Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has announced that plans are underway to develop 4,000 new tourist beds in conjunction with the development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport.
Responding to questions raised by members of the Parliament on Wednesday, Minister Faisal said several efforts are being made to develop tourism in Haa Dhaalu Atoll in alignment with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's pledge to develop tourism in the islands where there is currently no tourism,
The minister noted that a total of 460 beds are currently registered for tourism purposes in Haa Dhaalu atoll. Three more locations in the atoll have since been allocated for tourism and a total of 1,886 beds are being developed, he said.
Minister Faisal highlighted the President’s efforts to attract foreign investment in northern atolls, referencing forums held in New Delhi and Mumbai during the President’s recent state visit to India. Investor forums are also planned for Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, and India in the first and second quarters of next year, with plans and concept designs already in development, he said.
The minister added that the international airport being developed in Hanimaadhoo, funded by India’s Exim Bank, would be completed by March next year, He assured that a total of 4,000 beds would be developed in the northern atolls before the airport's completion.
"An international airport in Hanimaadhoo will significantly enhance the area's connectivity, and we are working to ensure that 4,000 tourist beds are ready before its completion," he said.
Minister Faisal said the Tourism Ministry is actively working to increase the number of tourism beds in accordance with the President's directives.
