Repeat travelers often want to explore new places, which helps different regions grow. We should work on improving international flights to Addu and Hanimaadhoo. Lowering taxes in the far south and north could help businesses compete fairly. MMPRC should also focus more on promoting these areas.

To fix this issue, the government should stop allowing new resorts in the Malé region and instead encourage big international brands to invest in the northern and southern Maldives. Offering more tax breaks and incentives could help attract investors. At the same time, marketing needs to improve—there are over a billion travelers worldwide, yet the Maldives only gets 2 million visitors a year. A bigger marketing budget and smarter campaigns could help bring more tourists to less-developed areas. The Maldives also needs to offer more than just beaches and diving. To attract different kinds of travelers, the country could develop cruise tourism in Addu, create an island for film production, or even build a football training camp for top clubs. Better airports and direct flights are also needed to make travel easier. Finally, it’s worth asking if tourism should be the only focus for these regions—why not explore other industries, like a major shipping port in the north?

We should not prioritize Malé Atoll for tourism growth. Right now, many artificial islands are being developed near Malé, but they do not represent the real Maldives. The true beauty of our country lies in the northern and southern atolls, where we already have stunning islands and operational resorts. The government must actively encourage tourism expansion across the entire Maldives by improving airport services, increasing airline connectivity, and ensuring more affordable travel options. This will help distribute tourism more evenly and showcase the authentic Maldives experience.

The Maldives is globally renowned, yet most visitors remain within Kaafu Atoll. To unlock the full potential of our northern and southern atolls, we must enhance direct international connectivity, promote unique cultural and nature-based experiences, and refine our marketing strategies. Luxury yachting, eco-resorts, and heritage tourism can diversify our offerings, ensuring sustainable growth while preserving our identity. A holistic approach—blending infrastructure, storytelling, and strategic partnerships—will drive a more balanced tourism landscape across all atolls.

I believe we should look into below possibilities: 1. Cheaper, faster, and more convenient transportation to travel to other atolls from Malé. 2. Concessions for developers in other atolls compared to Malé, such as taxes, GST credits, etc. 3. Increased government funding for establishing integrated townships in other atolls. 4. Creation of an active and vibrant residential model for foreigners in other atolls, including land registration and mortgages.