United Kingdom is an ideal market to promote Addu City: Minister Faisal

Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has stated that the United Kingdom is an ideal market to promote Addu City.

Speaking at the "Destination Addu-Summit 2024" held today, Minister Faisal emphasized Addu City's historic ties with the UK, making it a strategic location for tourism promotion.

"Addu City is a place where the British once lived. I recently met with our Heritage Minister, and together we can promote Addu City to the British market," he said.

Minister Faisal also added that British-built structures in Addu City will be renovated as part of these efforts.

The minister said that participating in the World Travel Market (WTM) in the UK would benefit the Addu City Council and urged other councils to lead similar initiatives.

Faisal stressed the government's commitment to expanding tourism in Addu region and highlighted the special priority given to once again make Shangri-La Resort operational.

Minister Faisal also shared that a special plan is being formulated to develop tourism in Addu City and explore further opportunities for growth.

Speaking during the summit, Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar stated that Addu City possesses unique characteristics and has one of the largest pools of human resources, making it an ideal location for tourism development.

"There are 15 days' worth of activities and sightseeing available here to occupy a tourist," he said. Nizar added that Addu City can offer all types of tourism available in the country with its abundant resources.

Nizar said that islands like Himmafushi, Maafushi, and Thoddoo are being developed thanks to investments from local residents. He questioned why the people of Addu City had not shown similar courage. The mayor expressed disappointment that many of the local businesspeople in the tourism sector, whom the council had invited, did not attend the summit.

"I believe that more collaborative efforts will yield results. We can pave the way and provide encouragement, but the power to achieve this lies in the hands of the people of Addu City," he said.