Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives GM Mark Eletr Honoured at IHG’s Annual Impact Awards

Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has been recognised for efforts in sustainability at the annual InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Impact Awards, Southeast Asia & Korea.

One of just 14 accolades presented on the night, Mark and his team were recognised in front of their colleagues and peers at a glittering awards ceremony held at the InterContinental Landmark, Hanoi in Vietnam.

On collecting the award on stage, a thrilled Mark Eletr said, 

“To receive an award amongst all of you in this forum, with talented people doing great things it’s an honour.   It’s a reward for the whole team, for their creativity and all these great ideas they come up with.   And also for our owners who support what we want to do in this very important regard.  We operate, particularly in the Maldives, in a very unique and fragile environment and I’d like to say that as a nation we are getting it right, but there is a long road ahead, and with what we are doing, hopefully, that sets the standard and encourages others to follow.” 

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives works across many different areas in the sustainability space, from the provision of filtered water provided in reusable glass bottles to the sandbar and island clean-ups and investing in solar energy.   The resort is also an eager participant in studies to measure the effectiveness of alternative renewable energy sources such as waves.  Reef regeneration projects, creating an island farm and working with the natural island environment to create regenerative spaces all contribute positively to the resort’s overall goals.  

“Coinciding with World Environment Day, this accolade encourages us to continue to grow in this space and to search out collaborations with organisations such as our recently announced and formalised partnership with Parley Maldives.”  

“We measure most of our activities;  I think it is this act that helps drive us harder towards our goals.   We share the information in an easy-to-understand format with our guests so that we can amplify the message wider, touching and shaping opinions of guests experiencing the Maldives from around the world,”   says Mark.  

Two years ago (February 2021), IHG Hotels & Resorts launched ‘Journey to Tomorrow’, a series of ambitious new commitments to make a positive difference for people, communities and the planet over the next decade.  Guided by IHG’s purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good, hotels and resorts work side by side with those who stay, work and partner with them, to help shape the future of responsible travel. 

Journey to Tomorrow sets out five clear ambitions, building on the progress and achievements made against IHG’s 2018-2020 targets: 

• Championing a diverse culture where everyone can thrive  – with 400,000 colleagues around the world, IHG group has an opportunity to create a future where equality, inclusion and fairness are experienced by all.
• Improve the lives of 30 million people in communities around the planet – with hotels spanning 100 countries, IHG group is at the heart of their communities and recognises how their global reach presents opportunities to shape a positive future. 
• Reduce energy use and carbon emissions in line with climate science  – the hotel sector accounts for 1% of global carbon emissions and the group set science-based targets to maximise the use of renewable energy, reduce emissions of existing hotels and targetting new builds to operate at very low or zero emissions by 2030.
• Pioneer the transformation to a minimal waste hospitality industry  – with only 9% of plastic currently being recycled and around one-third of food produced being wasted across the globe, the group is passionate about providing their guests with a more sustainable stay. IHG also forms partnerships to create circular solutions for major hotel items that work for the greater good.
• Conserve water and help secure water access in those areas at greatest risk  – demand for water often exceeds supply in many parts of the world, with the UN predicting an increase of between 20-30% by 2050. So, it’s never been more important for IHG to find ways to reduce their usage and work with others towards sustainable solutions that create water access for all.

Each of the ambitions and commitments in IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow plan is rooted in an understanding of what is most important to colleagues, guests, hotel owners and investors when it comes to operating thoughtfully and growing sustainably. Their plan also contributes to the universal framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to provide a blueprint for a better, more sustainable future by 2030.

Located in the South Male atoll just 40 mins from the airport by boat, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a beautiful island paradise.  White sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms and turquoise waters form the backdrop for a wide variety of leisure pursuits and some of the best diving in the Maldives. Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses and the popular Overwater Villas for their stay.  Families are well catered for with a choice of 2- and 3-bed villas as well as the Kandoo Kids’ Club and its full activities programme.  Six food and beverage outlets ensure healthy appetites are satisfied and the flavours of the Maldives are explored.  For those guests who desire the ultimate in relaxation, sun loungers and hammocks are located around the island and the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers the ultimate tranquillity and escape for body and mind.   Visit www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com  

“Each and every one of us has a part to play. Working collaboratively to find new sustainable solutions, sharing ideas with colleagues, friends and guests, and supporting our local communities, I believe together we can shape the future of responsible travel,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.

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