Introduction
Villa Group of
Companies, founded by Mr. Qasim Ibrahim in 1986 is now one of the largest and
most diversified business groups in the Maldives. The inception of the company
was modest with only trading but soon developed interests in shipping, growing
horizontally upwards. The group entered into tourism in 1988 recognizing the
comparative advantage of the industry to the economy. Since then the company
maintained the pace of growth rapidly to become a group employing over 5000
employees and operating Five luxury resorts with over 2000 beds by end of year
2008.
The above
diagram reflects the business interest of Villa in terms of size of interest
with reference to investment and contribution to revenue and profits in a
descending order.
With the
vision; “To be a leader in trade and tourism industry in the Maldives”
Villa invested in every core industrial sector and subsector
in Maldives. Tourism, Trading, Shipping, Fishing, and agriculture are some
sectors in which Villa has invested. Villa is also involved in numerous
Philanthropic activities around the country.
Following
diagram shows some of the key areas of Villa’s business.
Our strong
commitment to development, project management and marketing, are complimented
by our most significant advantage in self reliance; we have our own equipment
and machinery and a goal oriental team of experts in every field. We serve our
customers with dedication and sincerity.
We engage in projects with determination and dedication.
Our group-wide
initiatives under the auspice of Chairman Qasim Ibrahim, to achieve development
and service excellence, close collaboration with our customers, and overseas
offices at key customer bases, all guarantee a reliable and a timely experience
for our customers.
Our Values
Vision,
Integrity, Loyalty, Lucidity, Adherence
Our Vision
To be a leader
in trade and tourism industry in the Maldives by understanding customer needs
to deliver outstanding products and to develop its business and diversify into
the regional and global market place.
To create good
customer relations through distinctive services and to remain committed in
meeting and exceeding customer expectations through dedication in all aspects
of services provided
To be a
responsible entity in society and be a partner in social development through
supporting and conducting social development programs.
To be an
eco-friendly company, to implement eco-consciousness in all aspects of its’
businesses and to participate in protecting the rich nature and marine life of
the Maldives.
Milestones
1977 Initially Villa started its
business as a proprietorship in the name of “QIM” Maafannu Villa (predecessor
of Villa).
1978 First Cargo Ship was purchased.
1979 LPG was introduced to the
country.
1980 First Oil Tanker was
incorporated into the fleet of vessels.
1986 Villa Shipping & Trading
Company Pvt. Limited was incorporated.
1988 First Resort, Fun Island Resort
(3 star) opened.
1992 First LPG Carrier with on board
cylinder filling capability was added to the fleet.
1994 Holiday Island Resort (4 star)
opened.
Paradise Island Rsort (5 star)
opened.
1998 Sun Island Resort (5 star)
opened.
2000 Completed the construction and
commissioning of Country’s largest and state of the art storage infrastructure
(LPG storage and filling plant, Oil farm for Diesel, Petrol and Kerosene,
Cement Storage Silos and bagging Plant) at Thilafushi Island.
2001 Royal Island Resort (5 star)
opened.
2002 Invested in fisheries ventures.
2004 Purchased Villa Dredger 2 – IHC
Beaver 6516.
Ventured into Whale Submarine
business.
2007 Commenced work of Maamgili
Airport (domestic airport to be built by reclaiming land in the lagoon of
Maamigili Island).
Villa College opened with 3 faculties
to educate locals till their first degrees.
2008 Purchased two Reefer Vessels to
be named as “Mv. Villa Moosun”
& “Mv. Villa Dhaur”.
Purchased Villa Dredger 3- IHC Beaver
6516 with Booster Station.
First private satellite broadcasting
station commenced - VTV (Villa Television).
Upgraded and rebranded the Water
Villas at Paradise Island Resort & Spa as “The Haven” bringing the bed
capacity of Paradise to 568.
Achievements & Awards
1988 National Award to Mr. Qasim
Ibrahim for encouragement of outstanding service in promoting trade in the
Maldives.
1995 Certificate of the Public
Service Encouragement Award given by the Government to Mr. Qasim Ibrahim in
appreciation of his valuable service to the development of tourism.
1996 President’s Trophy for the
Highest Occupancy in Fun Island.
1998 President’s Trophy for the
Highest Occupancy in Holiday Island.
1999 National Award for the Green
Resort to Sun Island.
2002 Partners in Excellence Award -
Best JMC Hotel – Long haul 2002 - Sun
Island.
2003 National Award for the Green
Resort to Sun Island.
2004 Marque of Excellence Award
through customer recognition of exceedingly high standards or service and
quality of accommodation for Sun Island from Thomas Cook.
Thomson Gold Medal 2004 - Best
Faraway Shores Accommodation for Sun Island Resort.
Neckermann Primo 2004
Board of Directors
“Mr. Qasim Ibrahim is indeed a self-made man, displaying the virtues of
hard work, versatility and vision. He has been involved in trading and shipping
for over two decades. Today he is a major Maldivian ship owner and operator. In
recent years he has also become a key player in the tourism industry. He now
owns or operates a number of resort hotels in the Maldives with a combined bed
capacity of over 1,700. I am pleased to note that Mr. Qasim Ibrahim is the
first Maldivian to secure a loan from the International Finance Co-operation
(IFC), which has an impressive track record in identifying and backing
commercially viable enterprises. He is also the winner of three national awards
for his outstanding contributions to trade and tourism development. His
achievements show that opportunity awaits those with vision, energy and drive.
Starting from almost scratch, he has set a fine example for others to emulate.”
President of the Maldives
H.E. Maumoon Abdul Gayyoon
in 2004
Mr. Qasim
Ibrahim started a proprietorship in 1977, which became VSTC in 1986 to be
developed in to Villa Group of Companies.
During an
illustrious professional life, he served several key institutions in Maldives,
some of the high lights as follows:
PRESIDENT - SAARC Chamber
of Commerce and Industry
PRESIDENT - Maldives
National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI)
FOUNDING
MEMBER - Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI)
FOUNDING
MEMBER - Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI)
VICE PRESIDENT
& BOARD MEMBER - Maldives Association of Tourism
Industry (MATI)
BOARD MEMBER - Maldives
Ports Authority (Government Appointment)
FORMER BOARD
MEMBER - Bank of Maldives
In recognition
of the distinguished and highly meritorious services, he was conferred the
national Award of Public Service by the President of Maldives.
He also served
in the Government as the Minister of Finance and Treasury, Governor of Maldives
Monetary Authority (Maldives Central Bank), Governor for International Monetary
Fund and also as the Governor for World Bank from August 2005 until his
resignation in September 2008. He was the first non-president to sign on
Maldivian currency in the capacity of Governor of Maldives Monetary Authority.
He was also a
Member of Parliament from 1989-1990 and also a Member of the Constitutional
Assembly from 2004 – 2008. In 2007 he was elected as the Chairman of the
Constitutional Assembly when they took the challenging task of writing the new
constitution in line with modern-democracy.
In August 2008,
he was also elected as the Leader of Jumhooree Pary (A political Party in
Maldives) and also served in the new government as the Minister of Home affairs
for a short period from November 2008.
Ibrahim
Siyad Qasim, Deputy Managing Director
Mr. Ibrahim Siyad
Qasim joined the board as a Director in 2004 and in 2007 started working full
time in the Company as the Deputy Managing Director in charge of sourcing and
screening projects; coordinating and managing internal and external resources;
structuring business deals; negotiating contracts; attaining internal approval
and assisting in the ongoing oversight of projects through to opening
Fathimath
Thasleema, Director
Mrs. Fathimath
Thasleema began her carrier at Villa Hotels managing the resorts owned by the
Company. She is also involved in the Philanthropic arm – Villa Foundation and
continues to serve in the board from 2004.
Rabia
Hussain, Director
Mrs. Rabia
Hussain continues to serve in the board as a non-executive director since the
inception of the company.
Aminath
Tharneema, Director
Ms. Aminath
Tharneema joined the board in 2004 and continues to serve as a non-executive
director.
Ismail
Siyan Qasim, Director
Mr. Ismail
Siyan Qasim joined the board in 2009.
Tourism in Maldives
Villa Shipping
and Trading Company is the brand owner of Villa Hotels under which five of the
finest resorts in the country operate. Villa Hotels owns the single largest bed
capacity in the Maldivian tourism industry. One of our properties, Sun Island
is the largest tourist resort in Maldives and Royal Island counts as one of the
most exclusive and luxurious island retreats.
Operating
resorts is only one aspect of the tourism industry. Villa through associated
companies (Villa Travels & Tours Pvt.Ltd, Male; Paradise Holidays, Male;
Villa Holidays, Hong Kong; Villa Holidays Touristik Gmbh, Germany; Villa Hotels
& Touristik Gmbh, Switzerland to name a few) are involved in travel and
tour operating related activities such as ticketing, reservation, inbound and
outbound travel needs to mention a few.
FUN ISLAND
Bodufinolhu, South Male’ Atoll
Bodufinolhu, South Male’ Atoll
VSTC entered into resort business in 1986 by acquiring Fun
Island Resort located on the South Male’ Atoll, approximately 37 Kilometers
south of Male’ Airport. VSTC transformed the island into a 100 room 3-star
resort. Fun Island Resort is a popular attraction and catered mainly to the
Italian, French, German and UK Markets. Fun Island Resort has twice been
awarded the Presidential Award for the highest occupancy.
HOLIDAY ISLAND
Dhiffushi, Ari Atoll
Dhiffushi, Ari Atoll
A four star resort of 142 Super deluxe beach bungalows
situated 97 Kilometers away from Male’ Airport, 25 minutes by Sea Plane and
2-1/2 hours by Speed boat is famous for its’ beautiful beaches and rich natural
vegetation and was also awarded Presidential Award for the highest occupancy.
PARADISE ISLAND RESORT & SPA
Lankanfinolhu, North Male’ Atoll
Lankanfinolhu, North Male’ Atoll
This five star resort of total 568 beds, located 9.6km from
the Airport is 1km long and 230 meters wide and has beach all around with an
excellent marine life around. This resort has a network of paved pathways cut
through the vegetation interconnecting the luxurious accommodation, a variety
of restaurants, sports areas and a multitude of other facilities including
Conference facilities for the business traveller.
THE HAVEN
Lankanfinolhu, North Male’ Atoll
Lankanfinolhu, North Male’ Atoll
Situated in the same island we have “The Haven” facing the
majestic emerald backdrop of the Indian Ocean. This 62 room resort entirely
built over water is ideal as a honeymoon retreat. Each bungalow exquisitely furnished
with contemporary decor, equipped with plasma TV with satellite channels,
air-conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, private bathroom, and spacious
private balcony offering panoramic vistas of blue sea, mini bar and in-room
safety box. The terrace features a deck with day bed clustered with cushions, a
private bath with a fresh water and easy stairs into the lagoon. From the large
sized outdoor terraces, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the world famous,
breath taking crystal clear lagoon.
ROYAL ISLAND RESORT & SPA
Horubadhoo, Baa Atoll
Horubadhoo, Baa Atoll
Royal Island Resort & Spa is built on a unique feature,
152 wooden dwelling units situated in the beach of Horubadhoo Island in Baa
Atoll, 75 Km North West of Male’ Airport. It takes 35 minutes by Sea Plane or 3
hours by Speed boat to reach this island full of beautiful Banyan trees and
lush green shrubs. Surrounded by a crystal clear blue lagoon encompassing
spectacular tropical marine life, Royal hospitality is a legacy of hundreds of
years of proud history. Royal Island is a vibrant reality, a marriage of
ancient traditions and modern living, dedicated to ensure that guests
experience the heart and soul of Maldives at Royal Island & Spa.
SUN ISLAND RESORT & SPA
Nalaguraidhoo, Ari Atoll
Nalaguraidhoo, Ari Atoll
The largest
resort in Maldives with 426 rooms situated 110 Km from Male’, 25 minutes by Sea
Plane and 2-1/2 hours by Speed boat is a unique resort. A magnificent island
that captures your heart with its’ exotic tropical flowers, beautiful greenery
in the gardens and takes you to the purest of stunning blue sapphire lagoons.
It is the most breathtaking and picturesque island in South Ari Atoll.
Considered as the most noted luxurious resort in Maldives, and premier resort
in the chain of five Villa Hotels, Sun Island, has been noted for its beautiful
setting, not an easy undertaking to keep but graciously living up to the
mission. Located along the islands beautiful beaches are the choice of
beachfront super deluxe, deluxe or over water bungalow rooms. Its amenities and
furnishings are terrific. It’s over water bungalows are spectacular in design,
richly chosen and enhanced by striking ocean views that captivates the soul.
Sun Island exemplifies good service and world-class cuisine.
Araamu Spa
“Araamu” in
local language means “soothing” or synonymously speaking means relaxing or
relieving. Currently Araamu Spa is set on three of our resorts, Paradise Island
Resort, Sun Island Resort and Royal Island Resort and construction is in
progress in Holiday Island Resort. Blended with the local vegetation, the Spa
features bamboo walls, screens, water features, pavilions and more. Being one
of the most spacious treatment rooms, Pavilion Spa Suites set new standards of
luxury in the Maldives, complete with private showers, a signature rose petal
soaking bath, Jacuzzi, sauna and landscaped courtyard of local flora. The
designs are pleasing to the eye and nourishing for the thought. Its all about
escapism. Colors, light, music and exotic aroma blends here to portray the Zen
lifestyle. Rich fabrics in earthy shades of olive, mustard and walnut accented
by Asian artwork and handcrafted furnishing by Maldivian Artisans as well as
bamboo framed partitions, warm wood flooring and powdery white sand paths, will
bring you the best of Asian hospitality. Be ready to indulge and relax in this
space………………step inside Araamu.
Trading
Trading Activities
VSTC has been
in trading business right from the inception of the Company. Initial trading
included general trading items and consumer goods. Our main focus has been
petroleum products such as Diesel, Petrol and LPG. Trading is an integral part
of the Company’s ever growing business.
Following
streamlining of the operations of VSTC, in 2003 a new subsidiary company was
formed in the name of Villa Hakatha Pte Ltd, with the specific task of building
bulk storage facilities and trading in petroleum products and cement.
Land was
leased from Thilafushi Island nearby Male’ and has been developed with the
following facilities under the “Villa Hakatha Project”.
·
LPG storage and
filling plant (3 spheres x 1,750 m3 each)
·
Fuel Oil farm ( for
Liquid Petroleum products – 38,000 M/T)
·
Cement storage silos
and packaging plant
·
Manufacturing
facility for Housing Products (Villa Housing Products)
·
Bonded warehouse and
warehousing facilities
·
Alongside harbor for
Ships and Vessels.
Villa Hakatha
LPG STORAGE & FILLING
PLANT
Storage
capacity: 3 spheres x 1,750 m3
each
Villa has
undertaken a revolutionary project to offer natural gas at affordable prices
and has set up world class storage infrastructure at Thilafushi Island with 3
LPG Horton spheres of 1750 m3 each along with bottling plant suitable for
filing 300 bottles of 12kg per hour.
Liquefied
Petroleum Gas is bottled to 10 kg, 22kg and 40kg cylinders suitable for a wide
range of appliances in domestic and industrial purposes. The filling plat is
also equipped to cater for special requirements.
Villa is the
leading distributor of LPG in the Maldives with Agents and Distributors across
the country. Villa’s main objective is to offer excellent quality, value and
unmatched customer service. The company has demonstrated this commitment by
establishing efficient distribution channels, customer care hotlines and also
through the launch of affordable packages for different market segments.
FUEL
FARM (API TANKS)
Storage
capacity: 2 tanks of 9,000 m3 each, 2 tanks of 6,000 m3 each, 2 tanks of
3,000 m3 each, 2 tanks of 1,000 m3 each.
Villa owns the
biggest storage capacity in the country. Tanks are filled with Diesel and
Petrol from transport tankers.
Fuel is
distributed to resorts, Male’ and other islands using a fleet of small tankers,
fuel barges and fuel bowzers. For smaller vessels such as speed boats and
dhoni’s, fuel is dispensed through portable dispensing units installed at the
harbor.
Villa Hakatha
also has the capacity to provide bunkering to foreign going cargo, transport
and fishing vessels that call to its fuel jetty at Thilafushi with low cost
fuel since we can offer fuel at duty free prices for those who has the
necessary permits.
The
construction of tanks and all infrastructure and safety networks were completed
and operational under Lloyd’s highest rating.
CEMENT STORAGE SILOS AND
PACKAGING PLANT
Initially 4
silos of 2,000 MT each was commissioned, but due to high demand, additional 4
more silos of same size (2,000MT each) were constructed in 2009 as part of the
expansion plan in order to cater the growing demand. Current packing facility
consists of two packing machines of 3 spouts each with a total capacity of 900
bags per hour, and a packaging plant of 4 spouts each with the capacity of 900
bags per hour will be installed. These plants can fill 1 ton jumbo bags as well
as 50 kg bags.
The cargo from
bulk carriers coming to alongside berth is unloaded to the silos using a pipeline.
Cement can be purchased either at Villa Hakatha, Thilafushi cement jetty or
from agents across the country.
The facility
is operational since 2006.
VILLA HOUSING PRODUCTS
VHP factory in
Thilafushi produces roofing sheeting in 8 different colors and of various
length. The factory caters to the roofing needs of buildings, houses and
resorts. Besides the roofing sheets, Z & C purling are now available on
order.
Beautiful,
durable and versatile, it lends itself to a wide range of building products and
applications - everything from roofing, walling and guttering, fences, sheds
and warehouses, and even insulated panels for cool rooms and specialist
architectural panels for distinctive cladding applications is the future of
VHP.
Food & Beverage
Villa Food
& Beverages – a division of Trade Department was initiated by Chairman Mr.
Qasim Ibrahim, in order to facilitate the increasing demands arising due to the
fast paced expansion of Villa Group and also to allow the, what was then known
as the FNB department to compete in the open market.
Villa Food
& beverages provides distribution of high-quality dry & canned foods,
dairy products, meats and vegetable (frozen & fresh) to resorts,
supermarkets and also to the retail and whole sale market.
Distinguishing
characteristics are the combination of management experience borrowed from a
successful operation of resorts, sales and distribution experience acquired
from International Suppliers, and exceptional customer service all around.
Trade Outlets
Villa Trade Centre 1
located in southern side of Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’ serves as the
collection and distribution hub for LPG gas cylinders. Equipped with
communication, transport vehicles and boats, and sufficient man power, the
centre is operational from morning 8.00 am till 11.00pm in the night. The
centre targets to deliver LPG cylinders to households in Male’ within 10-15
minutes upon receiving a telephone order and collects cash upon delivery - a
fast, reliable and easy service to customers living in households in male’,
Villa Trade Centre 2
located in IHD Magu, central Male’ and Villa Trade Centre 3 at
Hulumale’ serves as the outlet for other retail and whole sale business of
Villa Hakatha.
Villa Hakatha Petrol Shed at Hulumale’
is the only refueling facility at Hulumale’, the newly developed urban city
next to Male’ International Airport. Equipped with electric dispensing units
for Petrol & Diesel, the facility also sells other items such as “Shell”
brand lubricants and other products distributed by Villa Hakatha.
Villa Petrol shed in Male’ - Villa
recently leased a plot of land in the western side of Male’ to construct a
Petrol Shed. Work is in progress and once completed, the facility will also be
equipped with sufficient storage and dispensing units to cater the demand of
male’ city.
Shipping & Transport
Although
Shipping was one of the primary operations of the Company at the initial
period, the operation was scaled down over the last few years to cater only for
the requirement of Villa Group and associate companies.
The Company
still owns Reefer Vessels, Barges with tug boats, Cargo Vessels, Fish
collecting vessels, Small tankers for internal transport, Landing Crafts and
several cargo carrying dhonis.
These are mainly used by the Group Companies and associate companies.
Villa owns the
largest private transport fleet in the Maldives. With over 28 high speed power
boats and 60 mechanized powered boats (Dhonis).
Villa caters
for all Villa Hotel clients including transportation to and from the resorts as
well as other activities such as excursions, diving and night fishing
trips.
A 24 hour
passenger transport service division of Villa is available on standby to
transfer passengers between the resorts of the group or to be hired out to any
other party and to transfer tourists to and from Airport to the resorts. Owning
this service gives Villa a competitive edge over its competitors.
Aviation
Maamigili International Airport
Villa is
currently developing a domestic airport with 1800 meter long runway and other
necessary facilities at the island of Maamigili in South Ari Atoll under an
agreement with the Government of Maldives. Construction of Runway has been
completed and work is in progress to complete the construction of other
facilities and commence operation of the airport by mid 2010 linking South Ari
Atoll with Male’ International Airport and other domestic airports in Maldives
by air. This will be an additional
advantage for the tourists travelling to the resorts in Ari Atoll as well as
locals seeking transport between other destinations in Maldives.
Plans are also
been made to construct Air Craft hangers, facilitating Passenger / Private jets
to be parked inside suitable hangers for any length of time, leaving operators
and owners at peace during their stay in Maldives.
Agriculture
With the
objective to undertake a primarily agricultural project, two islands, L.
Baresdhoo and H.A. Madulu has been leased from the Government of Maldives and
plans are been made to develop the island utilizing modern equipment and
technology, engaging and training skilled Maldivians.
The main
purpose of the project will be to disseminate appropriate technology and skills
to the community as well as assist in establishing local marketing networks
that would improve the social and economic well-being of the local community in
Haa Alifu, atoll and Laamu Atoll and also to provide the local and tourist
markets with the highest quality of produce and to employ and assist in
engaging the local community in agriculture.
Agricultural
and livestock activities planned for the two projects include production of
Virgin Coconut Oil, Poultry, Papaya, Banana, Tropical Fruits, Vegetables,
Herbs, Floriculture, Orchids, Ornamental Plants and Dwarf Coconut Trees.
Two pilot
projects carried out in two of our resorts Paradise Island Resort and Spa and
Sun Island Resort & Spa has been found to be very successful and import of
vegetables and fruit for the consumption of the two resorts has been reduced
drastically.
With the
success and experience gained from these two projects, the planned major two
agricultural projects are destined to be successful with high yield, employment
for the locals and also in terms of dissemination of knowledge.
Boat Building & Repair
Maldives being
country with sea over 75% of its territory, boats are an essential part of
life. Boat building has been a unique traditional art inherited from our
forefathers. Having this unique expertise, from the time we pushed into tourism
sector, our Chairman saw the need to establish a boat building and repair
facility to meet the demand of our resorts and projects situated elsewhere in
Maldives.
Our boat yard
at Lankan Finolhu Island has been fully engaged in making new boats and
repairing of existing ones. Plans are been made to develop an independent
facility at Thilfushi Island for the purpose of making and repairing of fiber
glass speed boats. Q-Marine facility will be capable to make its own boats
ranging from 10- 50 passengers and also will produce their own accessories and
water sports equipment such as catamarans and surf boats.
Whale Submarine
In order to
provide opportunity of exploring the underwater world to those who does not do
scuba-diving, Villa invested in the purchase of a 73 feet long 50 passenger
submarine which is operated by a subsidiary company Whale Submarine Maldives
Pvt. Ltd.
Realistically
speaking, if you have not visited the underwater of Maldives…then you have not
been to Maldives. Since ninety nine percent of Maldives consists of water, the
most exotic creatures that inhibit the country lives under water, in colorful
aquamarine gardens. This is why Maldives is renown as a divers’ paradise…and
Whale Submarine is your ticket to visit the underwater of Maldives.
Visit www.submarinesmaldives.com.mv
for more details.
Diving & Water Sports
Villa Diving
In December
2003, Villa Diving started its operation on Holiday Island offering guided
diving and introductory courses to the visitors.
Our PADI
5-Star Gold Palm center employs highly qualified multi-lingual instructors,
teaching diving courses that range from complete beginners to Instructor level.
After successfully completing our Instructor course you can start a new future
in the Dive Industry.
Rising from
the bottom of the Indian Ocean are thousands of islands and reefs that form the
Maldives. For divers, the treasures lie below the surface, where the vast
panorama explodes into a symphony of colorful corals which are the breeding
grounds for large schools of tropical fish, sharks, manta rays and the giant
whale sharks, whose attractive features are famous to marine naturalists and
underwater photographers. So leave your stress behind and start your adventure
with Villa Diving to this new and fascinating and exciting world.
For more
details, please visit the website www.villadiving.com.mv
Villa Water Sports
Maldives is
the ideal water sports destination. The facilities for water sports at Villa
Resorts leave nothing more to be desired. The large clear lagoon is ideal for
all water sports. If it is windsurfing or catamaran sailing you want to enjoy,
the facilities are at the Water Sports Centers. If you do not possess the
skills yet take any of the courses offered at the centre, you may participate
in the group courses or if you prefer, have your own private instructor teach
the skills. If you wish, enjoy yourself paddling around the island in a single
or double-seat canoe.
Feel the spray
and the wind on your face whizzing up and down the lagoon on water skis or on a
Jet Ski. Enjoy the facilities for wake boarding, knee boarding or parasailing,
or be adventurous and learn the skills during your stay.
Have fun
bumping along the waves, banana riding or get dragged along on a fun tube if that
fits in with your concept of fun.
Education
In addition to
the Scholarships offered under the Villa foundation – Villa scholarship scheme,
VILLA COLLEGE is one of the most humble challenges under took by our Chairman.
Villa College
Founded by
Chairman of Villa Group Mr. Qasim Ibrahim, Villa College was established on 17th
October 2007. Since its humble beginning, Villa College is determined to remain
as the best private education provider in the country. Villa College’s emphasis
on high quality facilities, first-class infrastructure and outstanding teaching
faculty will enable us to be the most preferred education provider in Maldives.
As of today
student population is drawn from a variety of backgrounds from all parts of the
country as well as world-wide. The College’s main building is located in 2-4th
floors of H. Green, Majeedhee Magu, Male’. Substantial investments have been
made recently for the development and expansion of student accommodation and
other facilities for both the faculties - Faculty of Marine Studies and Water
sports and Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, located in the Sun Island
Resort and Spa. For both these faculties, student accommodation is within easy
walking distance of lecture rooms, libraries and the other student facilities
such as gymnasium, food court and shops. Computer Laboratories with networked
computers offering a wide range of software applications plus a fully fledged
library resource are in the pipeline for availability to every student of Villa
College.
A great
emphasis is attached to ensuring that Villa College’s graduates have the
personal and intellectual skills and knowledge demanded by employers with the
focus in mind to have a very high level of graduate employment. With such a
strong faculty in place, in addition to class room teachings, Villa College
also do corporate training and consultation services to help generate new
business ideas.
Currently,
Villa College has the following faculties. They are:
1. Faculty of Marine Science and Water Sports
2. Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management
3. Faculty of Computing and Information Technology
With the
gradual development plan ahead, Villa College is expected to have the following
faculties by 2010:
1. Faculty of Business and Management
2. Faculty of Education
3. Faculty of Health Sciences
Each faculty
has its own organizational set up and will be headed by a Dean.
For additional
information, please visit www.villacollege.edu.mv
Fishing
Maldives
located in the middle of Indian Ocean on the equator, south west Sri Lanka,
comprises of 1192 small islands with a land area of approximately 300 square
kilometers. However the archipelago stretches 820 Kilometers north to south and
120 kilometers east to west. The
total area of Maldives Exclusive Economic Zone extends to 859,00 kilometers
For many
centuries the Maldivian economy was entirely dependent on fishing and other
marine products. Fishing remains the main occupation of the people and the
government gives special priority to the development of the fisheries sector.
The
mechanization of the traditional fishing boat called dhoni in 1974 was a major
milestone in the development of the fisheries industry and the country’s
economy in general.
Today,
fisheries contribute over fifteen percent of the country’s GDP and engage about
thirty percent of the country’s work force. It is also the second-largest
foreign exchange earner after tourism.
Therefore our
Chairman saw the need to invest in fisheries sector and formed two subsidiary
companies.
Villa Fishing Company Pvt.
Ltd.
Villa Fishing
Company was established in July 2003 as a wholly owned subsidiary with the main
objective of investing in Fisheries and agriculture based projects. In addition
to carrying out various fishing related activities, the company currently in
association with another associate company ‘Madheli Poulty and Fisheries’ is
developing Dh. Maadheli island for Poultry and Agricultural Production.
Necessary
infrastructure is under development and the project is expected to yield by end
of this year.
Island Enterprises &
Keekimini Project
Villa acquired
Island Enterprises Ltd (IEL), the pioneer of fisheries industry in Maldives and
invested in one of the most complex fisheries projects undertaken in Maldives –
Keekimini Project.
Keemini is an
island located in Sh. atoll of Maldives and under a lease agreement with the
Government of Maldives, the island in full has been developed for a world-class
fish processing facility. This new facility addresses environmental
considerations very seriously. This facility will contribute to sustainable
fisheries in the northern region of the Maldives.
The facility
includes:
·
Fish reception
facility
·
Cold storage
·
Processing (Cooking,
loining, pouching or canning)
·
Fish meal facility
·
Katsuobushi plant
for dried fish products
·
Fuel and Water
service for incoming vessels
·
Harbor and alongside
berthing facility
·
Staff area including
accommodation, recreation facilities
·
Utilities such as
water and power for the operation
·
Waste and Wastewater
management facilities
·
Laboratory and
testing facilities
·
Collecting Vessels
and Mother Reefer Vessels.
Once completed
the factory is committed to producing and delivering the highest quality tuna
products that are caught by the traditional and the most sustainable method of
Skipjack fishing, Pole and Line.
Housing
Hulhumale’ Condominium
In expanding the services and business of Villa, Our Chairman
decided to invest and participate in the development of Hulumale’, the most
ambitious land reclamation and urban development project undertaken by the
Government of Maldives to date. The development of Hulhumale’ was conceived as
a decisive step in improving the quality of life of the population and
revitalizing the Maldivian economy. It is to serve as an effective solution to
the growing problem of congestion within the capital region as well as a means
to facilitate the continual growth of the country’s two dominant economic
sectors, fisheries and tourism.
Through a bidding process, Villa acquired a plot of land – 7000
Square Meters from Hulumale’ to develop a 116 apartment condominium. Planning
and engineering work of the project has been completed and construction of the
project is to start during the course of the year and upon completion, this
condominium will be one of the best luxurious condos in Maldives.
Information Technology
Villa Technologies Pvt.
Ltd.
Started as an
in-house department providing service to Villa group of companies was developed
into Villa Technologies Pvt. Ltd.- A company now undertaking design and
development for network infrastructure and soft ware for various Villa
businesses including the resorts.
Since its
inception, Villa Technologies is working towards becoming a force in the IT
industry of the Maldives and has a retail and service outlets in Male’ city.
Within the
group, Villa Technologies is currently responsible for system studies, design
and development, implementation and maintenance of software, hardware and
network infrastructure of Villa Shipping and Trading Company and all associate
and subsidiary companies.
Currently,
Villa Technologies is also implementing, the Island Schools computer hardware
scheme supported by Villa Foundation, the charity arm of Villa Shipping and
Trading Company. We have supplied more than 1000 computer systems and related
products within a year under this scheme alone.
In providing
these services, Villa Technologies have teamed up with global brands such as
CISCO, of which Villa Technologies is a registered partner and with Fujitsu as
authorized business partner in Maldives, Celesti X as authorized distributor to
Maldives and Zenith India Limited as the exclusive distributor for its products
in Maldives and Panduit as authorized distributor to Maldives.
Recently,
Villa Technologies have entered the computer retail market by opening its
computer sales and service center, “Naaring” in order to provide a well
organized and competitive service to our individual and corporate clients, with
products, which are amongst, the best in the world.
Projects, Construction
& Dredging
Villa Construction
Villa is proud
to have constructed all our resorts by our self. With the foresight of our
Chairman to be self reliant and also to have our own flexibility in management
of projects, scores of talented people were recruited and trained in the job
and also in various universities abroad over last several years.
Today Villa
has an expert team consisting of PhD holders in engineering, experienced
draftsmen, designers, construction supervisors. Villa also invested heavily on
construction, dredging and paving equipment and we are proud to own the biggest
fleet of construction equipment such as Concrete mixers, loaders, excavators,
dump trucks, rollers, hot mix plants, pavers etc.
We own the
biggest fleet of dredgers, 02 IHC Beaver 6516C and 01 IHC Beaver 300. Dredging
in Maldives is driven by a combination of developmental needs such as
Airstrips, ports and expansion of existing inhabited islands and tourist
resorts.
As a genuine
entrepreneur, Our Chairman became involved in dredging in 2005 and since then
Villa’s dredgers were successful in making major savings and completing
projects in time. However our company remain totally committed to our mission
and the dredgers are been used for the benefit of the community, for example to
reclaim the land for Maamigili Airport and also for the development of
Fisheries harbor at G.Dh. Hoadedhdhoo.
Travels & Tours
With the
mission of providing Travel and Tour related services 02 fully owned subsidiary
companies Villa Travels and Tours and Paradise Holidays was established and
both companies has been running successfully.
Villa Travels & Tours
Villa Travels and Tours is a
diversified service company dedicated to providing travel, money transfer and
other related services with a commitment to excellence in quality and customer
service.
The company has already established a
niche for itself in the forefront of the travel industry and diversified its
activities to include credit card acquiring, money transfer services medical
packages and is planning to introduce other financial services.
The company’s success has been
achieved through dedication, innovation and commitment for excellence.
Villa Travels is the Passenger Sales
Agent for Malaysian Airlines, General Sales Agent for Air India, LAUDA AIR ,
Passenger Sales Agency and Cargo Sales Agency for Kuwait Airways , Exclusive
Cargo Agents in the Maldives for EUROFLY/Alitalia Group and UZBEKISTAN
AIRLINES’ General Agent in passenger and aircraft handling.
Villa Travels represents Western
Union Money Transfer in Maldives and provides credit card services through
Hatton National Bank, Sri Lanka
For more information please visit www.villatravels.com
Paradise Holidays (PH)
Paradise Holidays offer holiday
makers an experience of ‘paradise’, which is how the Maldives holiday
experience is most often described. As an innovative and customer-focused
travel agent, PH provides a distinctive Maldives experience to the discerning
traveler. Being part of the Villa Group, which owns five top resorts in the
Maldives, Paradise Holidays is a reputable and well established travel agency
with strong partnership with leading international tour operators. Our
philosophy is deep-rooted in achieving excellence in our service and working
towards more than simply satisfying our customers.
Paradise Holidays also offer
following travel related services to clients and to partners:
• Ground
handling and supervision services for airlines
• Acting
as handling agent for tour operators
• Incentive
and conference bookings and arrangements
• Outbound
tours from Maldives
• Diving
and snorkelling trips from Male’ and the resorts
• Sailing
and fishing excursions
• Tailor-made
tours
• Transport
and travel arrangements throughout the Maldives
For more information please visit www.parahol.com
Broadcasting,
Entertainment & Media
Villa ventured
into media by acquiring major shares of Maldives Cable Net, IBON, J-SAT, MSO (Cable TV Service
Providers) and also acquiring interests of Haama Daily News Paper and by
establishment of a TV Station - Villa TV (VTV)
Maldives CableNet
Villa
affiliated with major Cable TV providers, MESCO, J-SAT, IBON and MSO to provide
Cable TV to Maldives.
Cable TV has
been one of the fastest growing services in the country, now available to
thousands of home in the capital island of Male and its nearby islands. In
addition, services are also provided in Southern Atolls of Addu and FuahMullah,
and are on continually on expansion around the country. Their secret to success
has always been the care taken in providing our customers with an unparalleled
entertainment experience. In an industry that has been characterized by so much
quantity, the biggest task and greatest achievement, is to deliver an
experience that has focus on quality
Haama Daily Newspaper
Haama Daily is
a daily news paper affiliated with Villa, run on printed media as well as on
internet (www.haamadaily.com) covering
both local and foreign news information and advertising. It also covers
political events, business, art/entertainment, society and traditions and is
believed to be among the best 03 daily news papers in the country.
Television Channel – VTV
With
state-of-the-art equipments and infrastructure, the Villa Group finally
strengthened the Maldivian entertainment industry with the launch of its
affiliated television channel in the 2008.
VTV – The most
popular entertainment and news channel in Maldives is distributed through
Satellite as well as through the Cable TV services across Maldives.
International Expansion
Villa Shipping (Singapore)
PTE. LTD.
For strategic
reasons, Villa Shipping (Singapore) Pte Limited was incorporated in Singapore
on December 19, 1991 with Villa holding a majority interest.
Villa Touristik GMBH
In October
1996, a Representative Office, with the primary objective promoting Villa
resorts, was opened in Frankfurt, Germany. Constraints on the range of
activities permitted through the representative office led to the creation of a
limited company with wider objectives.
Villa
Touristik Gmbh was incorporated by Mr.Qasim Ibrahim, on 23rd July,
1997 to act as a wholesaler for holiday packages to the Maldives; an agent for
sales of hotel rooms in the Maldives and, sale of air tickets and a vehicle for
acquiring and trading of tourism related properties and real estate such as
hotels, hotel villages and resorts in Germany and the Maldives.
Villa
Touristik GmbH sells rooms primarily of Villa Hotels and other properties in
the Maldives but also for hotels in other parts of the world. Due to its access
to Villa Hotels as supplier of large number of rooms, Villa Touristi k GmbH has
the capacity to sell the remaining unsold rooms of large wholesalers on the
last minute sales market, thereby generating substantial revenue for the
Company.
The company
also liaises with the existing partners of the Villa Hotels group in Europe,
such as LTU Touristik, Condor Touristik, Sun World U.K., Voegele Reisen –
Switzerland to maintain a close rapport. It also secures business from other
tour operators in Germany and the whole of Europe including Austria, Italy,
France, Spain, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovenia etc. These links provide the
basis for Villa Touristik’s potential as an international tour operator.
Villa
Touristic GmbH also helps to establish sound business relationships with Banks
and other Financial Institutions to secure finances for VSTC’s future
development projects.
The strategy
of the company is to position itself in the market not only as specialist
centre for Maldives but also as an international marketing organization. In a
near future Villa Touristik GmbH will be the Centre point and Focus” for
tourism business for the Maldives in Europe, as well as other international
tourist destinations.
Philanthropic Activities
It was an
integral behaviour of our chairman to help the needy and even before the formal
establishment of the Company Chairman always extended help in various ways to
people in need, especially for Medical and Education.
Villa Foundation
The need for a
separate arm of the company to overlook and administer the activities saw the
birth of Villa Foundation, a fully fledged charity organization on 19th
of February 2003.
Today, Villa
Foundation is proud to be the biggest charitable trust running in the Maldives
and working towards creating a mark regionally. It is the prerogative of Villa
foundation to help the needy and the incapable in areas of Medical Treatment
and Education. On the medical front, Villa Foundation undertake expensive
overseas medical treatments such as cardiac surgery, organ transplant and many
more.
Villa
Scholarship Scheme was introduced in the year 2000 with the objective to
support the nation’s human resource development. Villa Foundation provide funds
and Scholarships for Maldivians for Degrees, Masters, and PhDs.
Villa
Foundation has a wide range of interests. All of them address the various needs
of the country. In addition to providing assistance for education, health,
assistance is also provided for development of projects and also lending a
helping hand to other groups, institutions or individuals who are engaged in
such activities and projects.
The
organization, so far, has been funded by Mr.Qasim Ibrahim, the Founder and
Chairman of Villa Foundation. The organization has now decided to seek
financial assistance and aid from International Organizations to complement its
operations in the Maldives.
Being largest
and the only charity organization of its kind in the Maldives, the Villa
Foundation remains committed to serve the nation. The organization has a
vision. To significantly contribute to the development of the nation on one
hand and focus on maintaining peace and harmony on the other.
More details
of the activities of Villa Foundation can be found from their website www.villafoundation.org