Three announcements made for Medhafushi's tourism development, no bids made: Dr. Mausoom

Former Tourism Minister, Dr. Abdualla Mausoom has stated that no bids were made for the tourism development of Medhafushi Island in Haa Alif Atoll, even though bid announcement for the island was made three different times.

The response to a written query posed by member of parliament for Hoarafushi, Ahmed Saleem, during Dr. Mausoom's tenure as Minister of Tourism was addressed, during Monday's sitting of the People's Majlis.

In his response, the former Tourism Minister noted that Manafaru Island and Dhonakulhi Island of Haa Alif Atoll are being operated as resorts.

He noted that Velifinolhu Island of Haa Alif Atoll has been leased for resort development through a tender process in 2021.

Dr. Mausoom also mentioned that, in January 2023, Alidhuhfarufinolhu of Haa Alif Atoll was put up for bid through a tender process.

Furthermore, he noted that no bids were submitted for Medhafushi Island in Haa Alif Atoll, despite the fact that an announcement inviting bids for the island's tourism development was made three times.

With reference to the initiatives undertaken to promote tourism, Dr. Mausoom stated that the Island Councils of Hoarafushi, Uligan, Utheemu, Vashafaru and Kelaa Islands of Haa Alif Atoll were provided with technical support from the Tourism Ministry in leasing the land designated for tourism development, in the respective islands.

He stated that the islands and lands in areas which has not seen tourism development were given a high priority under the cross-subsidy tourism development. He noted that a special acquisition costs was allocated to increase investments in such areas.