The Maldives is gearing up for a significant tourism boom in the scenic Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The upcoming Hanimaadhoo International Airport, slated for completion in March 2025, is poised to transform the region’s tourism landscape. Funded by India’s Exim Bank, the airport will play a crucial role in facilitating the addition of a staggering 4,000 new tourist beds. This influx of accommodation options is expected to significantly boost tourism in the area.
Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal, in a recent parliamentary session, addressed the growing interest in expanding tourism infrastructure in the atoll. In response to questions from MDP MP Hussein Ziyad, Minister Faisal outlined the government’s ambitious plans to enhance the region’s tourism capacity. These plans include the allocation of 15 hectares of land in Vikaramuraidu for tourism development. The government is actively promoting these opportunities to investors, showcasing five islands at international forums in Dubai, Delhi, and Mumbai. Future investor forums are also planned in Singapore, Thailand, Dubai, and India, aiming to attract further interest and investment.
Currently, the Haa Dhaalu Atoll is home to just two operational resorts – Soneva Secret Resort and Hondaafushi Island Resort – with 460 registered tourist beds. The anticipated addition of 4,000 beds will represent a significant increase in accommodation capacity, catering to the growing demand for tourism in the area. The government’s proactive approach to tourism development is evident in the ongoing projects that are expected to add approximately 1,886 more beds in the coming years, complementing the 4,000-bed target.
Minister Faisal expressed confidence in the positive impact of this development, emphasizing the government’s commitment to opening more resorts to accommodate the rising number of tourists. The expansion of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport and the associated tourism development projects are expected to have a transformative impact on Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The Maldives is poised to become an even more popular destination, with Haa Dhaalu Atoll playing a key role in this growth trajectory.