The government has announced it will take legal action against a resort in Baa Atoll Kihaadhuffaru that has been found to be operating outside the law.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Ministry of Tourism confirmed that Kihaa Maldives Resort, located on Kihaadhuffaru Island, had been leased to Athama Marine International Pvt Ltd for the purpose of developing and operating a tourist property. However, according to the ministry, the resort has been functioning in violation of the country’s tourism regulations.
Officials said the resort had been running without a valid licence since 27 September of last year, when its temporary operating permit expired. Despite the expiration, the company continued to host guests without approval.
The ministry added that Athama Marine International has already been fined twice for these violations, which include both operating without a licence and accommodating tourists without the ministry’s authorization.
According to the ministry, the operations at Kihaa Maldives Resort did not meet the standards outlined in the Tourism Act. These regulations are in place to ensure resorts operate safely, legally, and in line with established industry practices. Authorities stressed that continuing to run a resort without proper licensing undermines both legal accountability and the country’s reputation as a leading tourist destination.
The ministry has stated that it will take further action against the company to address the ongoing violations. While no specific measures were detailed in the latest announcement, officials assured that steps are being taken to enforce the law and ensure compliance within the tourism sector.
