Government decides on 15 islands to be developed as tourist resorts

Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has said that 15 islands have been decided to be developed as new tourist resorts.

Tourism Minister Ahmed Adheeb told Sun today that 15 islands have been selected from different locations around the country, following counsel from the cabinet.

The islands are; Haa Alif Maafunolhu, Shaviyani Fushifaru, Shaviyani Mairah, Shaviyani Madhurah, Shaviyani Dhigurah, Noonu Kunumala, Noonu Ehdhuhfaru, Raa Aarah, Raa Kudafushi, Raa Fasmendhoo, Vaavu Bodumohora, Thaa Vanbandhi, Thaa Kani, Gaafu Alif Maamutaa-Dhevvalaabadhoo, Gaafu Alif Dhevvamaagalaa-Dhigudhoo, Gaafu Alif Medhureha, Gaafu Alif Maafehelaa, Gaafu Alif Innareha, three islands joined together in one single lagoon. Vaavu Bodumohora was previously utilized for marine research purposes by the government. The three islands of Mairah, Medhurah and Dhigurah in Shaviyani atoll are located inside a single lagoon.

“This includes some of the islands currently being contested in court. The islands will be opened for bidding as soon as the court cases are resolved. But a total of 14 islands will be opened for bidding this time, three of which have already been announced,” Minister said.

Minister Adheeb said that an additional three newly decided islands will be announced within the week.

“We want to announce them separately, so that more investors will get the opportunity. We will try to open 11 more islands for bidding this year,” Minister said.

He said that he hopes to see the support from investors for the newly announced islands.

Tourism Ministry announced the islands; Raa Ufulandhoo, Raa Madifushi (the inhabitants of which were relocated after the 2004 tsunami), Gaafu Alif Keradhdhoo and Seenu Ismailahera earlier this year. Raa Ufulandhoo was soon recalled however, following a court case that prompted an order to suspend proceedings regarding the island. Ministry of Tourism stated that seven parities submitted bids for the three islands, for which the bidding deadline closed last Thursday.