EVGENIA BOYANKOVA: Q1 this year has been good for us at Sun Siyam Resorts. We have closed Q1 plus April with positive growth compared to 2016 and we are proud of it.
TRAVEL TRADE MENA: According to the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism, there was a 0.7 percent decline in the number of Middle Eastern visitors in Q1.
What are you doing to attract such visitors to your three resorts in the Maldives and how do you meet their needs?
EVGENIA BOYANKOVA: Our resorts in the Maldives are ideal for travellers from the Middle East and we continue to see strong growth from this market.
With the major Middle East holidays falling during the summer, we expect this growth to continue with the numerous promotions available for our guests to avail.
Sun Siyam remains a market leader among the Middle East outbound tourism market.
We offer a wide range of different experiences across our resorts in the Maldives.
For honeymooners, we have our very romantic boutique island Sun Aqua Vilu Reef located in the stunning South Nilandhe Atoll.
Our flagship resort The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has won several awards such as Leading Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean and families can enjoy our special family offer where kids stay, play and eat free until 18 years old.
Our Family Deluxe Beach Villas with Pool are perfect for families, featuring a separate room for the kids and a private pool for the whole family.
In addition, our four-star Deluxe Olhuveli Beach and Spa offers interconnected rooms and free transfer for kids, making it an ideal family destination.
Over Eid and the summer holidays, Sun Siyam Resorts has some very special holiday package promotions for our guests travelling from the Middle East.
We will be offering clients from the Middle East a variety of discounted packages so that they can enjoy a long holiday with family and friends at any one of our great five-star resort locations – where we offer affordable luxury, premium hospitality, fine dining experiences, and a boutique lifestyle.
At Sun Siyam Resorts, we combine the ultimate privacy our villas offer, with the active energy to be enjoyed at our restaurants and lounges.
TRAVEL TRADE MENA: Overall, what are the demographics of your guests?
EVGENIA BOYANKOVA: We achieved the perfect nationality mix in 2016, combining travellers from all over the world.
The opening of additional international sales offices in a number of new destinations helped us raise awareness and increase the demand and popularity of the Sun Siyam brand.
In terms of demographics, we see a trend of multigenerational travel. Maldives is no longer just a honeymoon destination. It is a place to enjoy the best beach and crystal clear water, privacy and bespoke service.
TRAVEL TRADE MENA: What are the latest developments at Sun Siyam Resorts? What can guest expect in the coming months?
EVGENIA BOYANKOVA: The summer season brings great deals for travellers. […] Olhuveli Beach and Spa resorts will open new Grand Beach Villas with Pool by August this year, which are ideal for families.
The Grand Beach Villas, which come with their own private pool overlooking the beach, are now being furnished so that our guests can take advantage of the more spacious, modern and private surroundings.
In addition to the room refurbishment, we are adding more facilities such as a conference and events centre, kids’ clubs for our young guests, a new entertainment centre, more food outlets, as well as a stunning wedding pavilion.
Sun Aqua Vilu Reef will offer a specially tailored all-inclusive package and The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi will be opening its new Arabic Oriental restaurant Sindbad – the best place to enjoy your special dinner in front of the ocean.
Our Sri Lankan resort Sun Aqua Pasikudah will be the centre of regional events this summer so there is lots to look forward to at Sun Siyam Resorts over the next few months.
