Destination Future original

The Sunny Side
Podcast

Maldives Uncovered

This podcast is all about the Maldives as a tourism destination. Hear insights from industry leaders, experts and people shaping the future of travel, hospitality and island life.

Latest episode

THE SUNNY SIDE · 08
Episode 8 · The Sunny Side

What If The Most Valuable Luxury Is Looking Up

A conversation with Shizna “Shizu” Ahmed, a Maldivian resident astronomer, about how stargazing turns science into a deeply human kind of luxury — and why curiosity, dark skies and wonder matter for the future of travel.

Featuring: Shizna “Shizu” Ahmed · Astronomy · Modern luxury · Dark skies

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Browse the Archive

Eight conversations and counting — each one a window into the people, ideas and forces shaping Maldivian tourism.

EP 8

EP 8 · The Sunny Side · Latest

What If The Most Valuable Luxury Is Looking Up

Shizna “Shizu” AhmedMaldivian resident astronomer

How stargazing in the Maldives turns science into a deeply human kind of luxury, from women in unconventional tourism roles to protecting dark skies and inspiring young Maldivians to follow curiosity.

AstronomyLuxuryDark Skies
EP 7

EP 7 · The Sunny Side · Episode

Paradise Expat: A Maldivian Hotelier's Global Journey

Ahmed AsimGeneral Manager at Anantara Rasananda in Thailand

Ahmed Asim shares his journey from luxury resorts in the Maldives to international leadership roles, with insights on global exposure, hospitality fundamentals and developing local talent.

Maldivian TalentGlobal HospitalityLeadership
EP 6

EP 6 · The Sunny Side · Episode

Luxury Tourism and Revenue Management with Ashfaq Ashique

Ashfaq AshiqueRevenue, e-commerce and distribution specialist

A deep dive into Maldives tourism revenue management, adaptive strategies, technology, AI and pricing approaches that respond to changing guest expectations and market dynamics.

RevenueLuxury TourismTechnology
EP 5

EP 5 · The Sunny Side · Episode

Resilience and Leadership in the Maldives with Marc Reader

Marc ReaderHospitality leader

Marc Reader reflects on the Maldives tourism industry, environmental sustainability, the importance of Maldivian hospitality and the leadership needed to navigate current sector challenges.

LeadershipResilienceHospitality
EP 4

EP 4 · The Sunny Side · Panel

Balancing Tourism Growth and Sustainability in the Maldives

Destination Future panelModerated by Amjad Thaufeeq

A panel discussion with industry experts on balancing tourism growth with environmental and cultural sustainability, and how sustainable practice can be integrated into long-term tourism strategy.

SustainabilityPolicyIndustry Panel
EP 3

EP 3 · The Sunny Side · Episode

Maldives Tourism, Adapting to Change and Innovation with Mark Eletr

Mark EletrGeneral Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma

Destination Future co-founders Abdulla Nabeel and Nuaas Mohamed speak with Mark Eletr about adaptation, innovation and the often-unspoken topics of island tourism.

InnovationIsland TourismOperations
EP 2

EP 2 · The Sunny Side · Episode

Marketing, Sustainability, and Local Talent with Mark Hehir

Mark HehirResort and tourism leader

Abdulla Nabeel and Amjad Thaufeeg speak with Mark Hehir about tourism marketing, sustainable development, leadership and the importance of building pathways for local talent.

MarketingSustainabilityLocal Talent
EP 1

EP 1 · The Sunny Side · Introduction

The Sunny Side Podcast - Introduction

Destination FutureMaldives Uncovered

An introduction to The Sunny Side Podcast and the conversations ahead: trends, sustainable practice, technology and the people shaping the future of tourism in the Maldives.

IntroductionMaldives TourismFuture of Travel

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Know someone with a story worth telling? A sustainability pioneer, policy innovator or hospitality leader shaping the future of the Maldives? We want to hear from you.

8 episodes and countingAvailable across 3 platformsStories from across Maldives tourism
Destination Future — Maldives