Bank of Maldives (BML) has introduced its Guest House Financing programme to Haa Alifu Atoll, marking a new step in supporting local tourism development and entrepreneurship in the region.

The financing scheme was officially launched on Monday during a special ceremony held in Haa Alifu Filladhoo. The event was attended by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed, and senior officials from BML, including CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef, and Chairman and Chief Business Officer.

Speaking at the event, Shareef described the launch as a reflection of BML’s ongoing commitment to support economic growth and empower locally owned businesses. He noted that the bank aims to provide accessible financial solutions that enable entrepreneurs to develop guest houses, expand tourism offerings, and contribute to sustainable growth in the atoll.

The launch of guest house financing in Haa Alifu comes shortly after BML established seven new ATMs across the atoll, ensuring that every inhabited island in the region now has access to ATM services.

BML continues to expand its national presence, currently operating 39 branches across 20 atolls, along with 107 self-service banking centres and a total of 165 ATMs.