Government Bill Would Repeal GST on Overseas Tour Operators Weeks After It Took Effect
The bill says tax collected on these sales since 1 October must be returned. Its fiscal note puts the revenue at stake at MVR1.61 billion.
Tourism
Resorts, guesthouses and the visitor economy.
Wednesday 21 October 2026
Monday 19 October 2026
Tourism Ministry Lowers Lease Costs for Resort Islands in Six Atolls
Base rates and per-hectare charges fall for islands leased under the cross-subsidy scheme in northern and southern atolls. The concession runs until June 2027.
Sunday 18 October 2026
Naagoashi Resort Opening Moves to 2027, Beyond Its Construction Deadline
State-owned MTDC now targets October 2027 for the Haa Dhaalu resort. The government’s extension of the construction period runs to 20 November 2026.
Thursday 15 October 2026
Maldives Tourist Arrivals Stay 3.9% Behind Last Year in First Half of October
The Tourism Ministry recorded 79,529 tourists from 1 to 14 October. Total visitor numbers for the year are 3.4% lower than at the same point in 2025.
Belarus Approves Draft Air Services Agreement with the Maldives
A decree signed on 14 October lets Belarus's transport ministry negotiate and sign the agreement. The text has not been negotiated, and no routes or airlines have been named.
New Rules Let Maldives Terminate Leases on Long-Stalled Resort Sites
The Tourism Minister says 161 islands and lagoons are in a “distressed” state and land rent owed has reached about US$500–600 million. The regulation itself names no sites.
Tuesday 13 October 2026
Maldivian Seeks to Lease Two Airbus A220-300s as Successor to Its A320
Island Aviation wants the first jet in the last quarter of 2027 and has given lessors until 28 October to submit proposals.
Saturday 10 October 2026
Hajj Corporation to Fly Ramadan Umrah Pilgrims Directly from Gan to Jeddah
The package for the last 15 days of Ramadan costs MVR48,965, with payment due by 19 December.
Vietjet to Fly Ho Chi Minh City to Malé via Colombo from 5 December
The Vietnamese carrier will operate three return flights a week with Airbus A320 aircraft, stopping in Sri Lanka in both directions.
Thursday 8 October 2026
Maldives Targets Level 4 Tourism Apprenticeships before Year-End
A new agreement gives the Tourism Ministry a role in bringing resorts into the National Apprenticeship Programme and supporting workplace training.
Kandooma Drops Holiday Inn Name as HPL Takes Over Management
The South Malé Atoll resort has introduced an all-inclusive programme and new family accommodation following its 1 October rebranding.
Wednesday 7 October 2026
Lucy Bronze and Ona Batlle Join Kandima’s Festive Line-Up
The footballers are scheduled at the Dhaalu Atoll resort from 26 December to 1 January, with children’s coaching and a match on the programme.
Tuesday 6 October 2026
Maldives Moves to Revise Overseas Tourism GST after Industry Objections
MATATO confirms a government decision to change the framework. ABTA is seeking formal confirmation of a postponement and the next steps for overseas sellers.
Monday 5 October 2026
Maldives Tourist Arrivals Fall 3.9% as October Opens Below Last Year
The latest ministry figures put tourist arrivals at 1.597 million through 4 October, with China and Russia accounting for one-third of the total.
MasterChef Sri Lanka’s Maldives Episode Airs Tonight
The destination episode screens on TVM at 10pm on 5 October, following an island production coordinated by MHC Group and Visit Maldives.
Saturday 26 September 2026
Maldives to Host World Travel Awards Gala on 27 September
CROSSROADS hosts the Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean ceremony on Sunday, with representatives from more than 40 countries expected.
Friday 25 September 2026
Maldives and Belarus Sign Visa Waiver Agreement
The agreement provides for stays of up to 30 days per visit. The Foreign Ministry has not announced an entry-into-force date.
Maldives Seeks Investors for US$20–30 Million Uligan Marina
Expressions of interest are due on 5 October for the northern marina’s development and operation.
Qatar Airways to Raise Maldives Flights to 21 a Week
Nine additional weekly flights are scheduled from 25 October, alongside a new destination marketing agreement with Visit Maldives.
Aman Names First Maldives Resort Amanolu, with 52 Keys Planned
The Vaavu Atoll development includes private-island residences. The company has not announced an opening date.
Ten Islands Designated for Resorts Promising Payouts to Maldivians
Muizzu says the state-led programme will be implemented within 36 months, with annual distributions in foreign currency.
Monday 21 September 2026
Maldives Brings Overseas Holiday Sellers into GST from 1 October
The 1 October rules cover overseas sellers of inbound tourism products and related booking services. Tourism GST remains 17 per cent.
Etihad Miles to Open Up Onward Flights across the Maldives
The airlines have announced mileage redemptions on Maldivian's network. A booking launch date and award prices have not been published.
