Maldives Integrated Tourism Development Corporation (MITDC) has revealed 27 tourists from seven yachts are participating in the Savaadheetha, the first-ever yacht rally to be held in the Maldives.
The rally commenced in Hoarafushi, Haa Alifu Atoll, on February 5 and is held as part of the events to mark the 50th anniversary of the tourism industry of the Maldives. The event is a collaboration of MITDC, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage, and the Civil Company of Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF).
Speaking to PSM News, Managing Director of MITDC Mohamed Raaid said the participants have visited Uligan, Hoarafushi, Matheerah, Ihavandhoo, Baarah, and Utheemu in Haa Alifu Atoll. He said tourists in two of the yachts have not taken part in Savaadheetha for medical reasons but the tourists travelling in the other seven yachts are participants of the rally. He also said the rally has shown that some islands are not suitable for docking yachts, but noted that Dhapparu is an optimal destination for such vessels.
He highlighted that the rally is an opportunity to promote and market islands as travel destinations by allowing tourists to tour their historic and cultural sites.
The yacht rally is participated only by foreigners, who will visit 14 islands and conclude the rally on February 20.