Sustainability is an important topic not only, but especially in the Maldives. The editors of FrontRowSociety – The Magazine have already conducted various interviews on this topic and are therefore delighted to be able to interview Amjad Thaufeeq, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, on the subject.
Exclusive Interview with Amjad Thaufeeq, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives
Andreas Conrad: Speaking of your guests, generally speaking people staying in exclusive hotels, do you have the feeling that they look for sustainable arrivals to their destination?
Amjad Thaufeeq: Absolutely, there’s a growing trend among guests staying in exclusive hotels to prioritize sustainable travel practices. More and more travellers are becoming conscious of their environmental impact and are seeking accommodations that align with their values. We’ve observed a significant interest from our guests in sustainable travel initiatives, including eco-friendly transportation options, carbon offset programs organically grown produce and sustainable cuisine, marine protection and conservation and even getting involved in community engagement and other CSR initiatives, and holistic experiences during their stay with us. We believe that sustainability is not just a trend but a fundamental aspect of luxury travel that resonates deeply with our guests‘ values.
Andreas Conrad: So would you agree that sustainable traveling starts with the actual travel itself or at the hotel?
Amjad Thaufeeq: Sustainability and being eco-conscious are a holistic lifestyle which makes sustainable traveling a holistic journey that begins with the actual travel itself and extending to the hotel experience. While guests may consider eco-friendly transportation options and carbon offsetting methods when planning their trip, the sustainability efforts of the hotel play a crucial role in minimizing the overall environmental impact of their stay. At Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, we believe that sustainability starts from the moment our guests arrive, with initiatives such as renewable energy usage, waste reduction programs, and conservation efforts that ensure a responsible and eco-conscious hospitality experience.
Andreas Conrad: In common sense most people connect luxury with wastefulness, of course we know and agree that’s not always the case. So how would you reconcile luxury and sustainability?
Amjad Thaufeeq: Luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they can complement each other beautifully. At Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, we believe that true luxury lies in the harmony between indulgence and responsibility. By prioritizing sustainability initiatives, we demonstrate our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Maldives while providing guests with exceptional luxury experiences. From sustainable sourcing of materials and ingredients to energy-efficient operations and community engagement, we integrate sustainability into every aspect of our resort without compromising on the quality or luxury of our offerings. Our goal is to redefine luxury travel by setting new standards for responsible hospitality in the Maldives and beyond.
Andreas Conrad: Speaking of those refinements and ideas, does your resort have for example a two-year plan to operate more eco-friendly or sustainable? If so, are you comfortable sharing some with us?
Amjad Thaufeeq: At Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, sustainability is at the forefront of our long-term planning and operations. We are recently certified as a Green Globe resort and we aim to remain such and so we have a comprehensive sustainability plan in place, which includes initiatives aimed at reducing our carbon footprint, conserving natural resources, and supporting local communities. One major initiative we have invested in is the solar panels in our ambassadors village that saves 40% of our energy consumption and our future initiative includes implementing solar power throughout the guest areas as well.
Andreas Conrad: In order to reach your goal, to what extent do you involve the local population in your sustainability strategies and is there government support for sustainability programs?
Amjad Thaufeeq: We also work closely with local authorities and government agencies to ensure alignment with national sustainability goals and receive support for our sustainability programs. We actively involve the local population in various CSR initiatives such as donating to various causes and for special months such as Ramadan. We prioritize community involvement by sourcing locally produced goods, supporting local artisans and businesses, and providing training and employment opportunities for residents. The government of Maldives is well aware of the risks and has taken a step to introduce sustainable development and eco-tourism options to make sure that the island can support its inhabitants and travellers in the future. The Maldivian government has laid plans to become a carbon-neutral nation. According to the government, they plan to invest in renewable energy generation and the improvement of awareness of the environment of the island. They are currently focused on acknowledging the public and attempting focused action to ensure better practices. The President of Maldives Green Resort Award was introduced 15 years ago to make sure that the tourism services providers in the country adhere to sustainable development standards. Hotels and resorts are encouraged to embrace green policies in their operation and development. The Green Resort Award also presents an opportunity to educate locals, those who are involved in tourism as well as. The islands of Maldives are surrounded by beautiful clear waters, home to abundant marine life. Scuba diving is a heavily promoted and much-loved activity that is enjoyed by travellers of all types. However, despite the abundance and exquisite variety, marine life is particularly vulnerable to harm. To minimise the risk of damage to the delicate marine ecosystem, the government imposes strict regulations to keep divers in line. Divers are always briefed by qualified instructors to enjoy the sport responsibly and with awareness of the life around them. Most diving schools and hotel-appointed instructors always focus on acknowledging travellers on the importance of marine life conservation.
This collaborative approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility for environmental stewardship and contributes to the overall well-being of our community and ecosystem.
Andreas Conrad: Due to our profession we are at multiple exclusive resorts of the world. Sometimes we have the feeling that the thought of sustainability is only important for European / German speaking guests. Would you agree?
Amjad Thaufeeq: Sustainability transcends cultural boundaries and is increasingly recognized as a global priority, regardless of nationality or language spoken. While it’s true that European and German-speaking guests may have a heightened awareness of sustainability issues, we believe that all guests, regardless of their background, share a common desire to minimize their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. At Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, we are committed to fostering a culture of sustainability that transcends geographical boundaries and welcomes guests from diverse backgrounds to join us in our efforts towards a more sustainable future.
Andreas Conrad: Speaking of your personal opinion, how do you think traveling and staying at luxurious destinations will change in the future? And where do you see the limits of sustainability in the luxury hospitality industry?
Amjad Thaufeeq: In the future, we anticipate that traveling and staying at luxurious destinations will continue to evolve in response to changing consumer preferences and global trends. We believe that sustainability will play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the luxury hospitality industry, driving innovation, and inspiring new approaches to guest experiences. However, we also recognize that there are limits to sustainability in the luxury hospitality industry, particularly in remote island destinations like the Maldives where resource constraints and environmental challenges present unique obstacles. As such, we remain committed to finding innovative solutions and pushing the boundaries of sustainability to create meaningful and memorable experiences for our guests, while preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings for future generations to enjoy.
Andreas Conrad: There are lots of environmentally conscious trends, which ones have you noticed in recent years?
Amjad Thaufeeq: Over the years, we have noticed several environmentally conscious trends emerging in the hospitality industry. These include the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources, the implementation of plastic reduction initiatives, and the promotion of local sourcing and farm-to-table dining experiences as well as sourcing locally through local fisherman in the Atolls and farmers. There is a growing emphasis on eco-friendly architecture and design, with many resorts incorporating sustainable materials and green building practices into their construction projects. Additionally, more and more resorts in the Maldives have been investing in growing and supporting local artists and artisans by hosting them in the resorts, creating exposure for them in the global market and also this assists these unique cultural and creative local minds to expand their consumer range.
Andreas Conrad: Lastly, we are curious! There’s a current boom of luxurious hospitality facilities all over the world. Everybody wants to go higher, further, faster, chasing the sky. What does a luxury resort or hotel need to survive the tough competition?
Amjad Thaufeeq: To thrive in a competitive luxury hospitality market, a resort or hotel must offer more than just opulent amenities and lavish accommodations. It needs to prioritize sustainability, authenticity, and meaningful experiences that resonate with guests on a deeper level. By embracing sustainability as a core value, investing in local communities, and fostering genuine connections with guests, a luxury resort can differentiate itself and create lasting memories that inspire loyalty and return visits. We believe providing consistent service that is improved continuously and embracing innovation, following latest trends that resonates with our guests and always studying the market trends are crucial to staying on top of the game.
Andreas Conrad: Finally, we would like to know what unique selling point your resort has in terms of environmentally friendly tourism?
Amjad Thaufeeq: Our unique selling points in terms of environmentally friendly tourism are initiatives such as the installation of solar panels in the ambassadors village significantly reduced 40% of energy usage; composting machines and glass crushers are also in use to support the effective elimination of waste.
The resort is dedicated to supporting local livelihoods and implementing eco-friendly practices to make a positive impact on the environment and the community. Awareness of local traditions and cultures is instilled in all ambassadors through training and daily practices, fostering respect and appreciation for Maldivian culture. As a Green Globe-certified resort, we actively participate in coral reef restoration projects and sustainable fishing practices. Additionally, our resort also has the only solar powered speedboat in the Maldives, which is luxurious and comfortable for our guests.
Here you can find the interview in German.
Kuda Villingili Resort, Maldives
Kaafu Atoll
Maldives
