Ministry of Tourism has revealed the development of the first tourist visitor centre will begin by the end of December.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Senior Policy Director at the Ministry of Tourism Ibrahim Farhad said the purpose of such tourist visit centres include showcasing Maldivian culture and history to visitors to the Maldives under a single roof. Farhad said these centres would make available to tourists the information about islands, Maldivian lacquer and handicraft work and other crafts. He said the centres will be planned in a manner that benefits the local community.
The ground-breaking event of the first ever tourist visitor centre was completed in September this year in the island of Angolhitheemu, Raa Atoll. Foundation stone of the centre was laid by the wife and daughter of Abdulla Rasheed, who died while serving his sentence in prison following May Day protests of 2015. The function was attended by Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed and Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Yumna Maumoon.
Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed said the Tourist Visit Centre in Angolhitheemu island will exhibit the Maldivian journey to democracy. Tourism Ministry says the decision to develop visitor centres is an important step to diversify tourism in the Maldives. Angolhitheemu centre also marks the development of one of the many such centres across the country.
The administration is working to introduce MICE tourism and Sports tourism in the Maldives as part of diversifying tourism in Maldives. One recent activity to market Sports Tourism was the Breath event organised by Tourism Ministry.