The Maldives is a seafaring nation that has been exposed to different cultural influences. Known for its high-end resorts, the Maldives is a popular country among the rich. With sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and underwater coral gardens, the Maldives offers incredible natural beauty and tropical island experiences to both local and international visitors. People can do a variety of activities from diving and snorkeling to dolphin watching and fishing.
The sea, the sun, and the sand are attracting people from far and wide to little islets in the Maldives which is an ideal place for those looking to simply lazing around and experience some of the most remarkable and colorful vistas.
In addition to 145 safari vessels and city hotels, the country has more than 132 premium resorts and a further 23 resorts have been in the development phase. Each island in the Maldives has one self-sustained resort with all the comfort and privacy visitors need to make their time memorable.
Tourism: A Major Industry In Maldives
Over the decades, the Maldives has developed into a destination for global tourists. In 2017, more than 1.3 million tourists visited the country. While tourism is one of the leading industries with a contribution of 32% to the Maldives’ GDP, it generates 5th of Maldives total employment. Besides, the number of tourists visiting the country has been increasing constantly.
Tourism in the Maldives started with just two resorts with a maximum capacity of 28 beds. Kurumba Island Resort was the first one established in the country. Following the change in regulations in 2009, local island guesthouses started developing that allowed tourists to stay among the local population.
Before 2009, international tourists were used to live in privately owned resort islands. If we look at the current developmental efforts, extensive upgrades at the Velana International Airport will allow for more than 7 million visitors by early 2020.
The infrastructure in a typical Maldivian resort includes suites and rooms reserved for use by its guests. A small section of a resort offers staff lodgings and support services such as laundry, catering, power generation, etc. Shops, cafes, and hotels on these resorts offer a broad range of products. Most resorts in the country offer a broad assortment of activities such as scuba diving, fitness, water sports, aerobics, table tennis, photography, etc.
A Brief History of Tourism Industry in the Maldives
In the 1960s, a team from the United Nations visited the Maldives and concluded that the islands in the country can’t be developed for tourism. However, the Maldives proved them wrong by giving birth to a leading market for international tourists. In 1972 when the first resort was established, there were no foreign investments. With only two airstrips in the country at that time, the Maldives was mainly inhabited by fishermen.
Mohamed Umaru Maniku is considered one of the pioneers of the local tourism industry in the country. He recalled that before 1970, there were no airports, banks, or telephones in the country. UNDP experts were of the opinion that the tourism industry would never flourish in the Maldives due to a lack of infrastructure and basic facilities.
The incredible story of Maldivian tourism started with a meeting that took place in Colombo where an Italian travel agent and a staff member in the Maldivian embassy in Sri Lanka discussed the future prospects of tourism in the Maldives. George Corbi, the Italian travel agent, was looking for uninhabited islands where he could bring Italians to fish and swim. After his first visit to Male, Corbin simply fell in love with the stunning natural beauty in the country.
Employment Opportunities in Maldivian Resort Industry
Following the growing demand for skilled professionals like engineers, hotel managers, doctors, and teachers, the Maldives is a country largely depending on expatriates for human resources. When compared to popular destinations for foreign workers, the Maldives is a better option especially for those associated with the hospitality industry. Since workers don’t have to spend a cent on board, they can save a lot. Let’s take a look at some of the prominent job
1. Guest Relation Officer
A guest relation officer or guest relation specialist is a service-oriented employee whose primary role is to receive and greet hotel guests. From providing basic guidance to arranging reservations for guests, one of the important roles of a guest relation officer is to ensure a satisfying stay for clients. They also deal with guest complaints and resolve related issues.
If you think you can be a good fit for this role, don’t hesitate to explore more about the job. While guest relations officers are hired primarily by hotels and other lodging establishments, guest relations experts can also work for parks, cruise ships, and spas. In the Maldives, most establishments seek guest relations officer with a minimum of 1-2 years experience in the relevant field.
2. Executive Housekeeper
An executive housekeeper is responsible for managing housekeeping operations. It is one of the best paying jobs in the Maldivian resort industry. You can earn from $3500 to $5000 or more per month depending on your experience and the size of establishment.
Most of the hospitality establishments in the Maldives need employees who can perform various management level tasks: ensuring guest room status is communicated to the front desk, working with the guestroom maintenance department, ensuring adequate supplies, supervising daily housekeeping shift operations and ensuring compliance with all the policies and procedures.
3. Food & Beverage Manager
A number of international hotels operating in the Maldives require food and beverage managers to take care of various food and beverage operations. It’s important for any well-established hotel to ensure oversees guest satisfaction and maintain standards. A food and beverage manager in Maldive can earn from $3500 to $5800 per month.
People interested in this role must have at least 2 years of work experience in the relevant field. Since the Maldivian resort industry depends heavily on international visitors, it’s critical for hotels to ensure a world-class experience.
4. English Teacher
Teaching jobs are widespread in the Maldives, especially for English teachers. International and private schools in the Maldives require highly skilled English teachers. English is taught in almost every Maldivian school due to its extensive use throughout the tourism industry. If you’re good at teaching English at various levels, don’t forget to check the job postings of Maldivian educational institutes. An average English teacher earns around $1500 per month.
5. Chef (Executive)
Chefs are an inseparable part of any popular resort in the world. When it comes to the resort industry in the Maldives, the skilled chefs are in great demand. With plenty of spots for foodies, the Maldives is an attractive option for tourists who love to try continental foods. To exceed the expectations of tourists, hotels hire chefs from across the globe.
A Chef (Executive) is usually responsible for the overall success of daily kitchen operations. While managing the staff and other food-related affairs, an executive chef is supposed to be skillful in ensuring guest satisfaction.
Executive chefs are also given the task to guide and develop staff. Ensuring food sanitation and standards is also a key part of their jobs. As an experienced chef, you can join a number of different hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, and other commercial estabishments where food is managed and served.
6. Front Office Manager
A front office manager is an important position in the hospitality industry. Typically, a front office manager is given the charge to manage the front office, a place where guests first communicate with the hotel or staff. From dealing with guests to managing or training front office staff, a front office manager has to perform a diverse role.
With earning anywhere from $3000 to $4500 per month, as a front office manager, you can have an amazing career in the Maldives. However, you must have relevant education and sound industry experience to secure a full-time job in reputable resorts.
7. Spa Manager
The Maldives is known for its spas and wellness centers where luxury seekers expect to get top-quality services. As a spa manager, your responsibilities may include supervision and coordination-related activities. A spa usually has a number of employees performing various tasks from skincare to reservations. The manager is supposed to ensure guest satisfaction and achieve financial goals. The per month salary of a spa manager in the Maldives can range from $3000 to $5000.
8. HR Manager
There are many institutes in the Maldives where people take part in human resource management courses and diplomas. Top resorts in the country employ highly educated and experienced professionals. With rich industry knowledge and expertise, an HR manager is responsible for talent acquisition, workforce planning, employee development, and using technology to help the business achieve its objectives. Most resorts and hotels in the country give HR managers considerable independence to develop processes. An average HR manager serving the Maldivian resort industry earns $3000 to $4500 per month.
9. Food Service Director
Since the resort industry in the Maldives requires top-notch professionals to meet expectations, you must have formal education, training, and industry experience in order to secure a position like director food and beverage. From supervising kitchen professionals to food planning, a food service director must be capable of influencing the overall guest experience.
In addition to event management and menu maintenance, food and beverage director ensure that operational standards are satisfactory in terms of loss prevention, sanitation codes, and food storage. As a food service director, you can earn from $5000 to $8000 per month.
10. Chief Engineer
The chief engineer is another lucrative position a foreigner can secure in the Maldives. However, the position requires a degree in mechanical or electrical engineering. If you have previous experience in a similar role, your chances of getting hired will increase. Europeans are often encouraged to apply for this role because the potential candidates must be able to speak and write fluent English.
With a handsome salary, annual bonuses, and other perks, serving in the Maldives as a chief engineer is a growth-oriented career. The role usually involves the management of maintenance-related affairs in a resort. The professional in question must be able to ensure the efficient and safe operation of all the equipment.
11. Reservations Manager
Resorts hire reservation managers to manage and lead the team through various operations and guide the reservations department to achieve business goals. It’s important for reservations managers to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and strong revenue distribution skills. Your chances of being hired as a reservations manager will increase considerably if you do have at least 3-5 years of experience in the relevant field.
12. Sales Manager
Resorts have to hire sales managers to generate revenue by attracting tourists. In a competitive environment, a sales manager can play a critical role in achieving business goals. From meeting potential customers to arranging business deals, a sales manager is supposed to perform multi-function tasks. You should have leadership skills and a proven sales record in the resort industry to improve your chances of getting hired. An experienced sales manager serving in the Maldivian hospitality industry earns from $3500 to $6500 per month. On top of that, there is a chance to earn a commission based on your performance.
13. Guest Service Supervisor
The role of a guest service supervisor is of supervising all guest service staff to ensure the guests are not having any kind of service issues, and that the guests are being provided with all the travel information they need. A guest service supervisor also makes sure that all the service staff is properly trained to deliver satisfactory experiences. Imagine yourself as a guest service manager in a top resort in the Maldives; you’ll be dealing with tourists from all around the world. You can expect to receive a monthly salary of $2000 to $3000.
The Maldive Islands is the smallest Asian country with a total population of around 535,016. There are more than 70,000 foreign workers in the country, mostly associated with the resort industry. While most workers are from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh, Europe continues to be the dominant market for the Maldives.
Since the majority of tourists are coming from Germany, the UK, France, and other parts of Europe, the resort industry prefers to hire professionals from European countries. However, professionals can seek job opportunities in the Maldives regardless of their nationality or race.
Conclusion
The tourism industry in the Maldives is considered as a great career for the young. While students at the catering services and hotel institutes are sponsored by resorts, many foreigners come to the Maldives to join its resort industry. Some resorts even have their own training schools. Tourism is traditionally considered as a male-dominated industry, many local and foreign women are also taking jobs in resorts.
Foreigners are mostly employed for prestigious positions such as chefs, managers, tour guides, and instructors. For example, if we take the law into account, all barmen have to be foreigners. Foreign barmen have to undergo a training process that enables them to match the highest standards of the resort bars.
Since locals find it difficult to match the quality standards of resorts, expatriates are increasingly employed. Some of the luxury resorts in the country have employed as many as 50% of expatriate staff mostly from Europe and Asia. With the increasing number of resort islands in the Maldives, the need for specialized foreign professionals is likely to increase in 2020 and beyond.
If you too wish to pursue a rewarding career in the travel and tourism industry in Maldives, start looking for hot jobs at leading hotels and resorts in the country at www.job-maldives.com
© 2007-2019, Job-Maldves.com. All rights reserved.
Over the decades, the Maldives has developed into a destination for global tourists. In 2017, more than 1.3 million tourists visited the country. While tourism is one of the leading industries with a contribution of 32% to the Maldives’ GDP, it generates 5th of Maldives total employment. Besides, the number of tourists visiting the country has been increasing constantly.
Tourism in the Maldives started with just two resorts with a maximum capacity of 28 beds. Kurumba Island Resort was the first one established in the country. Following the change in regulations in 2009, local island guesthouses started developing that allowed tourists to stay among the local population.
Before 2009, international tourists were used to live in privately owned resort islands. If we look at the current developmental efforts, extensive upgrades at the Velana International Airport will allow for more than 7 million visitors by early 2020.
The infrastructure in a typical Maldivian resort includes suites and rooms reserved for use by its guests. A small section of a resort offers staff lodgings and support services such as laundry, catering, power generation, etc. Shops, cafes, and hotels on these resorts offer a broad range of products. Most resorts in the country offer a broad assortment of activities such as scuba diving, fitness, water sports, aerobics, table tennis, photography, etc.
A Brief History of Tourism Industry in the Maldives
In the 1960s, a team from the United Nations visited the Maldives and concluded that the islands in the country can’t be developed for tourism. However, the Maldives proved them wrong by giving birth to a leading market for international tourists. In 1972 when the first resort was established, there were no foreign investments. With only two airstrips in the country at that time, the Maldives was mainly inhabited by fishermen.
Mohamed Umaru Maniku is considered one of the pioneers of the local tourism industry in the country. He recalled that before 1970, there were no airports, banks, or telephones in the country. UNDP experts were of the opinion that the tourism industry would never flourish in the Maldives due to a lack of infrastructure and basic facilities.
The incredible story of Maldivian tourism started with a meeting that took place in Colombo where an Italian travel agent and a staff member in the Maldivian embassy in Sri Lanka discussed the future prospects of tourism in the Maldives. George Corbi, the Italian travel agent, was looking for uninhabited islands where he could bring Italians to fish and swim. After his first visit to Male, Corbin simply fell in love with the stunning natural beauty in the country.
Employment Opportunities in Maldivian Resort Industry
Following the growing demand for skilled professionals like engineers, hotel managers, doctors, and teachers, the Maldives is a country largely depending on expatriates for human resources. When compared to popular destinations for foreign workers, the Maldives is a better option especially for those associated with the hospitality industry. Since workers don’t have to spend a cent on board, they can save a lot. Let’s take a look at some of the prominent job
1. Guest Relation Officer
A guest relation officer or guest relation specialist is a service-oriented employee whose primary role is to receive and greet hotel guests. From providing basic guidance to arranging reservations for guests, one of the important roles of a guest relation officer is to ensure a satisfying stay for clients. They also deal with guest complaints and resolve related issues.
If you think you can be a good fit for this role, don’t hesitate to explore more about the job. While guest relations officers are hired primarily by hotels and other lodging establishments, guest relations experts can also work for parks, cruise ships, and spas. In the Maldives, most establishments seek guest relations officer with a minimum of 1-2 years experience in the relevant field.
2. Executive Housekeeper
An executive housekeeper is responsible for managing housekeeping operations. It is one of the best paying jobs in the Maldivian resort industry. You can earn from $3500 to $5000 or more per month depending on your experience and the size of establishment.
Most of the hospitality establishments in the Maldives need employees who can perform various management level tasks: ensuring guest room status is communicated to the front desk, working with the guestroom maintenance department, ensuring adequate supplies, supervising daily housekeeping shift operations and ensuring compliance with all the policies and procedures.
3. Food & Beverage Manager
A number of international hotels operating in the Maldives require food and beverage managers to take care of various food and beverage operations. It’s important for any well-established hotel to ensure oversees guest satisfaction and maintain standards. A food and beverage manager in Maldive can earn from $3500 to $5800 per month.
People interested in this role must have at least 2 years of work experience in the relevant field. Since the Maldivian resort industry depends heavily on international visitors, it’s critical for hotels to ensure a world-class experience.
4. English Teacher
Teaching jobs are widespread in the Maldives, especially for English teachers. International and private schools in the Maldives require highly skilled English teachers. English is taught in almost every Maldivian school due to its extensive use throughout the tourism industry. If you’re good at teaching English at various levels, don’t forget to check the job postings of Maldivian educational institutes. An average English teacher earns around $1500 per month.
5. Chef (Executive)
Chefs are an inseparable part of any popular resort in the world. When it comes to the resort industry in the Maldives, the skilled chefs are in great demand. With plenty of spots for foodies, the Maldives is an attractive option for tourists who love to try continental foods. To exceed the expectations of tourists, hotels hire chefs from across the globe.
A Chef (Executive) is usually responsible for the overall success of daily kitchen operations. While managing the staff and other food-related affairs, an executive chef is supposed to be skillful in ensuring guest satisfaction.
Executive chefs are also given the task to guide and develop staff. Ensuring food sanitation and standards is also a key part of their jobs. As an experienced chef, you can join a number of different hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, and other commercial estabishments where food is managed and served.
6. Front Office Manager
A front office manager is an important position in the hospitality industry. Typically, a front office manager is given the charge to manage the front office, a place where guests first communicate with the hotel or staff. From dealing with guests to managing or training front office staff, a front office manager has to perform a diverse role.
With earning anywhere from $3000 to $4500 per month, as a front office manager, you can have an amazing career in the Maldives. However, you must have relevant education and sound industry experience to secure a full-time job in reputable resorts.
7. Spa Manager
The Maldives is known for its spas and wellness centers where luxury seekers expect to get top-quality services. As a spa manager, your responsibilities may include supervision and coordination-related activities. A spa usually has a number of employees performing various tasks from skincare to reservations. The manager is supposed to ensure guest satisfaction and achieve financial goals. The per month salary of a spa manager in the Maldives can range from $3000 to $5000.
8. HR Manager
There are many institutes in the Maldives where people take part in human resource management courses and diplomas. Top resorts in the country employ highly educated and experienced professionals. With rich industry knowledge and expertise, an HR manager is responsible for talent acquisition, workforce planning, employee development, and using technology to help the business achieve its objectives. Most resorts and hotels in the country give HR managers considerable independence to develop processes. An average HR manager serving the Maldivian resort industry earns $3000 to $4500 per month.
9. Food Service Director
Since the resort industry in the Maldives requires top-notch professionals to meet expectations, you must have formal education, training, and industry experience in order to secure a position like director food and beverage. From supervising kitchen professionals to food planning, a food service director must be capable of influencing the overall guest experience.
In addition to event management and menu maintenance, food and beverage director ensure that operational standards are satisfactory in terms of loss prevention, sanitation codes, and food storage. As a food service director, you can earn from $5000 to $8000 per month.
10. Chief Engineer
The chief engineer is another lucrative position a foreigner can secure in the Maldives. However, the position requires a degree in mechanical or electrical engineering. If you have previous experience in a similar role, your chances of getting hired will increase. Europeans are often encouraged to apply for this role because the potential candidates must be able to speak and write fluent English.
With a handsome salary, annual bonuses, and other perks, serving in the Maldives as a chief engineer is a growth-oriented career. The role usually involves the management of maintenance-related affairs in a resort. The professional in question must be able to ensure the efficient and safe operation of all the equipment.
11. Reservations Manager
Resorts hire reservation managers to manage and lead the team through various operations and guide the reservations department to achieve business goals. It’s important for reservations managers to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and strong revenue distribution skills. Your chances of being hired as a reservations manager will increase considerably if you do have at least 3-5 years of experience in the relevant field.
12. Sales Manager
Resorts have to hire sales managers to generate revenue by attracting tourists. In a competitive environment, a sales manager can play a critical role in achieving business goals. From meeting potential customers to arranging business deals, a sales manager is supposed to perform multi-function tasks. You should have leadership skills and a proven sales record in the resort industry to improve your chances of getting hired. An experienced sales manager serving in the Maldivian hospitality industry earns from $3500 to $6500 per month. On top of that, there is a chance to earn a commission based on your performance.
13. Guest Service Supervisor
The role of a guest service supervisor is of supervising all guest service staff to ensure the guests are not having any kind of service issues, and that the guests are being provided with all the travel information they need. A guest service supervisor also makes sure that all the service staff is properly trained to deliver satisfactory experiences. Imagine yourself as a guest service manager in a top resort in the Maldives; you’ll be dealing with tourists from all around the world. You can expect to receive a monthly salary of $2000 to $3000.
The Maldive Islands is the smallest Asian country with a total population of around 535,016. There are more than 70,000 foreign workers in the country, mostly associated with the resort industry. While most workers are from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh, Europe continues to be the dominant market for the Maldives.
Since the majority of tourists are coming from Germany, the UK, France, and other parts of Europe, the resort industry prefers to hire professionals from European countries. However, professionals can seek job opportunities in the Maldives regardless of their nationality or race.
Conclusion
The tourism industry in the Maldives is considered as a great career for the young. While students at the catering services and hotel institutes are sponsored by resorts, many foreigners come to the Maldives to join its resort industry. Some resorts even have their own training schools. Tourism is traditionally considered as a male-dominated industry, many local and foreign women are also taking jobs in resorts.
Foreigners are mostly employed for prestigious positions such as chefs, managers, tour guides, and instructors. For example, if we take the law into account, all barmen have to be foreigners. Foreign barmen have to undergo a training process that enables them to match the highest standards of the resort bars.
Since locals find it difficult to match the quality standards of resorts, expatriates are increasingly employed. Some of the luxury resorts in the country have employed as many as 50% of expatriate staff mostly from Europe and Asia. With the increasing number of resort islands in the Maldives, the need for specialized foreign professionals is likely to increase in 2020 and beyond.
© 2007-2019, Job-Maldves.com. All rights reserved.
