K. Maafushi, the island where guest house tourism first commenced in the Maldives, has been officially branded as "Heart of Maldives."

Maafushi is notable for having the highest number of guest houses and hotels operating on a single island in the Maldives, currently offering over 2,000 tourist beds.

At a special ceremony held last night in Maafushi to mark its branding, the island's new brand, "Heart of Maldives," and its new logo were launched by former President Mohamed Nasheed, who was instrumental in enabling guest house businesses on local islands.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Tourism from the MDP government, the President of the Guesthouse Association, Abdulla Nasheed from Kaani Hotels and Resorts, former Governor Ahmed Naseem (who opened the first guesthouse in Maafushi), the President and members of the Maafushi Council, and council members from neighboring islands.

Gracing the ceremony, President Nasheed stated that Maafushi's economy has transformed significantly. He expressed his greatest desire today is to understand the extent of Maafushi's increasing productivity.

"What is the GDP of Maafushi? What is the rate at which Maafushi's productivity is advancing? How many additional jobs are being created in Maafushi each month? How much will the demand for jobs increase in the future?" President Nasheed queried.

President Nasheed highlighted that information is crucial for policy formulation. He noted that Maafushi contributes MVR 120 million annually in taxes, and the council receives an income of MVR 55 million.

President Nasheed further asserted that profits generated from resorts could also be obtained from inhabited islands.

"Why is it that in the Maldives, in this island inhabited by 194 people, the same beach exists as in a tourist island, the same ocean exists, as in a tourist island, the same vegetation, the same land? Therefore, it is clear that there is no conscientious reason why the profits generated by a resort cannot be obtained from an inhabited island," Nasheed stated.

The colors for Maafushi's new logo were also showcased at last night's ceremony. Additionally, a special commemorative plaque was presented to President Nasheed.