President Muizzu Fulfills Pledge: Major Tourism Concessions Announced for Regional Growth
President Mohamed Muizzu's government announced a package of tourism concessions for underdeveloped atolls including Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Thaa, Laamu, and Addu City. Measures include eliminating location premiums, reducing lagoon premiums by 30%, waiving size-based premiums for 20-40 hectare islands, and lowering charges for larger islands. Additional incentives include grace-period rent deferments, a 15% duty-free allowance, and flexible lease payments. 31 projects will be launched through open and closed bidding, with halal tourism projects in each atoll. The goal is to stimulate investment, create jobs, and diversify the economy away from central atolls.