Seven islands awarded to winning bidders for resort development

Ministry of Tourism has awarded seven islands to its winning bidders for resort development.

The seven islands awarded were among the 18 islands that were opened for resort development last year at the Maldives Investment Forum held as part of the Expo 2020 in Dubai, UAE. Most of these islands had also been opened for resort development previously but had not received bids.

The newly awarded islands and its acquisition costs are:

• Alidhuffarufinolhu, Haa Alifu Atoll – Lease acquisition cost of USD390,000 with another USD7,000 for Tourism Training Fund
• Seedhihura, Meemu Atoll – Lease acquisition cost of USD1,599,999 with another USD120,000 for Tourism Training Fund
• Embulufushi, Faafu Atoll – Lease acquisition cost of USD3,601,155 with another USD150,000 for Tourism Training Fund
• Jinnathugau, Faafu Atoll - Lease acquisition cost of USD2,021,121 with another USD200,121 for Tourism Training Fund
• Funadhoovilligilla, Gaafu Alifu Atoll - Lease acquisition cost of USD702,000 with another USD5,000 for Tourism Training Fund
• Kan’dahalakala, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll - Lease acquisition cost of USD2,800,000 with another USD150,000 for Tourism Training Fund
• Fereythavilligilla, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll - Lease acquisition cost of USD702,000 with another USD5,000 for Tourism Training Fund

The tourism ministry stated the winning bidders have been given a duration of 60 days to pay 50% of the proposed acquisition costs and conduct an initial environmental assessment.