13 islands issued for resort development: Minister

The current administration has so far leased 13 islands for tourism purposes, Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference in the President's Office, the minister said 10 islands were leased on a closed bidding basis and that the remaining three were issued on a cross subsidy basis. Open bidding processes are currently active for three other islands as well, he said.

“Three places [islands] have been opened under an open bidding [basis]. Among them, two islands planned to be built in the Kelaa lagoon and an island in the Kaashidhoo lagoon have been tendered,” he said.

Minister Thorig said the target is to launch 1,290 beds this year, which he added would be achieved.

Some 156 resorts are currently being developed for tourism purposes while 61 islands are still on hold due to various reasons. Currently, 65 domestic brands and 110 international brands are providing tourism services in Maldives.

The new tourism master plan aims to increase tourism revenue to MVR 6 billion in the year 2027. In the year 2023, the tourism sector generated MVR 4.2 billion in revenue.