Two of Europe's biggest tour operators, Hotelplan and Thomas Cook are to operate direct flights from Europe to Seenu Atoll Gan in the south of Maldives late this year.

Thomas Cook will begin its charters with Condor, originating in Frankfurt Germany, in November and Hotelplan with Blue Panorama will begin charters to Gan and the capitol Male' in December 2007.

Both operators have shares on Herathere, the 300-room island resort being developed near Gan by the Maldives Tourism Development Corporation, MTDC.

Hotelplan's Managing Director Anna Shuepback described Gan as being a second gateway to the Maldives.

Thomas Cook's Director Coray Kavdir spoke of the demand for middle market tourist beds similar to those being developed on Herathere.