President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the Government's aim is to develop 8,000 tourist beds in Bodu Thiladhunmathi in the next 5 years.

President Solih made the remarks while speaking at the inauguration of the new powerhouse in HA. Utheemu on Tuesday. He stated that all regions need to be developed for Maldives to developed as a country.

As such, President Solih remarked that with the introduction of RTL ferry connecting 41 islands in Bodu Thiladhunmathi, the development of the Hanimaadhoo Airport will create opportunities for tourism in the region.

"Our aim is to develop 8,000 tourist beds in the next 5 years. I don't doubt there will be investor's interested in tourism development in the region," President Solih said.

Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail has stated that the Hanimaadhoo Airport development project will be completed and service will begin next year.

The airport project which is being carried out under a credit line agreement signed between India's Exim Bank and the Government in 2019 will see the development of a 2.46km runway, and a terminal that can accommodate 1.3 million passengers annually.

The project is valued at USD 136.6 million - MVR 2.1 billion - and will accommodate Air Bus A-320 and Boeing 737 flights.