Minister Ameen says extensive consultations are being held with relevant institutions following completion of all necessary legislative amendments

Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen has stated that following the drafting of all necessary legislative amendments, extensive consultations are currently underway with relevant stakeholders.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, Minister Ameen stated that discussions are currently underway with MATI following the recent legislative amendments.

Minister Ameen stated that, at the request of MATI, a special forum will be held for travel agents to share information regarding the scheduled increase in TGST. He further noted that the forum is being organized as a joint effort between the Ministry of Tourism and MIRA.

At the request of MATI, we are organizing a comprehensive workshop on taxation scheduled for the 15th of this month. This initiative, conducted in collaboration between MIRA and the Ministry of Tourism, is specifically designed for all travel agents.

Mohamed Ameen

Minister Ameen stated that travel agents are required to pay 17 percent of the revenue declared for their business operations in the Maldives. The Minister further clarified that taxes will not be levied on packages that have already been sold by these companies.

Minister Ameen stated that the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) is currently in the process of gazetting additional regulations and procedures under this law. He further noted that the legislation is expected to be implemented seamlessly, with the full cooperation and support of all stakeholders within the tourism industry.

President Muizzu has ratified a law imposing a 17 percent tax on the business activities of foreign travel agents. The President stated that the legislation was ratified following extensive consultations with numerous tourism industry stakeholders and foreign travel agents.

However, the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) stated that they were not consulted during the ratification process of this law. Furthermore, travel associations in the United Kingdom and the European Association of Tour Operators have sent a formal letter to Minister Ameen, requesting a delay in the ratification of the legislation.

Furthermore, small-scale operators marketing and conducting tourism business in the Maldives have warned that they may cease selling travel packages to the destination.