Minister of Tourism Moosa Zameer has said that many European airlines expressed interest to begin operations to Addu City during ITB Berlin 2017.
The Tourism Minister made the statement during a ceremony held to introduce the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) candidates who are to contest in the local council elections. The ceremony to introduce candidates from Addu City, who will represent the ruling party in the upcoming local council election, was held at Sharafudheen School in Addu City last night.
Speaking at the event, Tourism Minister Zameer said that President Abdulla Yameen's vision is to bring mega infrastructure projects as part of the endeavor to further develop Addu City. The government is planning on expanding the runway of Gun international Airport, which would cost $60 million, the minister said.
“The project in Gan Airport would see the development of a larger runway than which is being developed at Velana International Airport. The proposed plans to increase scheduled flights to Gan International Airport is hindered due to lack of tourism development in Addu City. In order to overcome this hurdle, the government is to launch a 300 tourist bed development project in Addu City, which will be completed within the next 12 months,” he added.
The Tourism Minister further said that a tourist hotel development project is also proposed by the government to be conducted in Addu City. The ongoing ITB Berlin fair, many international airlines have expressed interest to begin direct flights to Addu City, according to the minister.
Referring to the local council elections, Minister Zameer said that the proposed development in Addu City can only be achieved by electing government endorsed councilors.