In its latest bid to expand high-value tourism infrastructure, the Government of Maldives has opened public tendering for the lease, development, operation, and management of 14 resort plots. These include vast lagoons and smaller islands across five atolls. Announced by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the tender represents one of the most ambitious resort development calls in recent years. It strategically targets large-scale projects with long-term leases and attractive tax incentives.
The properties include 11 large lagoon plots, each measuring 200 hectares, and 3 smaller islands. All are offered with 50-year lease terms under the Maldives Tourism Act. The locations are spread across Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Thaa, and Laamu atolls. Each site is designated for resort development with a minimum bed capacity requirement, ranging from 100 to 150 beds. All sites are available for reclamation.
Minimum Investment and Lease Costs
For the 200-hectare lagoon plots in Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani atolls, the minimum Lease Acquisition Cost (LAC) is set at USD 2.1 million per site. For the smaller islands, which include Kurandhuvaru, Kandufushi, and Gasgan’dufinolhu, the LAC starts at USD 149,850 to reflect more modest development footprints.
The LAC is payable in two instalments:
- 50 percent in the first quarter of the fifth year from the lease signing date
- The remaining 50 percent in the sixth year
If a resort is not operational by the end of the initial 36-month construction window, the full LAC becomes payable in the following quarter.
Incentives and Exemptions
To attract investor interest, the government is offering a 15 percent duty exemption on the total capital investment. This exemption applies to key categories such as furniture, kitchen appliances, electronics, cutlery, and guest amenities.
Projects that become operational before the 36-month construction window ends will also be eligible for a rent deferral under the Public Finance Regulation. This offers a meaningful incentive for early completion.
Bid Evaluation and Requirements
The evaluation process will assess proposals across five categories:
- Lease Price (LAC offered): 60 percent
- Low Carbon Development initiatives: 20 percent
- CSR Contributions: 20 percent
- Penalties will apply for unsustainable practices, including harbour construction or unauthorised reclamation, with deductions of up to 15 percent
Bidders must also demonstrate financial capacity, with a minimum investment of USD 100,000 per room. A USD 40,000 bid security must accompany each proposal and must be issued by a financial institution approved by the Maldives Monetary Authority or a recognised foreign financial regulator. Each bidder may submit only one bid per island or plot.
Proposals must include a clear plan and commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. Any failure to meet agreed renewable energy usage targets could result in penalties of up to USD 500,000.
Timeline and Submission
Interested parties can purchase bid documents from 1 July to 1 September 2025 at the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. The cost is USD 1,500 for local entities and USD 2,000 for foreign entities.
Two virtual pre-bid meetings are scheduled for:
- 17 July 2025 at 10:00 hrs local time
- 5 August 2025 at 10:00 hrs local time
Final bid submissions must be delivered by 10:00 hrs on Wednesday, 3 September 2025. Bids will be opened the same day in the presence of any bidders or representatives who attend.
This wide-reaching call for investment reflects the government’s continued effort to expand the Maldives’ premium tourism sector. It highlights a national strategy to harness capital through responsible, sustainable, and large-scale development.
