The Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim has announced the establishment of dedicated tourist information centres on inhabited islands operating more than 50 tourist beds.
The initiative, revealed during a press conference held by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, aims to enhance the visitor experience while supporting sustainable local tourism development.
Minister Thoriq emphasised that the centres—developed in collaboration with island councils—will serve as key hubs to provide tourists with essential information, promote cultural awareness, and address common social challenges associated with local tourism.
“This will solve the problems faced by tourists. We want tourists to stay in inhabited islands, abide by social norms, respect the culture of the island, and find easy solutions to the problems they encounter,” the minister stated.
The announcement comes amid a broader government push to expand the nation’s tourism infrastructure. Minister Thoriq highlighted that 168 tourist establishments are currently under development, with seven new resorts expected to open for tourism this year alone—adding over 10,000 new tourist beds to the country’s capacity. He noted that the sector has seen consistent growth year-on-year, driven by increased investment in resorts, guesthouses, and local tourism initiatives.
Citing a nationwide visitor survey conducted last year—the first since 2019—Ministry officials revealed that 80 percent of tourists expressed high satisfaction with their stay, and over 90 percent indicated a strong desire to return.
Based on survey feedback, the Ministry is prioritising improved flight connectivity and a strengthened domestic transport network to allow easier access to diverse island destinations.
Additionally, extensive fieldwork was carried out across five islands in Kaafu, Alifu Alifu, and Alifu Dhaalu Atolls, engaging guesthouse operators, residents, and tourists to assess local tourism dynamics. A comprehensive report based on these findings is currently being finalised to guide future policy and development.