The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has opened bidding for the lease, development, operation, and management of tourist resorts in three lagoon plots across Kaafu and Haa Alifu Atolls, targeting both local and foreign investors. The bidding process forms part of the government’s continued efforts to expand tourism infrastructure and attract sustainable, high-value investment to the Maldives.
In Kaafu Atoll, the government has offered a 115.21-hectare lagoon near Kaashidhoo for reclamation and development. Investors will be permitted to reclaim up to 10 hectares for a resort with a minimum of 100 beds. The minimum lease acquisition cost (LAC) is set at USD 2.25 million, and the lease term will span 50 years. A construction period of 48 months will be granted from the signing of the lease agreement.
In the north of the country, two plots have been opened for bidding near Ha. Kelaa in Haa Alifu Atoll. Lagoon Plot 1 covers 156.2 hectares, and Plot 2 measures 169.3 hectares. Both plots allow for reclamation of up to 12.19 hectares and must accommodate a minimum of 200 beds each. The minimum LACs for these plots are USD 1,996,740 and USD 2,032,110, respectively.
The evaluation of bids will be based on several criteria: 60 percent weight is given to the proposed lease acquisition cost, 20 percent to renewable energy use under low-carbon development proposals, 10 percent to socio-economic considerations including gender parity and local staff employment, and 10 percent to corporate social responsibility contributions. Financial penalties of up to USD 500,000 may be imposed if commitments made in these categories are not fulfilled during operations.
A bid security of USD 25,000 is required for all proposals. Successful bidders must also submit an environmental assessment report within 60 days of receiving the Letter of Award.
Pre-bid information sessions will be held via Zoom on 15th April and 6th May 2025. Bidding documents can be purchased between 7th April and 3rd June, and the deadline for bid submission is 10:00 hrs (Kaafu project) and 13:00 hrs (Haa Alifu projects) on 5th June 2025.
The application form and further details are available on the Ministry’s website: www.tourism.gov.mv.
