17 islands to be leased for tourism

Bidding has been opened for four islands for halal tourism and 13 islands for regular tourism development.

An announcement issued by the Tourism Ministry yesterday states that part of the lagoon of HDh. Makunudhoo, L. Fonagaadhoo, S. Dhonhera, and a nearby small island are open for bidding for halal tourism development.

Of these, the highest lease acquisition cost is set for Makunudhoo lagoon. The 200 hectare lagoon requires a minimum of USD 1.3 million (MVR 20 million) to be proposed. The lowest cost is for the Dhonhera. This 9 hectare area requires an acquisition cost of USD 498,000 (MVR 7.7 million).

For regular tourism, 13 islands in HA, HDh, and Sh atoll are open for bidding. Among these, the highest lease acquisition cost is set for three areas in HA. Maadhuni lagoon and three areas in Sh. Gonaa lagoon. Each area is 200 hectares in size, and has an acquisition cost of USD 2.1 million (MVR 32 million).

 Also open for bidding for tourism are two areas in HA. Kelaa lagoon, two areas in HDh. Makunudhoo lagoon and three areas in HDh. Maafaru lagoon. Acquisition cost for a 169 hectare area in Kelaa lagoon has an acquisition cost of USD 2 million (MVR 30 million), while the 159 hectare area has a cost of USD 1.9 million (MVR 29 million). 

From Makunudhoo and Maafaru lagoons, areas of 200 hectares are to be leased. The acquisition cost for these is set at USD 1.5 million (MVR 23 million).

Bid documents can be submitted until April 5, the Tourism Ministry stated. 

For halal tourism development, bid security is set at USD 35,000, while for regular tourism, bid security is at USD 40,000. 

This time, the Tourism Ministry has prioritized atolls where the tourism industry is yet to expand. 

In mid-2025, the ministry announced 32 islands up for tourism development. However, bids were proposed for only a handful of these.