I moved to Bali in January 2019. Which I must say has been fascinating.

3. Why are you willing to work overseas?

I love the Maldives and I am a proud Maldivian. Nevertheless back home I was living and working at The St. Regis Maldives which was absolutely amazing, however I was missing out on my family, where now living in Bali I can see them every day, which means a lot to me and enjoy every moment tremendously.

4. How did you adapt to overseas work culture?

I think I adapt well to people of different culture religion and beliefs, it’s all about the respect, being humble and treating people like you want to be treated. I am lucky to have a lovely team that has helped me fit seamlessly.

5. Do you believe that working abroad helps your career? Why?

Yes absolutely, it enables me to reach out to a broader audience exploring and learning. When you start working abroad you need to step out of your comfort zone and think out of the box, in my case first few months for me was about learning the markets trends and strategies. Being a part of Marriott International, where a lot of emphasis is put on talent development, no matter where your work you are bound to develop yourself. I believe it is how much you yearn and grasp opportunities and put that extra effort in developing yourself and your career.

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Good question, I am pretty sure I will still be in the Hospitality industry. Hopefully I would have played an instrumental a role to developing fine talents along the way.