Sun Siyam Iru Veli welcomed a delegation of hospitality students and professors from the University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy, on January 11, 2026, as part of a sustainability and corporate social responsibility learning programme that connected academic study with real-world resort operations in the Maldives. The visit brought an international academic perspective to the resort’s ongoing environmental and CSR initiatives, reinforcing the growing interest among future industry leaders in responsible tourism practices and the role island resorts can play in environmental stewardship and community engagement.
The visiting group comprised 20 participants, including hospitality students and academic staff specialising in tourism and sustainability, who engaged directly with Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s approach to balancing premium guest experiences with mindful resource management. A key focus of the programme was the resort’s Food Waste Awareness Campaign, an initiative designed to promote responsible resort operations, reduce food waste, and provide practical sustainability knowledge for aspiring hospitality professionals. By highlighting measurable actions that can be integrated into daily operations, the campaign reflects the resort’s emphasis on accountability, efficiency, and long-term environmental care within luxury tourism settings.
As part of the visit, the delegation participated in a dedicated sustainability session led by Chaminda Upul Kumara, Group Sustainability Manager at Sun Siyam Resorts, which explored practical applications of responsible practices in the hospitality industry and how sustainability frameworks can be implemented in resort environments. The learning experience was complemented by a presentation from Athif Ibrahim, Training and Quality Assurance Manager, who shared insights into Maldivian hospitality, the heritage of Sun Siyam Resorts, and the group’s long-term vision for sustainability and community engagement, offering students a broader understanding of how culture, service excellence, and responsible operations can strengthen a brand’s identity and long-term value.
The programme also included a guided tour of Sun Siyam Iru Veli, giving participants first-hand exposure to the resort’s facilities, service standards, and operational approach. The visit featured a tour of an Ocean Villa with Pool, showcasing the resort’s signature accommodation style while illustrating how thoughtful design and day-to-day operational discipline can support both guest comfort and environmental responsibility. The experience allowed the delegation to observe the realities of resort management in an island setting, where maintaining exceptional service must align with careful stewardship of natural resources.
“It was inspiring to engage with the students and professors on the importance of sustainability and food waste reduction, while also sharing our rich culture, heritage, and hospitality, and how Sun Siyam Resorts continues to keep the essence of the Maldivian Spirit alive,” said Athif Ibrahim, Training and Quality Assurance Manager. “Their enthusiasm and curiosity make initiatives like this truly impactful.” Claudio Melli, Professor of Tourism Geography at the University of Milano-Bicocca, expressed appreciation for the opportunity, noting, “We are grateful for the opportunity to learn about sustainable practices and explore the resort. The sessions and tour provided us with invaluable insights into responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship.”
Through initiatives such as this educational engagement, Sun Siyam Iru Veli continues to strengthen its corporate social responsibility commitment by supporting learning, sustainability awareness, and meaningful interaction with the next generation of hospitality professionals. The visit reflects the resort’s broader focus on cultivating knowledge exchange and demonstrating how luxury hospitality in the Maldives can contribute positively to environmental goals while preserving the cultural warmth and service traditions that define Maldivian tourism on the global stage.
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