The government is determined to clear the path for stalled resort development projects rather than annulling the respective contracts with investors, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim has assured.
Speaking to PSM News’ ‘Raajje Miadhu’ programme, Minister Thoriq said the government has identified 68 islands leased for resort development where the respective projects have stalled. Some resorts have been under development for as many as eight years, he revealed.
Despite such long delays, the government wishes to work with the respective investors and clear a path for them to resume these projects, the Minister added.
According to Minister Thoriq, the government wants to identify the challenges faced by investors in developing such islands and find solutions as soon as possible which he said was the way the country will most benefit.
"We don’t want to keep talking about why these projects are stalled, but rather find solutions and pave a way forward. This is what the President is thinking. We also need to tweak the relevant laws and regulations to make it easier for investors,” he explained.
The Minister also said the government is determined to work together with investors to develop the tourism sector in the Maldives which he said includes easing the current process of acquiring permits and licenses for investors.
"One of the primary complaints of the industry is delays in getting approval for detailed designs and financial and legal permits. We are working on creating an engineering consultancy pool as an accreditation checker to expedite the process. We will open for consultants very soon. Getting the necessary permits will then be a lot quicker,” the Minister said.
According to Minister Thoriq, There are currently 176 resorts in operation with another 165 currently under development. The Minister said six more resorts are expected to open this year, adding another 1,290 beds to the industry.