Message from our chairman

Maldives is a small island nation developing at a remarkable rate. Our main source of income is from the natural beauty of these small islands. Today Maldives is one of the top holiday destinations in the world. The sustainable development of this industry is being achieved by careful planning and decision making by the government, under the wisdom and guidance of H. E. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Maldives. I strongly believe that the national and global awareness campaign initiated by H. E. President Gayoom on the fragile ecosystem of small island nations has contributed tremendously to the country's present status as a leading tourist destination and laid the foundation for a strong and healthy economy.

Sun Travel is a dream come true for me. From my very first introduction to the tourism industry, I realized that there was a need for efficient and reliable service providers in the sector. My aim was to contribute to this amazing industry and play a part in the development of the industry.

It is my wish that the cooperation between the different segments of this industry, the resort owners, the managers, the tour operators, the travel agents as well as the airline and aviation industry will further strengthen our common future. I wish to assure that Sun Travel will cooperate with everyone and strive to achieve, what I believe to be a common objective.

I am very proud of the achievements of my company. This was achieved by the sheer determination and dedication of all my team; the staff of Sun Travel. My ambition is to sustain the quality and efficiency of the service we provide and to build on the relationships that we have with our existing partners and forge new alliances.

My final thanks to Almighty Allah for his guidance and for giving me the willpower to carry out my responsibilities.

Mr. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed
Chairman

Profile of the Chairman

In 1987 Mr. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed began his career in the tourism industry as a Storekeeper at Furana Tourist Resort at the age of eighteen. In the latter half of 1987 he joined Kurumba Village as the Transport Manager.

In 1988 he joined Vellassaru Tourist Resort as Receptionist and was Head Cashier and Accountant before being promoted to the post of Reservations Manager and Public Relations Officer.

In 1989 Mr. Siyam concentrated on the field of guest handling at the airport on a self-employed basis. However, he was also working as Public Relations Officer for Vellassaru Tourist Resort and as Airport Representative for Makunudhoo Club and Galeena Maldives. By 1990 he was providing these services to Jetan Travel, Rannalhi and Bathalaa. On 8th May 1990 Mr. Siyam found Sun Travel and Tours Pvt. Ltd., as a 50% shareholder.

In 1991 he was appointed as the Managing Director of Sun Travel and Tours Pvt. Ltd. Since then he has systematically increased the handling capacity of Sun Travels & Tours, by attending all major international Travel Fairs, and building up the company's reputation and access to the international market. At the same time he has maintained a close relationship with Maldivian hoteliers as his co-partners in the travel business. In 1992 apart from being the Managing Director of Sun Travel and Tours he also began to serve the company as its Financial Director.

In 1997 Mr. Siyam bought additional 49.5% of the shares of Sun Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd, bringing his share total to 99.5%. With his unique talents and drive, Mr. Siyam continues to expand his business with great success. Some of his most noteworthy achievements include Sun Investments Pvt. Ltd. and developing and managing his first resort, Vilu Reef Resort.

Having established himself as a Travel Agent as well as a Tour Operator and Hotelier through the various companies in which he has a major interest, today Mr. Siyam is one of the leading figures in marketing the Maldivian Tourism Product. Sun Travels & Tours under the dynamic and inspired leadership of Mr. Siyam achieved an average tourist arrival figure of 10,500 over the past 4 years. The company currently holds 500 beds under allotment from a selection of Maldivian Resorts. He also maintained an average occupancy of 75.36% at Vilu Reef Resort in the year 1999 with a total tourist arrival of 3367 for the year.

Mr. Siyam is also involved in a number of organizations aimed at promoting and marketing the Maldivian Tourism Product. In this capacity he is currently serving as a Member of the EC for the PATA Maldives Chapter.

On September 1997, Mr. Siyam received the "Twenty-Five Years of Sustainable Tourism in the Maldives 1972-1997" Award for distinguished service rendered towards the sustainable development of tourism in the Maldives.