Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal says the development of Hanimaadhoo Airport to meet international standards will be completed by next March.
Speaking at the Parliament today, Minister Faisal said after he took over as the tourism minister, he opened the opportunity to lease 15 hectares of land in Haa Dhaalu Vaikaradhoo has been opened for tourism development and evaluated by the evaluation committee.
The Minister detailed that tourist establishments with 460 beds are currently operating in Haa Dhaalu Atoll and that additional establishments with 1,886 beds are currently under development.
He stated the development of Hanimaadhoo Airport to international standards will be completed by March next year. He said work is underway to create beds in the province, he said. About 4,000 beds are being brought into operation.
The Tourism Minister said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has shared plans for tourism developments and the islands in sit-downs with investors during his recent trip abroad and will continue to do so in future visits.
The Hanimaadhoo Airport Internationalization Project is being funded by Exim Bank of India at a cost of $136 million. The government estimates that the Hanimaadhoo airport will be able to handle 1.3 million passengers annually.
