Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal Addresses Stalled Island Resort Projects

In a proactive move to tackle stalled resort projects across the Maldives, Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal embarked on a visit to islands where development work has ground to a halt. With a focus on revitalizing tourism in these areas, Faisal is personally assessing the status of these projects.
Among the visited locations is Ga. Maarendhoo, where development work awarded to a Chinese company in 2016 has languished since 2019. Residents of Kolamaafushi have expressed significant concerns regarding the project's suspension.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Faisal emphasized the formation of a special committee dedicated to resolving issues surrounding stalled developments. He expressed optimism, stating that with concerted efforts, projects could be completed within two years, potentially unlocking significant economic benefits.
The economic repercussions of halted projects are substantial, with an annual loss of $1.7 billion (MVR 26 billion) reported from tourism islands where development has stalled. This problem is particularly acute in K. Atoll, where 29 resorts remain unbuilt, alongside 10 islands in Ga. Atoll.
Addressing financial constraints as a key obstacle, Faisal affirmed the Economic Council's commitment to identifying and remedying these issues. Plans to present proposals to the Cabinet underscore the government's determination to revitalize stalled developments and reignite economic growth in these regions.