Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Yumna Maumoon on Saturday, underscored the importance of developing cultural tourism in the southernmost atoll of Addu.
During her first visit to Addu since assuming her role in the cabinet of ministers, she tweeted "Addu City is gifted with a unique dialect, long history, and a rich culture and heritage".
"It is important to preserve the city's heritage and promote cultural tourism".
Minister Yumna discussed avenues to develop such tourism in her meeting with the City Council. She also visited the many districts of the city and observed various historic locations as part of Addu's tangible heritage.
Addu's intangible heritage includes its special dialect, sports, traditions and skilled work.
Addu City Mayor Abdulla Sodiq expressed concern that the Addu dialect was fading. He noted the need for legislative policies on language, adding that no official recording of the atoll's history was kept.
The Maldives Heritage Survey, led by Dr Michael Feener of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, recently surveyed the atoll. The council is currently developing a booklet of the city's profile.
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