The government is introducing targeted concessions to accelerate tourism development in five underdeveloped atolls, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced. Regulatory amendments facilitating these measures will take effect this month, he said, offering financial incentives aimed at attracting investors to these regions.
At a press conference at the President's Office, President Muizzu outlined the five atolls identified for expansion—Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Thaa, and Laamu—highlighting the need for broader tourism distribution across the country. To encourage investment, he detailed incentives that include reductions in land acquisition costs and import duty discounts.
"We are opening this up with a sunset clause specifically for the five atolls, putting in place reductions for acquisition costs, and giving reductions on import duties," he stated. "With this, we expect to get parties to invest in these atolls." These measures will remain in place for a defined period, according to the president, after which standard tax rates and pricing structures will be reinstated.
President Muizzu also highlighted ongoing plans to expand tourism in Addu City, the southernmost urban centre of the country. The administration, he explained, is pursuing funding for the project under a cross-subsidy model, a framework formally announced on 21 March.
In addition to these initiatives, the government is working to revive stalled tourism projects, providing support to accelerate their completion. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment estimates that these efforts will result in an additional 1,290 tourism beds becoming available within the year.