The ‘Asseyri Tourism’ initiative, a strategic plan that promises to bring transformative economic changes to Addu City, will add 6,000 tourism beds to the city, President Mohamed Muizzu has announced. This initiative, according to the president, will mark a new chapter in the region’s tourism industry.
The president made the announcement during a community meeting on Hulhumeedhoo Island. The government is formulating the tourism development plan as part of the initiative. This comprehensive plan includes the development of a seaplane hub and establishing international air connections to the southernmost atoll.
In a parallel development, the administration has commissioned The Arab Contractors, a leading construction company in the Middle East and Africa, to carry out a detailed feasibility study and design work to connect the interlinked island districts of Addu City and Hulhumeedhoo Island.
This project, funded by grants, is set to commence this year, and it is expected to be completed within four years, according to President Muizzu. Once completed, the bridge, spanning 14 to 15 kilometres, including causeways, will be the longest in the Maldives.
The geographical configuration of Addu Atoll inherently interconnects the four islands of Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Maradhoofeydhoo, and Feydhoo, while Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo remain distinct and more distant. A pivotal aspect of Addu’s urban development is establishing a bridge to ensure connectivity among all island districts, a commitment that has been a cornerstone of President Muizzu’s campaign.
Simultaneously, the Gan International Airport Expansion Project, initiated in June 2023 by the previous administration, is progressing steadily. The project, carried out with the assistance of the Indian government, aims to provide services to 1.5 million passengers annually.
The seaplane hub, a part of the airport expansion project, will connect the southern atolls—Fuvahmulah City and Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu Atolls—with Addu City. “This will bring about a significant development in tourism in this region,” said President Muizzu. The administration is also working on a five-year master plan to develop tourism in Addu City further.