Universal Resorts rebrands to VERSA Hospitality

Parent company of Universal Resorts, Universal Enterprises has rebranded its hotel management arm to VERSA Hospitality, with them launching the hospitality lifestyle brand "NIVA Hotels and Resorts."

Universal said the goal of this shift is to transform Universal Resorts into a globally recognizable, consumer-focused brand, moving away from its previous model of operating primarily as a B2B company through tour operators and travel agents.

Universal Resorts was interviewed by Corporate Maldives regarding the rebranding, with Universal Enterprises Managing Director Ahmed Umar Maniku acknowledging the company's presence in the Maldives for 50 years. 

He gestured to the beginning of Maldivian tourism in 1972 and the first resort to open, Kurumba Maldives. He went on to say that the company has introduced various Maldivian resorts to the world throughout the years such as Baros, Kuramathi, Huvafenfushi, Velassaru, Milaidhoo and Labriz.

As per Maniku, the Universal Resorts name being changed to VERSA is an important strategic choice. He also said that it is an important change for increasing company recognition and bringing out the resort's potential.

"VERSA isn’t merely a new name; it’s a strategic repositioning to unlock the full potential of our resort portfolio and position the company for our future growth ambitions," said Ahmed Umar Maniku during the interview with Corporate Maldives.

When the name change occurred, the founding family of Universal Enterprises second-generation member Visha Mahir had been appointed CEO of VERSA Hospitality.

Visha has been in senior positions at Universal Enterprises for the last 20 years.