Marriott International has announced the appointment of Amila Handunwala, General Manager of W Maldives, as the new Chairman of the Marriott Maldives Business Council, effective January 4, 2024. Handunwala takes over from Renato De Oliveira, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, and becomes the third Chairman in the council’s history.
The Marriott Maldives Business Council is an integral part of Marriott International’s global network of Business Councils, which support the company’s mission to build the most loyal and valuable travel community. Business Councils are made up of general managers and associates from Marriott’s diverse portfolio of brands, coming together to collaborate on shared goals such as strengthening community ties, supporting Marriott’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts, advocating for the industry, and driving sustainable business practices. They are also responsible for fostering leadership, enhancing market performance, and communicating across the Marriott network.
The Business Council in the Maldives operates with a strong focus on collaboration, advocacy, and sustainability in line with Marriott’s Serve 360 program, which guides the company’s ESG efforts. The Council plays a pivotal role in developing strategies that positively impact both the local community and the tourism industry while also nurturing associate development and engagement.
Amila Handunwala brings over 18 years of outstanding experience in the luxury hospitality industry, focusing on resort management and sustainable practices. His visionary leadership at W Maldives has set new standards in the region, especially in terms of sustainability. Notably, Handunwala led a transformative evolution at W Maldives that modernized the resort while integrating sustainable initiatives, including pioneering the introduction of a biogas plant at W Maldives. Additionally, during his time at a previous property, he championed a 100% single-use plastic-free environment.
As Chairman of the Marriott Maldives Business Council, Handunwala is poised to build on Marriott’s legacy of community impact and sustainable development. He will prioritize strengthening Marriott’s presence in the Maldives through continued collaboration with local communities, government partners, and stakeholders. His leadership will drive the implementation of initiatives that align with Marriott’s ESG goals, ensuring the company’s commitment to sustainability and excellence in hospitality.
In December 2024, Marriott Maldives Business Council strengthened its partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) by renewing its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the second year of the Sister Islands Initiative, part of USAID’s Democracy Delivers initiative. This initiative promotes economic integration and sustainable development by fostering mutually beneficial relationships between resort islands and local communities. The renewed partnership will expand efforts to empower local communities, particularly women and youth, through projects that focus on agriculture innovations, sustainable tourism, and resource conservation.
Reflecting on his new role, Amila Handunwala shared, “It’s an honour to lead the Marriott Maldives Business Council. The Maldives is more than a destination; it’s a thriving community with a rich cultural and environmental heritage. I look forward to working closely with the council, local government, NGOs, and our neighbouring communities to amplify Marriott’s commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and hospitality excellence.”
Oriol Montal, Managing Director of Luxury for Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, expressed his support for Handunwala’s appointment: “Amila’s leadership in sustainable hospitality and his proven track record in the Maldives make him the perfect fit for this important role. We are confident that his expertise and passion will drive the Business Council’s work forward and continue to create lasting positive impacts in the region.” Oriol Montal, Managing Director of Luxury for Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International
W Maldives is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives, which also includes The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, and JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort (set to open in January 2025 as the second JW Marriott property in the Maldives). This marks the eighth addition to the Marriott Bonvoy Resorts in the Maldives. To learn more about Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of resorts in the Maldives, please visit www.marriottbonvoy.com/maldives.
For more information, please visit www.marriott.com.
