A Turkish company has been selected to lead the long-delayed Hankede Tourism Project in Addu City, in a renewed effort to boost tourism and economic activity in the south.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the decision during his visit to Addu, confirming that the Government had reopened the decree allowing the Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC) to manage the project.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the Turkish investor’s proposal to restart the development has been accepted, with a letter of approval issued and 7 December set as the deadline for the acquisition payment. Once the payment is completed, a lease agreement will be signed, enabling the construction of a 1,000-bed tourism facility in the first phase of a wider 3,000-bed integrated resort development.

The incumbent Govenrment announced Hankede development as an integrated tourism project in October last year, under a revised framework aimed at accelerating its implementation.

Government officials describe the project as a key step in expanding tourism investment and creating jobs in Addu City, aligning with broader plans to promote regional growth and diversify the national economy.