To attract global investors and enhance regional tourism, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment has officially opened investment opportunities for the development and operation of two new resort islands, Hankede in Addu City and Nalandhoo in Shaviyani Atoll. These initiatives aim to diversify tourism offerings and improve visitor access to both the northern and southern reaches of the archipelago.
Hankede, located in the southernmost inhabited atoll of the Maldives, Addu City, is now designated for development as an integrated tourist resort with a minimum capacity of 1,000 beds. The project falls under the existing regulatory framework governing the leasing of islands, lands, and lagoons for tourism development. According to the Ministry, this large-scale project presents an attractive opportunity for investors to contribute to the sustainable growth of the tourism sector in a region with untapped potential. Interested investors are encouraged to contact the Ministry directly via email for further details on the submission process and development guidelines.
Hankede’s transformation into a major resort destination is part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s broader tourism development policy. The island was earlier designated for tourism real estate purposes, but under the current administration, its status was redefined and brought under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment to ensure focused resort development. With modern infrastructure, a unique geographical setting, and access to Gan International Airport the only international airport in the south, Addu City stands as a promising tourism hub with direct flight connectivity and strong local hospitality.
Meanwhile, in the northern part of the country, the government has opened Nalandhoo, located in Shaviyani Atoll, for resort development. This marks a new chapter for Nalandhoo, which was previously allocated for aquaculture. The island has now been repositioned to support tourism, reflecting the government’s intent to extend the tourism footprint to the northern atolls as well. The Ministry has announced that bid proposals must be submitted by 10:00 AM on 12 November 2025. Tender documents will be made available at the Ministry’s reception desk until 10 November, and they can also be downloaded from the Ministry’s official website.
To facilitate investor participation and transparency, a virtual information session for Nalandhoo’s resort development project will be conducted via Zoom. Prospective bidders must register their interest by emailing the Ministry before 12:00 PM on 22 October 2025. This is the second round of bidding for Nalandhoo, opening new possibilities for investors who seek resort ventures in a pristine, less saturated region of the Maldives.
The government’s approach to opening both Hankede and Nalandhoo for resort development reflects a renewed emphasis on balanced tourism expansion, not limited to the central atolls. With over 1,200 coral islands across 26 atolls, the Maldives continues to offer untapped opportunities for responsible and innovative resort concepts that cater to a growing market of luxury, eco-conscious, and culturally engaged travelers.
This effort aligns with the national tourism strategy to distribute economic benefits more equitably, reduce pressure on overdeveloped islands, and elevate the Maldives’ position as a globally admired tourism destination. Investors eyeing long-term returns in a stable, policy-driven tourism economy now have two unique locations with government support and legal clarity to develop world-class resorts in the Maldives.
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