Villa Group of Companies - Maldives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 17^th 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 2-4^th 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 23^rd 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 19^th 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