Government announces 17 new islands for resort development

Tourism Ministry of Maldives has decided to lease 17 new islands and lagoons from nine atolls for the purpose of resort development and has invited interested parties to submit proposals.

According to the announcement made by the ministry, the most expensive area on the list that is to be leased is 712 hectares of the Himiyyaa lagoon in Kaafu atoll, located in central Maldives. The acquisition cost of the lagoon is USD 23,518,450.

The second most expensive island on the list is located in Lhaviyani atoll's Dhiffushi island. It is set to be leased with the neighbouring Maidhoo island as well, as the cost of USD 18,580,000. This is 15.17 and an additional 20.99 hectares between both islands.

Third highest acquisition cost area on the list is a 46 hectare lagoon located at 3°55°21-076"N 73°26'31-761 E in Kaafu Atoll, going for USD 10,995,150.

Other areas on the list include 15 hectares from Haa Dhaalu Atoll's Vaikaramuraidhoo, 13.11 hectares from Shaviyani Atoll's Kudalhaimendhoo, and 4.83 hectares from Raa Atoll's Dhikkuredhhoo, all located in the northern region of the country.

From the central region, the list includes 0.28 hectares from Lhaviyani Atoll's Vihafarufinolhu, 1.47 hectares from Alif Alif Atoll's Alikoirah, 0.62 hectares from a lagoon in Vaavu Atoll (3°33'5.470"N 73°29'59.619"E) and three islands from Thaa Atoll. They are Gaalee island with an neighbouring island (6.96 + 0.20 hectares), Kanimeedhoo (10 hectares) and Ruhthibirah (8.41 hectares).

The list also includes areas from the southern region, starting from Laamu Atoll. They are 3.11 hectares from Kashidhoo, 3.41 hectares from Bodumunya fushi, 2.81 hectares from Hanhushi. The remaining two areas are from Gaafu Dhaalu atoll located below Laamu atoll. They are 3.08 hectares from Beyrumaudoo and 7.61 hectares from Kalhehuttaa.

Further information about the announcement can be clarified via their website www.tourism.gov.mv or by emailing [email protected], the ministry said.