The Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Heena Waleed, has said plans are being developed in coordination with relevant ministries and institutions to establish a system that will ensure the benefits and economic opportunities generated by Utheemu, a historically significant and renowned island in Haa Alifu Atoll, are spread across a wider range of areas and benefit the island.
The Minister made the remarks while speaking to PSM News’ "Raajje Miadhu" programme about preparations to mark this year’s National Day at the national level in Utheemu.
Minister Heena said that although Utheemu’s main attraction for visitors and tourists has traditionally been the Utheemu Palace, there are several other sites that can be visited on the island. These include the historic doorway of the palace of the Boduthakurufaanu, Kandhuvalu Mosque, Vaahakavaavu and other projects being developed in the area.
She noted that Utheemu Palace is already visited by a large number of tourists from across the Maldives and abroad. The Minister said the additional attractions and ongoing development projects would further boost tourism in the area and allow the benefits to reach residents in a wider variety of ways.
“We believe that the development of tourism in this area will receive further momentum through these sites and the projects being developed, allowing the benefits to residents to expand in different ways. Therefore, to establish a system through which these benefits and revenues can be broadly shared with the residents and the island, we are preparing plans in coordination with the relevant ministries and institutions and intend to work together with the council,” Minister Heena said.
The Minister highlighted that increasing the economic benefits derived from heritage is an important policy of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
She added that plans are also being developed to carry out this work through a comprehensive system that would provide greater support for handicraft activities and home-based businesses.