The Maldivian government has decided to develop halal tourism in five regions across the Maldives, offering grant concessions for those interested in investing in these areas. With this decision, new doors will be opened for the Maldives’ tourism industry, the government said.
The Ministry of Tourism and Environment said halal tourism is a service designed to cater to the needs of Muslim travelers and to provide hospitality to all types of guests. The concept will be implemented during the resort development phase and during the resort operations phase. In this regard, the government decided to dedicate designated islands in five regions across the country for halal tourism and grant concessions to attract investors to develop and operate the concept of "Halal Tourism". The government will pursue Halal tourism in Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Thaa and Laamu Atolls.
In order to attract investors to introduce halal tourism in the region, the lease acquisition cost for the designated islands will be reduced by an additional 20 percent and flexible payment options will be offered for the lease acquisition fee payment such that lease acquisition will be paid in the first quarter of the fifth and sixth years. The government has also decided to waive the land rent for the remainder of the grace period instead of deferring it in case the islands or lagoons that are completed, opened and operated before the grace period ends.
In addition, the government has decided to exempt up to 20 percent of the capital investment of resort development items and to add furniture, kitchen appliances, electronics and other amenities to the duty exemption category.
With these concessions, 31 projects in these five areas will be opened for open bidding and closed bidding. The Ministry of Tourism said that one project from each atoll will be identified for the halal tourism model.