Sun Travels has officially entered a bold new chapter, unveiling a revitalised brand identity and a next-generation digital booking platform that mark a milestone moment in the company’s 35-year journey. What began as one man’s leap of faith has grown into one of the Maldives’ most respected travel companies, now stepping confidently into the future with renewed purpose, advanced technology, and a vision shaped by decades of Maldivian hospitality. The official launch event took place on 27 November at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, led by Founder, Chairman and Managing Director Hon. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, and brought together Sun Travels partners, senior leaders from Sun Siyam and Head Office, as well as invited media representatives to celebrate this important milestone.
The transformation of Sun Travels cannot be understood without the story of how it began. Long before global partnerships or advanced booking engines, the journey started on the quiet island of Kudafari. Life was simple, shaped by the rhythms of nature and a culture of heartfelt hospitality. It was here that Founder, Chairman and Managing Director Hon. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed developed the values that would guide the next three decades: gratitude, discipline, and unwavering commitment. He learned the tourism industry from the inside out, receptionist, billing clerk, storekeeper, reservations executive, marketing manager, every role a lesson in service excellence and human connection.
In 1990, with only USD 900 in personal savings and no financial backing, he founded Sun Travels & Tours. What began as a small and determined agency would, over the next thirty-five years, evolve into a billion-dollar hospitality group with internationally recognised resorts and a trusted global partner network. Today, this legacy stands at the heart of the brand’s evolution.
The centrepiece of the transformation is the launch of Sun Travels’ fully rebuilt digital platform, powered by a next-generation Juniper booking engine. Designed to set a new benchmark for Maldives destination management, the platform introduces enhanced speed, reliability, and booking intelligence across all product categories. The upgraded system supports real-time availability, seamless supplier integrations, instant confirmations, dynamic contracting, and a streamlined extranet experience, all contributing to a more efficient digital ecosystem for partners worldwide. Fully engineered as a comprehensive Maldives travel marketplace, the platform distributes; Resort accommodation, Domestic transfers, Excursions and local experiences, Dive packages, Flight components, Holiday bundles, and independent service provider offerings.
With this step forward, Sun Travels evolved from a traditional DMC into a complete distribution engine for the Maldives. The platform also serves as a powerful tool for suppliers, offering enhanced visibility, promotional capabilities, marketing support, and an efficient space to sell, forecast, and report – creating a holistic ecosystem designed to empower the success of both partners and suppliers.
A Brand Identity Built for the Future. Alongside the digital evolution, Sun Travels has introduced an entirely revamped brand identity designed to reflect a company that is now digitally focused, globally connected, and positioned for future expansion.
The visual and strategic transformation centres on motion, clarity, colour and adaptability, creating a masterbrand that can evolve with the company’s ambitions, future products, and technological innovations. The new identity embodies confidence, precision, and purposeful design, signalling the arrival of a brand prepared for the next era of global travel.
Deepak Booneady, CEO at Sun Siyam, comments: “Sun Travels is entering a new era built on clarity, innovation, and purpose. This transformation strengthens the foundation laid 35 years ago, bringing together advanced technology and the timeless values that shaped our journey. Our new digital platform and revitalised identity elevate how Maldives travel is booked and experienced, allowing us to serve partners with greater speed, intelligence, and reliability. This is a future shaped by progress, guided by heritage, and designed to support the continued growth of our global network.”
Nina Nizar, Director of Sales & Marketing at Sun Travels, says: “Our evolution reflects a commitment to the partners who have grown with us. The new platform provides stronger tools, deeper insights, and a more streamlined way to collaborate, while the refreshed identity mirrors the confidence and professionalism behind every interaction. For us, this next chapter is about strengthening relationships, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring that our partners feel supported with the resources they need to succeed.”
The company enters its new chapter with the same values that shaped its beginning, discipline, hospitality, sincerity, strengthened by the digital tools that will drive its future. A new era has begun.
And once again, the Maldives travels through Sun Travels.
