Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has revealed that Indian investors are being sought to open three luxury resorts in the area before the Hanimaadhoo International Airport is developed and opened.

Speaking at a news conference at the MMPRC today, the Minister stated that an international airport should have 4,000-6,000 beds in the area to operate optimally.

Noting that the 'Welcome India' roadshow in India last week was a success, the minister said the aim is to hold an investment forum in India later this year.

"We want to go to India once again this year. By the time the Hanimaadhoo Airport, we want to get enough investors to start 2-3 high-end resort projects there. That is the goal. We will hold it this year," he said.

Speaking at the press conference, Presidential Tourism Development Advisor Mohammed Khaleel said the airport would become unusable if tourism beds were not built in the area by the time it opens.

He said that from now on, investment should be made in the area and that the guest house business in some areas is not expanding due to the high cost of transportation to these areas. However, the cost of transportation will be reduced once the Hanimaadhoo International Airport is completed, he said.

The Hanimaadhoo Airport development project was launched earlier last year with a USD 136.6 million loan from Exim Bank of India.

Hanimaadhoo International Airport is being developed with a terminal with a capacity of 1.3 million passengers per annum. It also establishes other facilities to expand international flights. The Hanimaadhoo International Airport will be able to serve international flights with Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft.

The project will be completed by March next year.