Barceló Nasandhura Malé welcomed BTEC Travel & Tourism students from Thaajuddin School for an educational exposure visit marking World Tourism Day 2026, offering a practical introduction to the digital tools shaping modern hotel operations. Held on 28 September, the programme brought students and educators together with hotel managers for departmental tours, a live cooking demonstration and discussions on the future of hospitality.
Centred on the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, the visit connected classroom learning with the operational demands of a working hotel. Students explored how technology supports different departments while gaining insight into the professional skills, coordination and personal service required to deliver a positive guest experience.
Hotel Manager Enric opened the programme with an address on the evolution of Maldivian hospitality and the growing importance of digital innovation. His remarks introduced students to an industry in which technological capabilities increasingly complement established service standards, creating opportunities for young people interested in both tourism and technology.
Department Heads subsequently guided participants through Commercial, Front Office, Housekeeping, Laundry, Engineering and culinary operations. The sessions explained how digital tools help improve efficiency across these functions, giving students a broader understanding of the work that takes place behind the guest-facing areas of a hotel.
For Barceló Nasandhura Malé, the programme provided an opportunity to showcase the interconnected nature of its operations. From welcoming guests and maintaining rooms to supporting engineering requirements and preparing meals, each department contributes to the overall quality of a stay. Exploring these functions within one property helped demonstrate why effective communication, reliable information and coordinated workflows are essential to hospitality management.
A live cooking demonstration in the hotel’s kitchen added a practical dimension to the visit, introducing students to the working environment of a professional culinary team. Alongside the departmental tours, the demonstration broadened their exposure to the range of disciplines and career pathways available within the hotel industry.
An afternoon question-and-answer panel allowed students to engage directly with Department Heads and explore the operations they had observed. This exchange gave participants an opportunity to build on the day’s learning and hear from professionals responsible for managing different aspects of the property. Deputy Manager Narek concluded the programme with an address highlighting opportunities for young people in travel technology.
The hotel said the initiative reflected Barceló Hotel Group’s commitment to Digitisation, one of its four strategic pillars alongside Sustainability, People and Results-Oriented Management. The group’s approach focuses on using technology to strengthen operational efficiency, enhance guest experiences and develop employee capabilities.
“Technology and artificial intelligence are exceptionally powerful tools, but they truly shine only when paired with authentic human warmth,” Hotel Manager Enric said. His message highlighted the continuing importance of personal interaction as hotels adopt new systems and explore the potential of artificial intelligence.
“It was an absolute privilege to host the talented students of Thaajuddin School. We hope this experience sparks a lifelong passion for innovation and empowers these bright young minds to shape the future of Maldivian hospitality,” he added.
By opening its departments to students and educators, Barceló Nasandhura Malé supported a closer connection between vocational education and hospitality practice. The visit demonstrated how industry engagement can help young Maldivians understand evolving workplace expectations, explore their professional interests and prepare to contribute to the country’s tourism sector.
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