Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has revealed that the concept design for the development of a harbour at Dhiyaneru lagoon in Kaafu Atoll will benefit safari operators.
Speaking at the Maldives Boating Awards 2022, Minister Mausoom said boating plays an important role in the development of tourism, as it contributed to the Maldives overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic and winning the World Leading Destination Award three years in a row. He said 158 safaris are now in operation with 2,918 tourist beds, which is 5% of the total.
Additionally, Minister Mausoom noted the large ocean territory of the Maldives but said the lack of infrastructure has prevented more safaris from going into operation. He, however, said the development of the Dhiyaneru harbour will solve this issue. He added that President Ibrahim Solih’s policy on tourism aims to provide the benefits of tourism to every citizen equally.
The government aims to develop a harbour with berthing services for safari and supply vessels at Dhiyaneru lagoon. The harbour will accommodate safe mooring with marina services for 500 vessels of different sizes.