Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives has appointed Elizabeth Smailes to the position of Director of Marketing, effective December 2025, bringing extensive hospitality marketing experience from multiple international markets to the resort property.
Smailes previously held senior marketing positions with Minor Hotels and contributed to the launch of what became The Standard, Maldives. Her professional background includes commercial and brand leadership at Broughton Sanctuary in the United Kingdom, advisory work for tourism boards and private clients, and co-founding a hospitality business recognized for guest experience quality and market strategy.
Her career encompasses work across Europe, the Maldives, Thailand, Myanmar, and the United Kingdom, with a focus on brand building, commercial growth, and integrated marketing execution within luxury tourism and hospitality sectors.
In her new capacity, Smailes will oversee marketing, communications, and media strategy for Grand Park Kodhipparu, with objectives centered on brand strengthening and marketing investment returns. Her responsibilities include directing marketing, communications, and public relations initiatives while coordinating with revenue management, sales, and food and beverage departments on integrated campaigns. She will collaborate with Park Hotel Group’s corporate marketing division to maintain brand consistency and develop creative content for international markets.
Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, noted that Smailes brings strategic thinking, creative capability, and operational experience to the role. He indicated her global background, luxury hospitality knowledge, and collaborative management approach will support the resort’s market positioning during its growth phase.
Smailes expressed enthusiasm about returning to the Maldives, observing that while the destination’s core appeal remains constant, visitor demographics, travel timing, and motivations have shifted, alongside evolving expectations for destination experiences. She stated that her focus at Grand Park Kodhipparu will involve developing authentic guest connections that reflect both the resort’s character and the island’s identity within the broader brand framework.
Known for collaborative methods, communication abilities, and results-oriented strategy implementation, Smailes will contribute to the resort’s reputation enhancement, commercial objectives, and brand engagement across traditional and digital platforms.
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