Luxury hotel brand The Cocoon Collection has launched a foundation focused on improving the lives of local communities.
The Cocoon Foundation was inaugurated at a ceremony held on 2 December at the You&Me Maldives resort. The foundation aims to empower youth and create future leaders for the hospitality industry by improving the lives of local communities in the Maldives, focussing on Lhaviyani and Raa atolls where its two Maldivian resorts are located.
“We feel so lucky to be able to be a part of the Maldives’ tourism industry and we want to show our gratitude with a sustainable initiative that will help the community in the long run,” Alessandro Azzola, managing director of The Cocoon Collection, said at the opening ceremony.
This year, Cocoon Maldives and You&Me Maldives have hosted students from neighbouring islands to conduct training sessions aimed at building confidence and leadership skills, as well as providing tools to empower those interested in a career in the hospitality industry. The resorts have also collaborated with local island councils, NGOs, and stakeholders to conduct programmes to raise environmental awareness.
According to the Foundation, there are several educational initiatives planned ahead, including a six-month apprenticeship programme to help new graduates learn soft skills, emotional intelligence and social skills, as well as gain work experience.
The Cocoon Collection opened its first resort in the Maldives in Lhaviyani Atoll in 2015, followed by You&Me Maldives in Raa atoll in 2019. The brand also operates a five-star resort and a boutique hotel in Zanzibar.
The foundation’s inauguration ceremony was attended by Tourism Minister Dr Abdulla Mausoom, the Chairman of Bison Maldives, Abdul Majeed, the President of Raa Atoll Council, Hussain Nasif, and the President of Lhaviyani Atoll Council, Yaseen Abdulla.
