Herathera will contribute to development of Addu- President

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday said that the inauguration of Herathera Island Resort marked the beginning of the South’s tourism zone and that the resort would make a valuable contribution to the economy and progress of Addu Atoll.

President Gayoom and the First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim were greeted upon their arrival at the Inauguration Ceremony of the resort by the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahmood Shaugee, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Maldives Tourism Promotion Board, Hussain Afeef, Managing Director of Maldives Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Mohamed Solih, members of the Board of Directors, distinguished guests attending the ceremony and the General Manager of the resort.

Speaking at the ceremony, President said that the opening of Herathera Island Resort was a remarkable achievement for MTDC and noted that the whole resort had been successfully completed within 16 months. He further said that work to open two more resorts in Addu Atoll is underway, and that the people of the atoll would benefit greatly from these projects.

The people of Addu Atoll presented President Gayoom with a plaque to commemorate his contributions towards the commencement of international flights and the promotion of tourism in Addu. Mohamed Abdulla presented the plaque to the President on behalf of the Addu Atoll Committee.

Certificates were presented to those who had contributed to the successful inauguration of Herathera Island Resort. The recipients of these certificates were Dr. Mahmood Shaugee, Champa Hussain Afeef, Mohamed Solih, Ibrahim Nooradeen, Maldives Tourism Development Corporation, and Late Mohamed Saeed of Addu Atoll Hithadhoo Moonlight Villa.

MTDC presented the people of Addu Atoll with an honorary plaque for their efforts in developing the resort. Tour operators, Thomas Cook and Hotelplan also received plaques for their contribution and faith in Herathera Island Resort. The plaques and certificates were presented by President Gayoom.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahmood Shaugee said that the arrival of tourists directly to Addu Atoll through this international gateway has long been a dream of all the residents of the atoll. He noted that the inauguration of the resort could not have been possible without the full cooperation and support of several key figures of the tourism sector.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Maldives Tourism Development Corporation, Hussain Afeef said that it was a significant day for the people of Maldives, particularly to the people of Addu Atoll. He highlighted various difficulties faced during the development of the resort and noted that all the work in building the resort had been done by Maldivians.

In his vote of thanks, the Managing Director of MTDC, Mohamed Solih noted the high priority attached by the Government and the President in particular to the development of Herathera Island Resort.

A video presentation showing the developmental work of the resort was made during the ceremony.

President met with the Board of Directors of MTDC during his visit to the resort.