Newly created Maldives Integrated Tourism Development Corporation (MITDC) has announced plans to develop three resorts in the greater Male region.

A top official of the company, formed by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom late last year to develop mid-level tourism in the Maldives, told local newspaper Mihaaru Wednesday that interested parties are invited to submit proposals to reclaim three lagoons in the greater Male region and develop them as tourist resorts.

“We want the investors to develop the resorts and later to manage them as well. But we haven’t yet decided the lease period,” he said.

Maldives, known world over for its upmarket tourism industry, has resorts in the hundreds. The industry has in recent times expanded to introduce more affordable segments, including guesthouses and liveaboards.

Greater Male region has the highest concentration of tourist resorts in the Maldives, and with the recent leasing of several islands and lagoons in the region for resort development more tourist properties are expected to come up soon.