Ministry of Tourism has revealed that two islands opened by the government for tourism have received a great response.
In January, the tourism ministry invited bids for 13 resort development projects in eight atolls. The ministry is currently working to develop areas where tourism has not progressed in the Maldives. As such, two of the islands and lagoons opened by the government for tourism development have received a great response. The two islands include Alidhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll and Olhufushi in Thaa Atoll.
The tourism ministry stated that five bidders have submitted bids for Alidhoo. Investors are required to pay a minimum lease acquisition cost of USD350,000 for the island. Individuals who paid the highest lease acquisition cost for the island paid 585.7% more than the minimum lease acquisition cost. In addition, three bidders have submitted bids for Olhufushi. The minimum lease acquisition for the island is USD700,000. The highest lease acquisition amount paid was 114.2% higher.
The tourism ministry said the current estimate is that all these islands will have at least 1,700 beds for tourism. However, the number is likely to increase, according to the ministry. The government is also providing necessary assistance to investors to accelerate the construction of unfinished resorts.