Ministry of Tourism has listed three more islands to be leased for tourism related ventures.
In an announcement published on Thursday, the ministry cited that the islands of Agi in Kaafu Atoll, Bodukaashi Huraa and Lonuboe in South Alifu Atoll are to be leased for tourism purposes.
The island of Agi in Kaafu atoll has a land area of 2.5 hectares, with an estimated acquisition cost of USD 2.1 million. The island of Bodukaashi Huraa in South Alifu atoll has a land area of 2.4 hectares, with an estimated acquisition cost of USD 1.7 million. The island of Lonuboe in South Alifu atoll has a land area of 2.1 hectares, with an estimated acquisition cost of USD 1.5 million.
The policy of the current administration is to market at least ten islands for tourism related ventures, per year. Under the 2016 amendment to the Tourism Act, the islands and lagoons would be leased without a bid process. The ministry stated that the rates in the announcement are estimates and that a final rate can be decided only after a high level survey.