The government’s plan to develop 10 resorts with profits shared among Maldivian citizens would bring about another major change in the tourism industry, prominent businessman and Crown Company Chairman Hussain Afeef (Champa Afeef) said last night.

Speaking at a ceremony marking Maldives Tourism Day, Afeef said the government’s announcement to develop 10 resorts and distribute the profits among citizens would bring significant changes to the tourism sector.

“I want to participate in this. I hope this project will be successful,” Afeef said.

Earlier this year, the government announced plans for a state-owned company to develop 10 islands as resorts over the next three years, with each citizen expected to receive USD400 annually from the profits.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu also said during his presidential address to Parliament in February that 10 resorts would be developed under the project, with Maldivian citizens becoming the mandated shareholders.

Afeef said the tourism industry had reached its current position through the joint efforts of the government and private sector.

He said lessons learned from the past should be used to further develop the industry.

Afeef also said the tourism sector was driven by the hard work of employees working at different levels across the industry.