President congratulates residents of Addu Atoll

24 December 2007
Report: Jaxlee

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has conveyed congratulations to the residents of Addu Atoll on the arrival of the first group of tourists to Herethere Island Resort. The group consisting of 71 holiday-makers arrived at Gan International Airport this afternoon.

President Gayoom , who is currently in Saudi Arabia, sent a message of congratulations to the residents of Addu Atoll on the happy occasion.

In the message President Gayoom said “as the first group of tourists bound for Herethere Island Resort touches down today at Gan International Airport, it is with great satisfaction that I convey hearty congratulations to the residents of Addu Atoll and to the people of the Maldives”.

President noted that the arrival of tourists directly to Addu Atoll through this international gateway has long been a dream of all the residents of Addu Atoll. I note with appreciation, the tireless efforts of the concerned Government departments over the years to realise this dream President said. President thanked Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation, (MTDC), Champa Hussain Afeef, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahmoud Shouqy, Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr. Mohamed Saeed, and their dedicated staff for their continued efforts in making this dream of the Addu people come true.

“The residents of Addu Atoll extended exemplary support and assistance throughout the project to bring tourism to Addu Atoll and to upgrade the airport to accommodate international air traffic. I therefore, convey my deep appreciation to all the residents of Addu Atoll who worked very hard hand-in-hand with officials of the concerned authorities of the Government” said President Gayoom.

President Gayoom said that he was hoping to visit Addu Atoll and to personally join in the celebrations of the arrival of the first international aircraft at the new Gan International Airport. He noted that this momentous event was previously scheduled for 7th November 2007. “The rescheduling of the date of the arrival of the first aircraft meant that, regrettably, I was unable to be in Addu Atoll for the current celebrations” said President Gayoom.

“There is no doubt that the commencement of international flights and the opening of the area for tourism will greatly boost the region’s economy. This development presents many new job opportunities for the residents of Addu Atoll. It will lead to further improvements in the standard of living of the people. The development of Herethere Island Resort and the upgrading of Gan International Airport to international standards will also make a notable contribution to the national economy. In conclusion, I call on all the people to make good use of the new opportunities that these projects have presented. Let us all contribute to making our future even brighter, in an atmosphere of peace and harmony” said President Gayoom.

President Gayoom concluded his message by praying to Allah to bless the residents of Addu Atoll and to the people of the Maldives.