Tourist Information Centres to Be Established on Inhabited Islands With Over 50 Beds

The Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, has announced plans to establish dedicated tourist information centres on inhabited islands operating more than 50 tourist beds.

The initiative was unveiled during a press conference held by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and is aimed at enhancing visitor experience while supporting the sustainable development of local tourism.

According to the Minister, the centres will be developed in collaboration with island councils and will function as key hubs to provide visitors with essential information, promote cultural awareness, and address social challenges associated with tourism in inhabited communities. The centres are intended to encourage tourists to respect local customs and social norms, while also offering guidance and solutions to issues encountered during their stay.

The announcement forms part of a broader government effort to expand tourism infrastructure nationwide. The Minister stated that 168 tourist establishments are currently under development, with seven new resorts expected to commence operations this year. These developments are projected to add more than 10,000 tourist beds to the country’s overall capacity. The tourism sector has continued to record year-on-year growth, supported by investment in resorts, guesthouses and local tourism ventures.

Officials also highlighted findings from a nationwide visitor survey conducted last year, the first such survey since 2019. The results indicated that 80 per cent of tourists reported high levels of satisfaction with their visit, while more than 90 per cent expressed a strong intention to return to the Maldives.

Based on the survey outcomes, the Ministry is prioritising improvements to international flight connectivity and strengthening the domestic transport network to facilitate easier access to a wider range of island destinations.

In addition, field assessments were carried out across five islands in Kaafu, Alifu Alifu and Alifu Dhaalu atolls. The exercise involved consultations with guesthouse operators, residents and tourists to evaluate local tourism dynamics. A comprehensive report based on these findings is currently being finalised to inform future policy direction and development planning.