Maldives Allocates 11 Islands for Resort Development, Says Tourism Minister

The Maldives government has allocated 11 islands for resort development as part of its efforts to enhance the tourism sector, according to Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal. Speaking during a program aired on PSM News, the minister emphasized the government's commitment to expanding tourism opportunities nationwide.

Minister Faisal revealed that 25 islands have been made available for tourism development so far, with award letters issued for 11 of these islands. The projects represent a significant investment of approximately USD 385 million, with several awardees already having made their payments. Notably, the majority of these investors are Maldivian, reflecting strong domestic involvement in the sector.

Despite 53 years of success in the Maldivian tourism industry, the minister acknowledged that tourism development has yet to reach all regions of the country. To address this, the government is formulating master plans specific to each atoll and designing targeted marketing strategies to encourage growth in these areas.

The new resorts are expected to add between 4,000 and 6,000 beds, complemented by the development of local tourism facilities and airports. These efforts are anticipated to create substantial employment opportunities for youth, particularly in the outer atolls.

Minister Faisal highlighted the transformative potential of projects like the Hanimaadhoo International Airport, which will significantly enhance connectivity and bolster tourism capacity in the northern atolls. He also noted that ongoing marketing campaigns are advancing rapidly, aiming to attract more visitors to the Maldives.