Tourism / Maldives
“We like to focus on steady and long-term developments.”
Sunland is a Maldivian company with 30 years of experience in the hospitality sector. Chairman Ahmed Shabeer gives us the keys to Sunland’s success.
What would you attribute Sunland’s success to?
We understood the product and were well aware of its natural beauty. While the Maldives was still quite unknown; we could foresee how that would change fast. Fifteen years ago we realized it would be very difficult for a small, local company to survive when international brands moved in. We decided we needed to make a strong name for ourselves. During the 1980’s, we created the brand COCO. We worked on the concept and later, when Bodu Hithi island became available, we had the opportunity to sublease it. If we managed to develop a product that was “one island, one resort,” we knew it would enhance our brand. We also created an airline business called Sunland Journeys.
Are you open to foreign capital?
We have two resorts within the group which we need to upgrade. We don’t want to get into something very quickly without knowing the integrity of the people behind the deal. We like to focus on steady and long-term developments. We are very serious, but also very open, because I think it is time we welcome outside capital to help us grow.
What message do you have for Chinese investors?
I would say that the Maldives is open and actively looking for foreign investment. This is the right time to start moving in.
