Minister of Tourism Moosa Zameer has revealed that a large percentage of the guest houses, to be developed in Addu City for middle level tourism would be open for operation next January. He made this statement in an interview given during the sidelines of the Addu Investment Forum.
As part of the Addu Integrated Tourism Project, investors have been invited to develop 67 guest houses in six areas of Addu City. The sites allocated are, Herethere in Hulhudhoo Island, Hikihera in Meedhoo Island, Malimathi in Meedhoo Island, the Convention Centre area in Hithadhoo Island, Dhigihera and Savaahiriyaa in Feydhoo Island and an area in Maradhoo Island.
These four-storey guest houses have been designed to house 25 rooms. These guest houses would boast a bed capacity of 3000. The government aims to complete this project in one year. In order to speed up the construction phase, the guest houses would be prefabricated buildings.
Minister Zameer said that right now, engineering and procurement work are underway. He added that 30 slots have also been allocated for the development of restaurants, spas, water sports and wellness centers.
“The company that develops the guest houses would market the destinations as well. The main aim of the project is to ensure that daily international flights are operated to and from Gan International Airport in addition to expanding the charter market,” Minister Zameer said.
The Managing Director of Maldives Integrated Tourism Development Corporation (MITDC) Mohamed Shaahid said that guest houses that are ready ahead of schedule, would be opened for operations on completion. MITDC estimates the Addu Integrated Tourism Project to cost approximately USD 20 to 25 million.
Ministry of Tourism ensures that priority would be given for investors from Addu City.