By ADDU CITY, Maldives—In a major step toward expanding the nation’s tourism footprint beyond its central atolls, the Maldives officially signed an agreement yesterday for a 1,000-bed coastal tourism project in Addu City.
The deal, formalized in collaboration with the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), is poised to significantly bolster the tourism infrastructure and capacity of Addu, positioning the southern city as a key destination in the country.
The signing took place at Addu High School in Hithadhoo, where President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu was present as part of his ongoing visit to the connected islands of Addu. State Minister Mohamed Nashath Rasheed signed on behalf of the Tourism Ministry, with Managing Director Ahmed Niyaz representing the MTDC.
600 Rooms to Bolster Capacity
The ambitious project, which comprises 600 rooms and a total capacity of 1,000 beds, marks a pivotal moment in the government’s long-term vision for the area. It is a core component of the larger Addu Asseyri Tourism Development Plan, which is designed to increase Addu’s overall tourism bed capacity to a pledged 6,000 beds and is expected to generate thousands of new job opportunities.
The agreement comes as the government accelerates its efforts to diversify tourism across the archipelago. This 1,000-bed initiative is seen as the initial phase of a broader integrated tourism project planned for the Hankede area, which the President has committed to developing.
Focus on Decentralized Growth
The project underscores the government’s commitment to decentralizing tourism benefits and transforming Addu—a chain of historically and commercially significant islands—into a thriving economic hub.
“This initiative is part of the larger Maldives tourism development plan, designed to create new opportunities and increase tourism infrastructure in Addu,” a government spokesperson stated. The development is expected not only to attract a greater volume of international tourists but also to secure long-term employment and economic stability for the local residents in the southernmost atoll.
The official signing represents a major milestone, setting the groundwork for what officials believe will be a transformative era of growth for Addu City’s burgeoning tourism sector.