Veligandu Maldives Resort Island, one of the Maldives’ most iconic resorts, has been actively engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives that focus on education, community empowerment, and sustainability. Among its most impactful efforts this year is the “Discover Tourism” Program, a CSR initiative designed to inspire young Maldivians to explore opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Throughout the ongoing year 2025, Veligandu Maldives has conducted a total of five educational sessions and exposure trips, welcoming students from AA. Atoll Education Centre (Rasdhoo) and Thoddoo School to experience firsthand the inner workings of a luxury resort. From the fourth session onwards, Veligandu collaborated with the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) to further strengthen and expand the reach of this initiative.

The program combines practical learning, motivation, and inspiration, offering students valuable insights into one of the nation’s most dynamic and rewarding sectors.

Each session of the “Discover Tourism” initiative was uniquely curated to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world hospitality operations. From motivational talks to interactive demonstrations, students had the opportunity to engage directly with Veligandu’s management team and departmental heads.

Students were introduced to the operational functions of key areas such as Front Office, Food & Beverage, and Housekeeping, and learned about the importance of teamwork, service excellence, and guest experience. The Chief Engineer presented an overview of Veligandu’s sustainability initiatives, including the resort’s solar panel project, while the Marine Biologist, Sara Sibile, conducted sessions on marine conservation and ocean awareness under the theme “The Ocean: Depths of Wonder.”

Beyond lectures, students participate in hands-on experiences, such as pastry-making workshops with the resort’s Pastry Chef and role -play activities designed to simulate real-life hospitality scenarios. The day concludes with an island tour and refreshments at the resort’s restaurant and snack bar, a complete immersion into resort life that left a lasting impression on the students. Throughout the year, the program has welcomed dozens of students, teachers, and parents, all leaving inspired to consider careers within the hospitality and tourism field. The next session of this program is already scheduled to take place later this year, targeting students from Ukulhas School, expanding the resort’s outreach within the atoll.

While education remains a key focus, Veligandu Maldives’ CSR efforts extend far beyond the “Discover Tourism” program. The resort actively supports local communities and sustainable practices through several ongoing initiatives, including:

• Supporting local economies by sourcing goods and produce from nearby islands within the atoll.
• Organizing blood donation programs to support public health and community well-being.
• Empowering local talent by featuring only Maldivian artists, DJs, and singers for all entertainment nights at the resort, ensuring that guests experience the authentic spirit of the Maldives.

These initiatives reflect Veligandu’s holistic approach to corporate responsibility, one that emphasizes both environmental sustainability and social impact.

Reflecting on the importance of the program and speaking to Media, Fathuhulla Ibrahim, General Manager of Veligandu Maldives, said: “At its heart, hospitality is not just about resorts, hotels, or restaurants. It is about people, about meaningful moments and creating experiences that guests will remember for a lifetime. They may forget what they ate or how their room looked, but they will never forget how you made them feel. A happy team creates happy guests, and this philosophy inspires everything we do.”

Through initiatives like “Discover Tourism” and its continued community-driven programs, Veligandu Maldives reaffirms its belief that true hospitality goes beyond guest experiences, it’s about nurturing people, protecting the environment, and giving back to the communities that shape the soul of the Maldives. With every young mind inspired and every local partnership strengthened, Veligandu continues to set an example of how resorts can be a force for both positive change and lasting impact.