New islands to be leased for resort development

Maldives Promotion House – Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture has identified 14 virgin islands to be leased for resort development.

According to Minister Ahmed Adeeb they have surveyed and identified 14 islands from seven atolls. The new islands will be open for bidders in the next month under the Third Tourism Master Plan. Ministry of Tourism will release the bidding criteria very soon and highest bidder from open bidding will be awarded the island.

Islands selected for development are Fasmandhu in Raa Atoll;  Ookolhu Finolhu in Lhaviyani Atoll; Bodumohoraa in Vaavu Atoll; Dhihthundi in Meemu Atoll;   Hulhiyandhoo, Olhutholhu, Uvadhevifushi in Laamu atoll; Bihurehaa, Bodu Bondeyyaa, Falhuvehrahaa, Maamutaa, Lhossaa in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Kannigillaa and Rahadhuvaa in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.

Adeeb also said government is planning to build five new domestic airports and additional islands are to be leased near the airports. Airport development will be in Haa Alifu Atoll, Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Maafaru in Noonu Atoll, Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll and Fiyoree in Gaafu Alifu Atoll. Hanimaadhoo Airport in Haa Dhaalu Atoll will be further developed as an international.