Ministry of Tourism has held discussions with over 70 island councils to expand local tourism as part of the Tourism Diversification and Localisation Programme launched to develop tourism in inhabited islands.
The tourism ministry said the main purpose of the meetings is to expand local tourism in the islands and facilitate direct benefits of tourism to the residents of the islands. The ministry commenced trips to the atolls in August last year to assess the tourism situation of the islands and discuss ways to take local tourism to the next level. During the visits, officials from the ministry met with island councils, women's development committees (WDCs), and tourist facilities. As such, the first trip was made to islands in Haa Alifu Atoll. The trips are headed by Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Mausoom said discussions have been held with 70 islands under the programme. He said one thing the teams noticed during the visits is the enthusiasm and motivation of councils to expand tourism to boost the income for the islands. He added the councils also have members who have experience of the tourism sector and that authorities need to assist in administrative areas.
During the meetings, discussions mainly focus on the possibility of local councils developing tourism in the islands with the latest amendments to the decentralisation system, the plans of the councils to expand tourism in the islands and the areas councils require assistance from the ministry.
The tourism ministry is expected to visit 189 inhabited islands as part of the programme.