The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) announced on Thursday that it will open tenders for the development and operation of three mid-range hotels in the Urban Isle area of Hulhumale’ Phase 2. The announcement invites proposals from interested parties to build mid-range or medium-scale hotels on three designated plots within Urban Isle.
HDC said it will prioritise business models that align with its vision and goals and benefit both the developer and HDC. In the event there are multiple bidders, preference will be given to the bidder whose plan best aligns with HDC’s corporate vision, strategic objectives and master plan.
Development guidelines state that hotels should be accessible to people with special needs and have designated parking spaces for vehicles and bicycles.
The bid follows an opportunity for expressions of interest for the development of a guesthouse and boutique hotel within Urban Isle. The 103,421sqm project site is located at the northernmost tip of Hulhumale’s second phase, directly opposite the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort.
According to HDC, the Urban Isle project will cover an area of 23 hectares and will offer different types of tourist accommodation. The area will cater for leisure tourists as well as short-term and transit passengers, business travellers and long-term visitors, including digital nomads. HDC had previously highlighted that improved connectivity between Hulhumale, Male and Velana International Airports will boost tourism opportunities in the area.
