29 islands for tourism development, over 18,000 new jobs

The Maldivian government has announced 29 non-residential islands which will be made available for development as tourist properties.

The announcement was made by Tourism Minister Ali Waheed at a reception titled Burabi held at Dharubaaruge last Tuesday.

The list includes the 29 islands available under the “one island, one resort” concept” and seven residential islands and cities from which land will be leased to develop tourist properties.

ISLANDS UNDER “ONE ISLAND, ONE RESORT” CONCEPT

• H. A. Atoll: Four islands (over 940 beds, over 1,300 jobs)
• H. Dh. Atoll: Three islands (1,169 beds, 1,749 jobs)
• Sh. Atoll: Three islands (2,333 beds, 2,949 jobs)
• N. Atoll: One island (250 beds, 350 jobs)
• R. Atoll: One island (200 beds, 400 jobs)
• M. Atoll: Two islands (400 beds, 600 jobs)
• F. Atoll: Two islands (400 beds, 600 jobs)
• Th. Atoll: Four islands (800 beds, 1,400 jobs)
• L. Atoll: Three islands (799 beds, 1,047 jobs)
• G. A. Atoll: Two islands (639 beds, 960 jobs)
• G. Dh. Atoll: Three islands (648 beds, 972 jobs)
• Addu City: One island (207 beds, 309 jobs)

Minister Ali Waheed said that once the 29 resort islands are developed and operational, it will create 13,720 beds and 18,672 employment opportunities in the tourism sector.

NON-RESIDENTIAL ISLANDS FROM WHICH LAND WILL BE LEASED:

• Addu City: 16.67 hectors
• Fuvahmulah City: 2 hectors
• G. Dh. Vaadhoo: 0.5 hectors
• L. Gan: 19.8 hectors
• H. Dh. Nolhivaranfaru: 0.5 hectors
• H. A. Kelaa: 8.5 hectors
• H. A. Uligan: 23 hectors

Minister Ali Waheed said that the 16.67 hectors of land from Addu City will be leased from Feydhoo, Maradhoo, Hithadhoo, Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo and Hikihera; and will create 4,200 tourist beds.

“We, in collaboration with the Addu City Council, have issued an announcement regarding this… This project will transform Addu City,” he said.