The Maldivian government is preparing to unveil a package of targeted concessions aimed at accelerating tourism development in five underdeveloped atolls. The initiative, expected to be announced this month, will include financial incentives and temporary regulatory exemptions designed to attract investment and broaden tourism growth across the country.
The five atolls identified for this programme, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Thaa, and Laamu, currently have the fewest operational resorts in the Maldives. The government has finalised the legal and regulatory adjustments needed to implement the scheme, including temporary reductions in land acquisition costs and import duties. These measures will be offered for a limited time under a sunset clause applicable only to the five selected atolls.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s broader strategy to diversify the geography of tourism development, which remains heavily concentrated in a few regions. By offering these targeted concessions, the government aims to stimulate private sector interest in areas that have seen limited resort investment to date.
Alongside this effort, the government is also pursuing tourism expansion in Addu City through a cross-subsidy model announced in March. Additionally, work is underway to support the completion of previously stalled resort projects, which are expected to contribute approximately 1,290 new beds to the tourism sector within the year.
The move signals a shift towards more decentralised tourism development, with the goal of ensuring more equitable economic benefits across the country.
Photo by: Dynamyst
