For over 25 years, Hawwa Nafeela has been an integral part of Voyages Maldives, rising from Administrative Officer to General Manager of one of the country’s most trusted travel and safari operators. Her journey is one of dedication, resilience, and quiet leadership — guided by strong family values and a deep love for travel and nature.

In this exclusive interview with The Islandchief, Nafeela reflects on her remarkable career, the evolution of Maldives’ tourism and boating industry, and what it takes to thrive as a woman in leadership. She also shares insights on nurturing talent, adapting to change, and preserving the timeless spirit of Maldivian hospitality that defines Voyages Maldives.

1. You have been with Voyages Maldives for over 25 years, rising from Administrative Officer to General Manager. What has been the driving force behind your long and successful journey with the company?

Since childhood, I have always aspired to be an exemplary person. Coming from a large family, my parents and elder siblings instilled in me the values of humility, discipline, and responsibility. I wanted to show them that choosing your words and actions wisely, remaining disciplined, and being patient were important — especially in those days when life was challenging and resources were limited.

My grandparents also played a major role in shaping my outlook. My first travel experience was with them, island hopping across Lhaviyani Atoll and spending a few days on an uninhabited island, relying solely on nature. Later, during my college years overseas, I had the opportunity to explore various cities, villages, and remote areas. That’s where my love for travel and nature truly began.

So, when I joined Voyages Maldives, I immediately connected with its values and culture. From the very beginning, I wanted to prove to my superiors and colleagues that I embodied those same values and could live up to the company’s standards.

It’s also worth noting that Voyages Maldives has retained many of its employees for three to four decades. That kind of loyalty and stability speaks volumes about the work culture and the sense of belonging that motivates us to show up and give our best every day.

2. As a key figure in shaping talent development strategies at Voyages, what skills and qualities do you believe are most vital for the workforce in Maldives’ tourism industry?

The most vital skill is effective communication. More than language fluency, what truly matters is the respect and enthusiasm shown when interacting with customers and colleagues alike.

A positive, can-do attitude and a genuine passion for hospitality are essential. Time management and punctuality are equally important — being dependable and consistent builds trust and ensures smooth operations in such a fast-paced industry.

3. What challenges have you faced as a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and how have you navigated them?

At times, balancing work and family — especially as a mother of five — has been challenging. I am fortunate to have an incredibly supportive family, particularly my parents, whose unwavering guidance and encouragement have shaped who I am today. They taught me patience, resilience, and integrity, and showed me that it’s possible to pursue your goals while staying grounded. Their support has been invaluable to my growth as a leader.

I have also been blessed with an open and progressive workplace. From the beginning, I was never made to feel that gender was an obstacle to success. My colleagues have always been supportive, sharing experiences and paving the way for others to achieve their goals.

4. You also play a crucial role in liaising with government authorities. How do you navigate regulatory challenges while keeping business operations smooth?

Adapting to change is key. I make it a point to thoroughly understand new regulations and ensure that information is clearly communicated across all departments, so staff are aware and prepared to handle any potential changes.

Sudden policy shifts can be challenging, especially when they come with short notice. However, we manage them through open communication and teamwork. With strong legal guidance and support from our directors, we are able to navigate these changes effectively and maintain smooth operations.

5. Having been part of the Executive Management of the National Boating Association of Maldives (NABM), what insights did you gain from that experience that continue to influence your work today?

The most valuable lesson I learned was the power of collaboration — working together to advance the industry as a whole.

There is a huge market for liveaboards, and I’ve witnessed their evolution from simple fishing boats to luxurious vessels offering diverse experiences such as diving, surfing, and resort excursions.

Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is equally important. They uplift you, and in turn, you uplift them — a principle I continue to practice.

During my tenure, the association gained national status, which was a proud and defining moment. It proved how shared vision and collective effort can lead to lasting impact.

6. With nearly three decades of experience, what shifts have you observed in the Maldives tourism and boating industry, and how has Voyages adapted to those changes?

Over the years, I’ve seen a rise in luxury private islands and boats, along with steady growth in the liveaboard segment.

Travelers today seek more personalized experiences, with an emphasis on comfort, privacy, and holistic well-being. Yet, what continues to stand out is their appreciation for the warmth of authentic Maldivian hospitality.

Voyages Maldives has adapted by upgrading our services and evolving to meet these changing expectations, while staying true to our values.

7. Many young professionals aspire to follow a career path like yours. What advice would you give to women entering the tourism and hospitality field today?

Don’t be discouraged by the words or actions of others — stay true to yourself. Build strong relationships with your colleagues and never hesitate to ask questions.

Be open to new experiences and seize opportunities, even if they seem daunting at first. With patience and perseverance, success will follow.

8. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far, and what moment stands out as a defining highlight?

When I was first offered the role of General Manager, it came as a complete surprise. I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready to take on the responsibility, but with encouragement from my family and colleagues, I accepted the challenge. Over time, I’ve learned, grown, and adjusted to the role. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions of my life — a defining milestone in my career.

Seeing Voyages Maldives achieve major milestones and receive both national and international recognition has also been incredibly rewarding. These moments remind me how far we’ve come as a team and make me proud to have contributed to that journey.

9. Voyages Maldives has been a trusted name in the industry for decades. In your view, what has been the company’s greatest strength in building lasting relationships with clients and partners?

Trust has always been the cornerstone of Voyages Maldives. We consistently strive to exceed expectations and ensure every client and partner feels valued. Approaching every relationship with sincerity has helped us build long-term connections.

Our enthusiasm and commitment inspire clients and partners to return, allowing us to grow together. Another key strength is the close bond within our team — from our CEO to department heads and managers. This unity and mutual respect set the tone for our company’s continued success. 

10. Looking ahead, what are your priorities for Voyages Maldives in terms of people, culture, and regulatory compliance?

Looking ahead, I would love to see more women in safari operations — particularly in roles such as safari captains and tour leaders.

We also plan to continue specialized and on-the-job training programs to further develop our team’s skills and foster growth within the company.

At the same time, we remain committed to the traditional Maldivian values that have guided Voyages Maldives from the very beginning — integrity, hospitality, and dedication. Alongside these values, we will continue to uphold strong regulatory compliance, ensuring our operations remain adaptable, responsible, and aligned with industry standards.