Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed has announced more islands from six zones will be leased for tourism purposes.
Speaking at a press conference, the tourism minister noted a list have been compiled and forwarded to the President's Office. He expressed suggestions and recommendations were sought from relevant parties when the list was compiled.
Furthermore, the minister stated President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will decide which islands will be developed as resorts. In this regard, he revealed when leasing islands for tourism, highest priority is given to promote tourism in areas which are least developed in terms of tourism.
While tourism contributes to a vast majority of the economy of the country, the administration aims to develop a further 35,000 beds across Maldives in the next five years.