Government will establish 5000 beds in Addu City in 5 years: Tourism Minister

Government will increase hotel capacity in Addu City to 5000 beds within the next 5 years, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Adheeb told the parliament today.

Speaking at a question session in parliament, Tourism Minister said that the government has extensive plans to develop guest-house businesses in Addu City and that the city will be the first area to see development under the new special economic zones.

He asked the parliament to expedite the Special Economic Zone Bill, along with other laws surrounding the government's plans to develop focused areas. The government has ambitious plans to develop Addu City and Maradhoo, Adheeb said.

Tourism Minister also expressed support for Addu City Council's efforts to develop the city, but said that investors are reluctant to do business in the area due to incidents such as the arson attacks following the controversial change of power in 2012. He will continue to assure investors that such events will not be repeated, the Tourism Minister said.

Adheeb said that the government’s plans to increase hotel capacity in Addu City to 5000 beds will be finalized and revealed to the public later this month.