The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has announced a public tender for the lease of a 13,300 square feet plot of land in Nilandhoo, Faafu Atoll, to develop, operate, and manage a tourist hotel.
According to the bid invitation, the selected developer will be required to establish a minimum 50-bed facility, equivalent to 25 rooms, within a maximum construction period of 24 months. The lease will run for 50 years under the Maldives Tourism Act (Law No. 2/99).
The Ministry has set a minimum lease acquisition cost (LAC) of USD 50,000 and a minimum corporate social responsibility (CSR) contribution of USD 20,000 for the project. In addition, an annual rent of at least USD 4 per square metre will apply, with incremental increases during the lease period.
Evaluation criteria will consider proof of financial capacity, rental and LAC offers, CSR commitments, as well as socio-economic contributions such as local staff parity and gender representation. Interested parties are required to demonstrate a minimum investment of USD 30,000 per room, with at least 20 percent equity of the projected investment value.
A bid security of USD 5,000 issued by a recognised financial institution is required, valid for 150 days beyond the bid opening date. The highest evaluated bidder will also need to provide an environmental assessment and a land survey within 45 days of receiving the Letter of Award.
Information sessions for interested parties will be held virtually on 6 October 2025, while bid submissions are scheduled for 20 November 2025. Bidding documents can be purchased from the Ministry between 18 September and 18 November 2025 at a fee of USD 300.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to expand tourism infrastructure and attract investment into the atolls, particularly outside the central region.
