20 new resorts to be opened this year; work to commence on two new airports

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu states his administration will commence the development of two new airports this year, while they are also targeting to open 20 new resorts.

He made the remark while delivering his first presidential address at the opening sitting of the last session of the ongoing 19^th parliament on Monday morning.

In his address, President Muizzu spoke on various topics of importance.

In this regard, the president said efforts were underway to complete the airports presently under development, adding that his administration will commence physical works on the development of two additional airports this year.

“Apart from completing the works on the domestic airports already under development, we will also commence works on the development of two new airports this year,” he said.

 He also noted that efforts were underway to commence modern and safe helicopter service in line with his cabinet’s decision.

President Muizzu also spoke regarding his administration's goals for the tourism sector this year which include opening 20 new resorts that will create 2,827 beds and providing assistance to complete the development of unfinished resorts.

The president also said his administration has commenced efforts to identify the obstructions to the development of islands, land plots and lagoons leased for tourism development that has been halted over various reasons and explore possible solutions.

In this trajectory, he said the Tourism Ministry, in collaboration with Finance Ministry and Economic Ministry, are working on formulating a policy to complete the 63 tourism development projects, and introduce them to the market.

“This work will be completed within the upcoming week or so,” he added.

While Maldives recorded the arrival of 1.8 million tourists last year – President Muizzu forecasts that two million tourists will visit the island nation this year.