In order to boost tourism, the country's main revenue earlier, and to make the country more attractive for international travelers, the Maldives' government will be leasing four islands to private players for the development of resorts, Sun news reported. 

“4 New islands to be open for tourism development on 27th December 2020,” tweeted the Ministry of Tourism. Ali Rezzan, senior executive director in the Ministry of Tourism, informed that each island will be from different atolls. 

Earlier in 2019, the government had announced the plan to lease around 29 islands for tourism development, thus adding 13,720 additional bed capacity.  In all the archipelago has 1192 islands. 

After the pandemic hit the nation, and its tourism industry, the country has been exploring multiple options, including leasing out private islands, to boost government revenue. The industry has been showing signs of revival. In December alone, the country recorded more than 60,000 arrivals. 

The Maldives reopened its border on July 15 and set the target 100,000 for the remainder of the year. The country has already surpassed its target in early December. Russian remains the biggest contributor followed by India since the border reopening.