Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed has announced news islands and lands for tourism development. The announcement was made in the last event of the ministry for the year titled “Burabi” held at Dharubaaruge Convention Centre.
Speaking at the event, Minister Ali Waheed detailed the year 2020 will see the introduction of 13,720 additional beds to the sector. While the list announced include 29 islands to be developed as tourist facilities, minister said the selection of the islands was carried in the North to the South of the country following an environmental impact assessment.
The list of 29 islands available for tourist facilities development include:
1. Maafinalhu, Haa Alif Atoll
2. Dhahparu, Haa Alif Atoll
3. Medhafushi, Haa Alif Atoll
4. Alidhuffaru Finolhu, Haa Alif Atoll
5. Hondaidhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll
6. Kudafaru Fasgandu, Haa Dhaalu Atoll
7. Vaikaru Muradhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll
8. Utheemu, Haa Alif
9. Naagoashi, Haa Dhaalu Atoll
10. Nalandhoo, Shaviyani Atoll
11. Kudalhaimendhoo, Shaviyani Atoll
12. Fushifaru, Shaviyani Atoll
13. Kunnamalai, Noonu Atoll
14. Alifushi, Raa Atoll
15. Seedhi Hura, Meemu Atoll
16. Boahuraa, Meemu Atoll
17. Embudhufushi, Faafu Atoll
18. Jinnathu Gau, Faafu Atoll
19. Kaaddoo, Thaa Atoll
20. Kanimeedhoo, Thaa Atoll
21. Olhufushi, Thaa Atoll
22. Kashidhoo, Laamu Atoll
23. Bodumunyafushi, Laamu Atoll
24. Dhomberaha (with Holhuraha), Laamu Atoll
25. Maarehaa, Gaafu Alif Atoll
26. Funadhoo Viligillaa, Gaafu Alif Atoll
27. Kan’dahala Gaa, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
28. Kadevaarehaa (with Dhigu Reheya), Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
29. Hankeda, Addu City
Minister further said the islands leased will create 18,672 job opportunities for the people once the resorts are complete. He explained the decision to lease the islands was made after consulting with relevant councils and other authorities and the leased islands are the most suitable ones for tourism development.
The tourism minister expects the pledge President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made of creating 35,000 tourist beds in the country by the year 2023. Tourism in the Maldives is on the increase with over 1.6 million tourists visiting the country this year. The administration aims to attract 2 million tourists next year.