In a strategic effort to position Kendhikulhudhoo in Noonu Atoll as a premier local tourism destination, the Island Council has adopted the brand name 'The Mangrove Island,' as announced by the council. This initiative, according to the council, heralds the commencement of extensive advertising and marketing campaigns under the new identity.
The administration has placed a high priority on local tourism development, emphasising the unique natural and geographical attributes of various Maldivian islands. During a visit to Kendhikulhudhoo on 29 February 2024, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu unveiled plans for an ambitious eco-tourism project designed to leverage the island's distinctive environment.
Highlighting the economic potential of the island's natural surroundings, President Dr Muizzu articulated that the government's initiative seeks to create numerous income opportunities for the island's residential community, enabling them to sustain livelihoods within their home territory. The eco-tourism project, he said, aims to empower the island council and local residents to establish small and medium enterprises that harness the island's natural assets for tourism purposes.
Hassan Mohamed, President of the Kendhikulhudhoo Island Council, in an interview with PSM News, confirmed that the island had been rebranded as 'The Mangrove Island' as part of the council’s strategy to enhance local tourism. Promotional activities under this new branding have already commenced, according to Mohamed, including a presentation at the ongoing Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin 2025 in Berlin, Germany.
Mohamed elaborated on the island’s progress, noting that necessary permits to offer homestay services to visitors have been obtained. Projects are underway to construct luxury villas on the island, with plans for these villas to feature 70 rooms. The development of a city hotel is also advancing rapidly, he noted, with a portion of the 70-bed city hotel expected to be completed and operational by the end of this year.
Discussing the economic benefits of local tourism, Mohamed pointed out that many of the island’s youth are currently employed at tourist resorts away from Kendhikulhudhoo. The establishment of the city hotel is anticipated to create numerous employment opportunities, allowing these young islanders to return home and work locally, he added.
"With the city hotel and the promotion of local tourism, our youth will have the opportunity to work on the island, close to their families. 70 percent of the employment opportunities generated through these initiatives will be reserved for the local community," Mohamed stated. Employment opportunities at the city hotel and villas would prioritise women from the island, he added.
Kendhikulhudhoo is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and distinctive environmental features, including one of the largest mangrove forests in the Maldives. The island is home to nine distinct mangrove areas, forming a rich and diverse ecosystem. Among these, three mangroves span from 400 feet to 3,000 feet. The island's wetlands serve as a sanctuary for numerous bird and fish species, and Kendhikulhudhoo boasts a healthy soil profile that supports lush vegetation.