Tourism Diversification Strategy to Create 10,000 Jobs in Southern Maldives

Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has announced that government efforts to diversify the Maldives' tourism sector are yielding tangible results. Addressing the People’s National Congress (PNC) Senate, Minister Ameen stated that the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is committed to expanding the industry's footprint into under-represented regions, moving beyond the traditional concentrated hubs that have dominated for decades. For the past 30 years, regional development in the northern and southern archipelagos remained a significant challenge. To resolve this, the government is introducing innovative models, including Halal tourism, supported by strategic incentives such as tax system adjustments and concessions on lease acquisition fees. Minister Ameen confirmed that developer interest is high, noting that three locations have already been handed over and two other parties are currently submitting development plans. He highlighted that these projects introduce tourism models previously absent in the Maldives, signaling a shift toward a more inclusive economic landscape. A central pillar of this roadmap is the "Asseyri Tourism" project in Addu City. This ambitious initiative aims to introduce 6,000 new beds and establish a dedicated seaplane hub, which is expected to generate 10,000 local jobs. This project represents a strategic attempt to decentralize economic benefits and provide sustainable employment in the southern atolls. Further expansion is planned through integrated tourism developments across four additional islands, alongside the establishment of a city hotel and eco-tourism opportunities in Fuvahmulah. Additionally, dedicated Halal tourism projects are progressing on four designated islands to attract a broader global demographic. Beyond these flagship hubs, the government's broader diversification strategy encompasses the growth of local and cultural tourism, surfing destinations, and the establishment of new visitor centers. These efforts will be supported by essential upgrades to airport infrastructure to ensure seamless accessibility to the country's furthest reaches.