Govt reopens bids for Baarah hotel project

The Ministry of Tourism on Wednesday reopened bids for the development and operation of a tourist hotel in Haa Alif Atoll Baarah.

In an announcement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said it has decided to invite tenders for the development and operation of a tourist hotel on a plot of land measuring 71,832 square feet in Baarah.

The ministry first announced plans for the construction of a tourist hotel in Baarah in October 2024. The project was previously opened for bidding in June and November last year.

Interested parties are invited to attend an information meeting scheduled for 23 March. Bid submissions will be accepted later in March, according to the ministry.

Under the tender terms, the land will be leased for a period of 50 years for the development and operation of the tourist hotel. The development must be completed within two years from the date the land is handed over.

The bid security has been set at MVR 25,000, while the lease acquisition cost is MVR 150,000, equivalent to approximately MVR 2.3 million.

The project involves the development of a 50-room hotel with a total capacity of 100 beds within the island.

The international tender for an eco-tourism project in Baarah was a commitment made by President Mohamed Muizzu during visits to island councils in the lead-up to the last parliamentary election.