President Muizzu has driven tourism industry into a state of total uncertainty where no one knows what is happening: Didi
3 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 11:27Member of Parliament for Maradhoo constituency, Ahmed Didi, has warned that the recent amendments to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act could severely damage the tourism industry by forcing foreign travel agents to pay "double tax." Didi noted that some international travel agents have already expressed concerns, stating they may stop promoting the Maldives as a destination due to the financial burden of this double taxation.
Member of Parliament Ahmed Didi addresses the MDP rally held at the party's headquarters on Wednesday night. | Raajje MV
Member of Parliament for the Maradhoo constituency, Ahmed Didi, has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has steered the tourism industry into a state of total uncertainty.
Speaking at the MDP's "Haruge" rally on Wednesday night, MP Didi stated that the changes introduced by President Muizzu have brought no benefit to the Maldives, asserting instead that the nation's economy is witnessing a significant collapse.
Highlighting the recent legislative changes that mandate GST on all goods and services provided within the Maldives—effectively ending the exemption for businesses not registered locally—MP Didi stated that these amendments were introduced without any consultation with travel agents. Didi further noted that under destination principle regulations, taxes should typically be paid to the destination where the consumption actually occurs.
Didi stated that some travel agents have expressed reluctance to send tourists to the Maldives due to the current double taxation requirements. Consequently, he noted that the tourism industry is the one bearing the brunt of this impact.
"There has been absolutely no consultation regarding this matter. Travel agents are contacting us asking for updates and guidance on how to proceed. They are saying they have no knowledge of an entity called MIRA, nor do they have any existing relationship with them. They are questioning how they are expected to communicate with such an agency, especially since they send tourists to the Maldives either through local travel agents or by dealing directly with the resorts."MP Ahmed Didi
Didi stated that neither travel agents nor any other stakeholders are aware of the details regarding these changes, accusing President Muizzu of driving the tourism industry into a state of uncertainty.
The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has issued a statement expressing concern over proposed legislative amendments to tax foreign travel agents, asserting that the move will fail to provide a viable solution for local businesses.
