Maldives has announced plans to open its first ever integrated guesthouse island next year.

A top official at the newly created Maldives Integrated Tourism Development Corporation (MITDC), which has taken over the much-awaited project from the state tourism promotion company Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), told local newspaper Mihaaru that a contractor would soon be selected to develop the necessary infrastructure at the island of Baresdhoo in Laamu Atoll. That includes construction of restaurants and a spa, he added.

“Construction of these facilities will complete next year. We will rent those facilities to interested parties,” the official said.

MMPRC has late last year contracted a local company, Heavy Force to build the road network of the island for MVR3.9 million.

“They have started building the roads. Harbour construction is almost over as well,” the official said.

MMPRC has earlier announced the sale of 16 land plots from the island, which is expected to house 300 beds once completed.

Government’s foray into guesthouse business comes amid a significant increase in the number of guesthouses across the archipelago. Some 300 guesthouses have started operations over the past five years as the number of travellers that choose to stay in guesthouses is on the rise.