Aitken Spence Hotels Launches Heritance Ascend in the Maldives

Sunday 20th of July 2025

Aitken Spence Hotels has launched Heritance Ascend, a long-term initiative focused on developing future hospitality leaders in the Maldives. The first Heritance Ascend Assessment Centre took place at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi and brought together 18 nominated supervisors from across the industry.

Participants were assessed and mentored by a panel of senior leaders, including Badhiya Gunathilake, Chief Operating Officer and Sector Head of Aitken Spence Resorts Maldives, and Patrick Pereira, Vice President of Learning and Development at Aitken Spence Hotels.

Heritance Ascend is a structured development framework designed to help team members progress from entry level to senior leadership. The programme includes five levels: Pathway, Advance, Elevate, Elite, and Apex. The current Advance module is tailored for supervisors aiming to step into executive roles, offering an 18-month experience of growth, reflection, and skills training.

The initiative reflects Aitken Spence Hotels’ wider commitment to building talent across its properties in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Oman, and India. It goes beyond training by offering a clear roadmap for career development in hospitality.

The launch of Heritance Ascend marks a key moment in the group’s ongoing focus on culture-based leadership and long-term excellence in the industry.