Hankede Integrated Tourism Project

Hankede Integrated Tourism Project starts in Addu city as an extensive tourism development project. Maldives Fund Management Corporation Limited (MFMC) launched the project for Addu city. 

Included in Hankede project

The project includes the development of 1,041 rooms made to many accommodations options. Each accommodation will also have a unique design. The project proposed to bypass an existing Hithadhoo Handeke bridge because the bridge connects to Link Road. they proposed to build a new bridge bypassing Handeke and connecting with Addu cityMaradhoo.  MFMC reported that the bridge work is in progress.

Benefits to locals

MFMC stated that the project will improve tourism and give tourists a better experience. They also noted that residents of Addu will have more job opportunities from integrated tourism in the area. Furthermore, small and medium businesses can also operate in the project area. 

Hankede Integrated Tourism Project aims to bring 8,000 tourism beds into operation in Add. It is one of the areas in Addu for tourism and the area includes tourism-related businesses such as guesthouses, hotels, and tourist shops. The project came to light in 2021 with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih designating Hankede district for real estate tourism. The district was previously chosen to be developed for tourism in 2006 and there have been multiple failed attempts since then. 

President Solih decreed the assignment of Addu City Hankede as a real estate tourism zone to be developed by 100% state-owned enterprise MFMC. And cited Maldives Tourism Act (Law No. 2/99). 

In addition to Hankede, MFMC is developing Gaafaru Falhu for real estate tourism. 

Integrated Tourism Project

A few years back Maldives introduced Integrated Tourism Project following amendments to the Tourism Act. the amendment allows the government to lease islands and lagoons developed under integrated tourism projects. It also allows houses to be leased to foreigners on private islands for long periods.