Barceló Nasandhura Malé Introduces Students to Digital Innovation in Hospitality
- BTEC Travel & Tourism students from Thaajuddin School visited Barceló Nasandhura Malé on 28 September to mark World Tourism Day 2026.
- The programme featured departmental tours, a live cooking demonstration, and a Q&A panel exploring digital tools in hospitality.
- The initiative reflects Barceló Hotel Group's Digitisation pillar, emphasising technology paired with authentic human warmth.
BTEC Travel & Tourism students from Thaajuddin School explored how digital tools support hotel operations during an exposure visit to Barceló Nasandhura Malé, organised to mark World Tourism Day 2026.
The students and their educators visited the property on 28 September for a programme combining departmental tours, a live cooking demonstration and discussions with hotel managers. The visit focused on this year’s theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, giving students a practical look at the role of technology in hospitality.
Hotel Manager Enric opened the programme with an address on the evolution of Maldivian hospitality and the growing role of digital innovation. Department Heads then guided students through Commercial, Front Office, Housekeeping, Laundry, Engineering, and culinary operations, explaining how digital tools help improve efficiency across these functions.
The tour included a live cooking demonstration in the hotel’s kitchen. An afternoon Q&A panel gave students an opportunity to ask Department Heads about the operations they had observed, before Deputy Manager Narek delivered a closing address on 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 centres on using technology to improve operational efficiency, guest experiences and employee capabilities.
“Technology and artificial intelligence are exceptionally powerful tools, but they truly shine only when paired with authentic human warmth,” said Hotel Manager Enric.
“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.”
