Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal devoted his weekend to a comprehensive tour of all the islands in Laamu Atoll, engaging in meaningful discussions with local island councils on ways to bolster local tourism opportunities. This initiative is in line with the government’s intensified focus on expanding local tourism to empower and uplift island communities.
Minister Faisal underscored the untapped potential for local tourism development on these islands. His unwavering commitment to this cause was evident during his recent address at Velana International Airport (VIA), where he outlined the government’s dedication to prioritizing local tourism for its positive impact on the islands.
Accompanying the minister on these visits was Shiuna Khalid, the Managing Director of the Maldives Integrated Tourism Development Corporation (MITDC). Together, they explored L. Baresdhoo, an island under MITDC’s jurisdiction, to assess and strategize the development of local tourism infrastructure.
While the Maldives currently boasts a robust tourism foundation with 13,563 tourist beds across 113 islands, the Laamu Atoll has been lagging behind, featuring only four guest houses with a total of 102 rooms. The minister’s visits and ensuing discussions are anticipated to pave the way for expanding and enriching local tourism offerings in these areas.
