Ithaafushi staff receive over MVR 85,000 in December service charge
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, a seven-star resort developed by Qatari and Maldivian investors, distributed USD 4,177 per employee in December service charges, attracting high-profile billionaires. Other luxury resorts including One&Only Reethi Rah and Velaa Private Island also paid substantial amounts. December and January are peak tourism months when service charges increase significantly for Maldives hospitality workers.
Luxury resort staff celebrating record-breaking service charges, with Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi employees receiving $4,177 each in December during Maldives peak tourism season. | RaajjeMV
During the peak tourism season in the Maldives, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi reportedly distributed USD 4,177 in service charge to each employee for the month of December, an amount that exceeds MVR 85,000 per staff member at current exchange rates.
Developed as a joint venture between a member of the Qatari royal family, the seven-star resort recorded service charge figures indicating that employees received an average of USD 826 per week during December, equivalent to more than MVR 17,000 per week.
Sources indicate that the unusually high service charge at Ithaafushi is largely driven by the presence of high-profile global billionaires who frequent the resort. The property is widely regarded as one of the most exclusive ultra-luxury destinations in the Maldives.
Several other high-end resorts also distributed substantial service charges during December. One&Only Reethi Rah paid USD 1,977 per employee, while Velaa Private Island distributed USD 1,875.
In addition to this, RIU Atoll and Palace distributed USD 1,239, Ayada Maldives paid USD 1,197.30, and Centara Grand Lagoon distributed USD 1,111. JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa provided USD 1,158 to its staff. Barceló Nasandhura in Malé distributed USD 748 per employee as service charge for the month.
December and January represent the peak period of the Maldivian tourism season, during which service charge payments typically increase significantly compared to other months. This period sees the highest volume of tourist arrivals from around the world.
Tourism remains the backbone of the Maldivian economy, with service charges forming a crucial component of income for professionals working in the sector. However, following recent government policy changes concerning foreign currency exchange requirements for resorts, some properties have begun distributing service charges in Maldivian Rufiyaa.
Source: Resort Workers Maldives
