The Maldives government announced 14 uninhabited islands for tourist resort development.
Investors are invited to submit their bids before 21st March, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
The highest acquisition costs are set for the lagoons of K. Kaashidhoo and F. Nilandhoo. The ministry allocated 10 hectares from each of these lagoons, with an acquisition cost starting at USD2.2 million (MVR34 million) for each.
Acquisition costs for the islands allocated from HA. Medhufushi, Th. Olhufushi, and GDh. Fereythavilingili were significantly lower compared to Kaashidhoo and Nilandhoo. The ministry set an acquisition cost of USD875,000 (MVR13.5 million) for HA. Medhufushi, and USD700,000 (MVR1.07 million) for both Olhufushi and Fereythavilingili.
Other islands the ministry announced for tourist resort development include;
- HA. Alidhufarufinolhu
- R. Ehthigili
- M. Boahuraa
- GA. Beyramauddoo
- GA. Funadhoovilingili
- GDh. Kalhehuttaa
- GDh. Haadhuvaa
The acquisition costs for the aforementioned islands range between USD200,000 to USD500,000 making them the lowest.
The highest bidder for each of the islands will receive 60 percent of the points for acquisition; the remaining percentage will be based on environmental sustainability, staff training, and the use of renewable energy.
It is an open-bid offer, so the ministry expects acquisition costs may increase eventually.