A cruise ship carrying over 100 tourists docked in Addu City on Friday afternoon, signaling a positive step forward for the southernmost atoll’s tourism industry. The Noble Caledonia arrived at Maradhoo under the auspices of the Manta Trust agency, marking the first cruise ship to visit the city this year.
Locals gathered in large numbers at the harbor to welcome the visitors, with vibrant Maldivian cultural performances adding a warm touch to the greeting. As the tourists disembarked, they were treated to a sightseeing tour of Addu City, which included visits to the Addu Nature Park and several historical landmarks.
Addu has long been a popular destination for foreign cruise liners, but the industry took a hit during the Covid-19 pandemic, with cruise ships bypassing the atoll. However, efforts to revive Addu’s tourism sector are gaining momentum.
The city has been actively working on positioning itself as a key tourism brand, most recently launching the “Beyond Addu” campaign to promote its unique attractions. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to reinvigorate the region’s tourism, which includes the Addu City Council’s participation in the World Travel Market Fair in the UK last November.
Government efforts to bolster Addu’s tourism are also in full swing. With the ongoing upgrade project at Gan International Airport nearing completion, discussions have begun with major airlines to introduce direct flights to the city, offering easier access for international visitors.
Additionally, the government has entered into an agreement to develop Hankede, a key area aimed at expanding integrated tourism within Addu City. In October of last year, a deal was signed to create a 560-room resort in the region, further solidifying Addu’s potential as a prime tourist destination.
To encourage more tourism investments, the government has leased land in designated tourism zones within Addu City and is offering concessional loans to developers. One of the key goals of the government is to develop 6,000 tourist beds in the city, a pledge made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
With these ongoing initiatives and the successful arrival of the Noble Caledonia, Addu City is steadily making its mark as a promising tourism hub in the Maldives.
