Plans announced to lease land from 11 islands for tourism

The government has announced plans to lease land from 11 islands for tourism development.

At a ceremony held by the Tourism Ministry in Dharubaaruge tonight, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated that the government has come up with new plans and decisions to further develop local tourism.

These plans included leasing land from bigger islands. "We have decided to lease lands from islands such as Ha. Uligamu, Ha. Filladhoo (Dhaffaru area), Ha. Kelaa, six islands from Addu city, L. Gan, and areas from Fuvahmulah (Thundi)." said the President before stating that he hoped this was an important work for the development of the country. The President also stated that when the time comes for the fifth masterplan for the tourism industry, the industry will be evenly spread across all atolls and in a sustainable manner.

The Maldives will also be marketed vigorously throughout the world as new resorts and guesthouses open up and the government has already started working with the relevant institutions on setting out a budget for these works, the President stated.

The President also spoke on how the government was accelerating plans to develop the airport in Hulhule and highlighted the challenge that there weren't enough airports to accommodate the growing tourism industry. 

"We are trying to open up new airports in sequence with the new resorts already under construction,"

"The biggest achievement from this government is the guarantee that this administration will not take away the rights of any citizen. That is the secret behind the tranquility and calmness we feel today."

"We have been publishing the financial details and expenses of the government once every month. The income the government receives and its expenditure, will be very clear to the citizens." said the President. The President also stated that the citizens can finally feel of an administration that was kind and caring for its people.