A tourism symposium is set to take place in Addu next year, aiming to explore the region’s tourism potential and create new job prospects. The announcement was made by Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal during the launch of Addu’s tourism brand at Canareef Resort yesterday.
Minister Faisal highlighted that the event will address key questions, such as whether Addu’s tourism growth should focus on broader development efforts or branding and connectivity improvements. He stressed the importance of educating local communities on tourism opportunities, particularly for the younger generation, to foster long-term growth.
The symposium, to be led by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), will invite tour operators, airlines, and online booking platforms from India and China, facilitating networking and business development. Faisal noted that such collaborative efforts would significantly aid Addu’s growth, adding, “This initiative will be highly valuable if everyone actively participates.”
Currently, Addu offers 1,100 tourist beds, yet there is room for expansion. Minister Faisal pointed out that Casa Holdings, which partly owns Gan International Airport, is interested in developing more accommodations in the region. The company has proposed a 130-bed tourism facility in Gan, with the government committed to supporting this initiative.