The government has decided to lease land in 11 islands for tourism development.
Speaking at Monday night’s event, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said that land in large populated islands will be leased through a bidding process.
The islands are: HA Filladhoo, Dhapparu, HA Uligamu, HA Kelaa, L Gan, Fuvahmulah Thundi, and six islands in Addu City.
President Solih said Maldives has achieved a high position in the world tourism market due to the capable Maldivians working in the industry.
He also said that the tourist workers’ registry will be completed within six months, which will allow the government to monitor the working conditions and improve their situation.
He said that the government will give special priority to protect the environment and that the resort development agreements in GA Odegalla and B Innafushi were terminated for this reason.
He added that his government will not focus on developing a specific region and will include all the atolls to ensure that all the islands receive the benefits of tourism.