Addu can serve in Maldives tourism's forefront, mayor says
The mayor said that if the scenarios are followed, Addu will be promoted as a destination for the world.
Addu mayor Ali Nizar said on Saturday that the southernmost city will be at the forefront of tourism as a result of everyone's joint efforts.
Speaking at the launch of the Destination Addu 2024 summit to develop a complete city brand and promote Addu as a premier brand, Nizar said the aim of the summit is to promote tourism in Addu.
Nizar said there are always challenges in introducing Addu as a brand and bringing the tourism industry to the city.
“The aim is to identify the characteristics needed to take Addu as a destination to overcome the challenges and identify the problems,” he said.
The mayor said that if the scenarios are followed, Addu will be promoted as a destination for the world.
“If the tourism industry benefits, Addu will be at the forefront,” he said.
"But it's the result of everyone working together."
Nizar said all the governments have tried to promote tourism in Addu. However, what needs to be done is to change the way it is done and work to overcome the challenges.
The development of the Gan International Airport in Addu should bring direct flights from abroad, he said.
"Tourism in Addu will not develop depending on Male. Everyone should work together to find a way to bring flights from abroad to Addu, to Gan airport. The most important thing is to increase the number of beds in Addu," Nizar said.
"Nowhere in the world has a government built hotels and added beds. However, it is going on in Addu. The Hankede project is an effort by a government and a government company to develop it."
