Ministry of Tourism has revealed 13 bids have been submitted by 9 different parties for the development of resorts in 7 islands.
The tourism ministry had opened 16 islands across 7 atolls for tourism development in April this year. At the end of the bid submission period, 13 bids were submitted by 9 different parties for 7 of the islands opened for tourism development. As such, bids were submitted for Velifinolhu in Haa Alifu Atoll, Seedhihuraa in Meemu Atoll, Kaaddoo and Olhufushi in Thaa Atoll, Bodumunyafushi in Laamu Atoll, Funadhoovilligiyya in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Kan'dahalagala in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
Following the end of the bid submission period, the tourism ministry has commenced the bid evaluation stage. The ministry expects to complete the bid evaluation process within the next three weeks.
The tourism ministry has also decided to conduct further assessment for the islands that did not receive any bids. The ministry will make a decision on reopening the islands for tourism development, following the assessment.
The islands opened for tourism development are among the 29 islands announced for tourism development in 2019. The government said 13,720 new tourist beds will be established upon development of the islands. It is part of the 35,000 new tourist beds pledged by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.