MATATO launches survey to assess potential impact of decision to levy taxes on foreign tour operators
18 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 07:27The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has launched a study to assess the impact of new TGST regulations on the tourism industry. The primary objective of this survey is to evaluate how these tax changes will influence service pricing and business profitability, enabling the association to provide informed recommendations to the government amid growing concerns from industry stakeholders.
Tourists seen queuing at the seaplane check-in area. | MACL
The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has launched a specialized survey to assess the impact of the new Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) regulations on the tourism industry.
This survey is being conducted to assess the commercial and operational impact on foreign entities selling Maldivian tourism products, ahead of the implementation of the "TGST Destination Principle" requirements effective October 1.
In a press release issued Thursday, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) announced that the survey is open to local and international travel agents, tour operators, resorts, hotels, guesthouses, online travel agencies, and airlines. The primary objective of the study is to assess the impact of the new tax regulations on service pricing, existing contracts, bookings, and overall business profitability.
Furthermore, MATATO has decided to seek the perspectives of industry leaders regarding whether businesses have been afforded sufficient time to prepare for these changes, as well as the potential impact on the competitiveness of the Maldivian tourism sector. According to MATATO, the data gathered from this survey will enable them to provide the government and relevant authorities with the necessary recommendations and guidance to overcome the challenges facing the tourism industry.
MATATO stated that it consistently strives to advocate for industry growth based on empirical evidence. Emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders within the tourism value chain are heard, the association has urged as many parties as possible to participate in this survey.
The Parliament has passed a government-proposed amendment to the law, ending the exemption that limited the taxation of goods and services to only those businesses registered in the Maldives. This change ensures that GST will now be levied on all goods and services provided within the country. The passage of this bill has drawn widespread concern from various stakeholders, including the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO). Nevertheless, President Muizzu has ratified the bill despite these objections.
