President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has met the guesthouse operators of Rasdhoo Island in North Ari Atoll to discuss and address pressing challenges faced by the local tourism sector.

The meeting, held at the state house on Rasdhoo, provided an opportunity for tourism stakeholders to voice their concerns and propose measures to enhance the island’s guesthouse operations.

One of the primary issues raised was the ongoing erosion of the sandbank adjacent to Rasdhoo. Operators stressed the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to evaluate the extent of the problem and determine appropriate protective measures. They emphasised that the sandbank is a vital feature of Rasdhoo’s appeal as a tourist destination, emphasising the urgency of halting further degradation.

Shifting the focus to infrastructure, the operators highlighted the need for developments to support the island’s growing tourism industry. Among the requests was the establishment of a US dollar ATM to facilitate financial transactions. Additionally, they proposed strategies to expand guesthouse operations.

In response, President Dr Muizzu reassured the attendees of his Administration’s commitment to finding solutions. He confirmed that measures to address sandbank erosion would be prioritised, recognising its crucial role in sustaining the island’s tourism sector. He indicated that collaboration with relevant agencies would be undertaken to implement the necessary measures.