Gov’t aims to boost tourism bed capacity with Hanimaadhoo Airport development

Minister of Torusim Ibrahim Faisal has emphasised the efforts being exerted by the government to increase the be capacity for tourism in Hanimaadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, by the time the development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport is completed. In response to queries raised by parliamentarians, Minister Faisal reiterated President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge of developing the tourism industry. Highlighting that 15 hectares of Vaikaramuraidhoo, Haa Alif Atoll was among the first islands the current administration allocated for tourism, the minister stated that the development of tourism on the island has also been contracted. Furthermore, Minister Faisal anticipated that the development works of Hanimaadhoo International Airport will be completed by March 2025. The minister revealed plans of increasing the bed capacity of the island by then, by introducing additional 4,000 beds. Moreover, Minister Faisal disclosed that decisions have been made to hold investor forums in various countries, aiming to seek potential investors to expand tourism nationwide. The minister underscored the crucial importance of providing information on investment opportunities in the Maldives’ tourism industry. He additionally stated that forwarding information on specific projects to investors, will play a significant role in elevating the development of the tourism industry.