Government working to expand tourism through new development models
Efforts under way to take tourism to all parts of the Maldives
Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has said the introduction of new tourism models is already producing positive results, as the government works to diversify the tourism industry and expand its benefits across the Maldives.
Minister Ameen made the remarks while delivering a presentation on the tourism sector at a meeting of the People’s National Congress (PNC) Members’ Council.
He said one of the key objectives of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is to further develop the tourism industry by introducing and expanding new models in areas where tourism has previously been limited.
According to the minister, the results of these efforts are already becoming visible, with new tourism development models being introduced alongside the government’s broader initiatives to diversify the sector.
Ameen said the government is also introducing several measures to promote sustainable tourism development in the Maldives, including the development of concepts such as halal tourism.
“Three locations have already been handed over. At the development stage, two parties are moving forward after submitting plans. Some people have also begun developing locations under models that are not currently available in the Maldives. They are being provided with many concessions through lease acquisition or the tax system,” Minister Ameen said.
He said tourism in the Maldives remains concentrated in a relatively small area compared with the country as a whole. The government’s vision, he explained, is to diversify the industry by expanding tourism opportunities in both the northern and southern regions of the country.
Ameen described this as a major and challenging undertaking, noting that it is an effort that had not been fully realised during the past 30 years.
The minister also highlighted three major strategic projects currently being pursued in the tourism sector.
The first is “Aseeri Tourism.” Under this initiative, plans are in place to develop 6,000 tourist beds in Addu City, establish a seaplane hub and create 10,000 employment opportunities.
The second area is integrated tourism development. The government aims to strengthen opportunities for eco-tourism in Fuvahmulah City and establish a city hotel there. In addition, integrated tourism development initiatives have been announced for four other islands.
The minister said halal tourism initiatives are also being implemented at different stages on four islands.
Other strategic areas identified by the government include local tourism, cultural tourism, surfing tourism, visitor centres, resort development and airport upgrades.
Minister Ameen said these initiatives form part of the government’s broader effort to diversify the Maldivian tourism industry, expand tourism beyond its traditional areas and ensure that tourism-related economic opportunities reach more parts of the country.
