Maldives Uncovered: The Sunny Side Podcast

This podcast is all about the Maldives as a tourism destination. You'll hear insights from top industry leaders and experts. Join our community to get inspired and gain the knowledge you need to reach your business or personal goals.

Listen on Spotify

Season 2 · Episode 1 · May 2026

What If The Most Valuable Luxury Is Looking Up

We sit down with Shizna "Shizu" Ahmed, a Maldivian resident astronomer, to talk about how stargazing in the Maldives turns science into a deeply human kind of luxury. We dig into women in unconventional tourism roles, the power of dark skies, and why curiosity and wonder can future-proof travel.

  • Shizu's path into astronomy and how it fits inside resort hospitality
  • Why the Maldives is one of the best places on Earth for stargazing
  • What modern luxury means when it's built on time and presence
  • Protecting dark skies, reducing light pollution, and dark-sky certification
Season 1 · Episode 6 · May 2025

Paradise Expat: A Maldivian Hotelier's Global Journey

Ahmed Asim, a Maldivian hospitality professional, shares his journey from luxury resorts in the Maldives to becoming a General Manager at Anantara Rasananda in Thailand — with unique insights on the value of global exposure for Maldivian tourism professionals and the development of local talent.

  • Started at Soneva Fushi before several luxury Maldives resorts
  • International moves: Seychelles, then Thailand with Marriott International
  • Returned to W Maldives and St. Regis before moving back to Thailand
  • Encourages young Maldivians to pursue international opportunities
Season 1 · Episode 5 · January 2025

Luxury Tourism and Revenue Management with Ashfaq Ashique

Ashfaq Ashique, an experienced Revenue, E-commerce and Distribution Specialist, shares deep insights into the evolving landscape of tourism in the Maldives — adaptive strategies, technology's pivotal role, and resonating with diverse vacationing demographics.

  • Evolution of revenue management in luxury tourism
  • The critical role of technology and AI in revenue strategies
  • Pricing approaches tailored to diverse nationalities
  • Sustainable tourism and protecting the Maldives' natural beauty
Season 1 · Episode 4 · December 2024

Resilience and Leadership in the Maldives with Marc Reader

Marc Reader's journey from chef to resort general manager — the unique challenges and opportunities of the Maldives tourism industry, the importance of local culture, environmental sustainability, and effective leadership.

  • What sets the Maldives apart from other luxury destinations
  • The critical role of Maldivian people in exceptional hospitality
  • Environmental sustainability practices adopted by resorts
  • A call for better government support and long-term vision
Season 1 · Episode 3 · November 2024

Balancing Tourism Growth and Sustainability in the Maldives

A panel discussion among industry experts on balancing tourism growth and sustainability — integrating sustainable practices into tourism strategies so the Maldives can thrive as a premier destination while safeguarding its environmental and cultural heritage.

Moderated by Amjad Thaufeeq, Vice Chair of Destination Future, joined by Ms. Marteyne Van Well (GM, Six Senses), Mr. Ahmed Jihad (GM, Cocoon), Dr. Simad Saeed (MD, CDE), Ms. Ruth Franklin (Founder, Secret Paradise), and Ms. Fathimath Shaazleen (Resort Manager, Naladhu Private Island).

Season 1 · Episode 2 · October 2024

Maldives Tourism, Adapting to Change and Innovation with Mark Eletr

Destination Future co-founders Abdulla Nabeel and Nuaas Mohamed are joined by Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma, to explore the unspoken topics of island tourism.

Season 1 · Episode 1 · September 2024

Marketing, Sustainability, and Local Talent with Mark Hehir

Destination Future co-founders Abdulla Nabeel and Amjad Thaufeeg are joined by Mark Hehir, a distinguished industry leader and long-time General Manager of some of the top resorts in the Maldives, to discuss tourism marketing, sustainable development, leadership and local talent.

Trailer · September 2024

The Sunny Side Podcast — Introduction

Ever wondered how the Maldives continues to captivate travelers from around the world? Discover the secrets behind this tropical paradise's timeless appeal. Gain exclusive insights from top industry leaders who reveal the latest trends, sustainable practices, and technological advancements shaping the future of tourism in the Maldives — whether you're a travel professional or a passionate globetrotter.