Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has completed its first quarterly waste collection of the year in partnership with Secure Bag Maldives, reinforcing the resort’s ongoing commitment to responsible environmental management and sustainable island operations. The latest collection and weigh-in reflect the continued progress of a collaboration that began in August last year, through which discarded materials are recovered, processed and reintroduced into the supply chain as new products, supporting a more resource-efficient approach to resort operations in the Maldives.
The partnership highlights a practical and forward-looking model of sustainability, one that focuses not only on reducing waste but also on recognising the long-term value of materials that might otherwise be discarded. Secure Bag Maldives works with the aim of repurposing, reusing and reselling materials through sustainable lifecycle solutions, a model that closely supports the environmental priorities of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives and aligns with the broader sustainability vision of IHG Hotels & Resorts under its Journey to Tomorrow framework.
Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing and Sustainability at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, said both Secure Bag Maldives and the Kandooma team share the belief that most resources retain value beyond their initial use. She noted that through innovative recovery methods, materials that would normally be treated as waste can instead be transformed into high-quality and sustainable products. Garrett also observed that while receiving payment for waste may still seem unusual to some, the model is widely recognised internationally and represents an encouraging shift towards circular resource management, adding that it is positive to see such practices gaining momentum in the Maldives.
Through this initiative, the resort is able to responsibly manage a broad range of materials, including metals, baled paper, batteries, motors, crushed glass, aluminium cans, air conditioning components, used lubricants and cooking oils. These materials are carefully sorted on the island before collection, with returns generated based on both volume and material category. Garrett further stated that she and the resort’s Sustainability Officer, Krisel, take particular satisfaction in seeing how much waste is successfully diverted away from landfill through the programme.
During the past three months alone, the resort collected 3.7 tonnes of iron scrap, 1.4 tonnes of motor and compressor components, 544 kilograms of aluminium cans, 565 kilograms of air conditioning parts, and 3,200 litres of used lubricants and cooking oils. These figures underscore the scale of the resort’s sustainability efforts and demonstrate how structured waste recovery programmes can deliver meaningful environmental outcomes while also creating economic value.
Funds generated through the quarterly collection totalled US$1,700, equivalent to MVR 26,592, and these proceeds will be reinvested into ongoing sustainability initiatives across the island. This reflects a self-reinforcing model in which responsible waste handling not only reduces environmental impact but also helps finance further improvements in sustainability performance, strengthening the resort’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.
Located in the South Malé Atoll, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is widely recognised for offering a relaxed and private island experience just 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. The resort combines natural beauty with a strong leisure offering, making it a popular choice for travellers seeking both adventure and comfort in one destination. Known especially for its diving and surfing experiences, the resort also caters strongly to families with its welcoming atmosphere, dedicated kids’ club and a range of facilities designed to provide a memorable stay for guests of all ages.
The resort features a selection of villas designed to complement the tropical surroundings, along with multiple dining venues that offer varied culinary experiences. Its appeal is further enhanced by the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, which adds a wellness dimension to the overall guest experience. With sustainability increasingly becoming an important factor for modern travellers, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives continues to position itself as a destination that combines hospitality, recreation and environmental responsibility in a meaningful and practical way.
As global tourism increasingly places emphasis on responsible operations and long-term environmental care, initiatives such as this waste recovery partnership demonstrate how resorts in the Maldives can play a constructive role in advancing circular economy practices. For Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, the latest quarterly collection represents more than an operational milestone; it reflects a continued investment in protecting the natural environment that makes the destination so distinctive while enhancing the value it offers to guests, partners and the wider community.
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