Tourism Minister Ali Waheed, speaking at the Gala Night to mark World Tourism Day, announced that 27 islands are in the process of being assessed for the tourism industry.

The minister revealed that the government has begun already started work to evaluate these islands, based on the initial assessment report by CDE consulting.

Noting that the assessment of HA. Uligamu is nearing completion, Waheed said that their plan is to restart work their “within the next two months.” He added that work will begin on Hdh.Naagoshi within the following year.

The government has assigned the project to Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).

In addition to assessing HA. and HDh. Atoll, the minister also stated assessment work is currently being carried out on islands in N, Sh, and R atoll alongside some islands of M, F, and Dh atoll.

The minister disclosed that work on Laamu and Huvadhoo atoll, alongside the Fuvahmulah tourism zone and Addu city Hankede is reaching conclusion.

further noting that the islands cannot be confirmed until CDE’s final assessment report, Waheed said that they will follow recommendations from the members of the economic council and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Furthermore, socio-economic reports and environmental research will also be conducted on these islands in addition to CDE’s final assessment report.

Minister Waheed gave reassurance to the citizens of these potential islands as he believes they have high expectations from the government.