Maldives to amend 1991 diving regulations

Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has announced that the Maldives’ diving regulations, which date back to 1991, will soon be amended in response to concerns raised by the diving community. The announcement was made during the Fuvahmulah Tourism Awards 2024 ceremony, held in celebration of International Tourism Day and organised by the Fuvahmulah City Council.

Faisal highlighted that the outdated rules have presented challenges, particularly when compared to international standards. Citing Maldives as an example, he noted that the country still adheres to an older set of regulations, which has posed difficulties for divers and operators alike.

“The current regulations, established in 1991, were based on the development of diving in Maldives at the time. However, we are now in 2024, and it is clear that amendments are necessary,” Faisal said.

One of the key concerns raised by divers, particularly in Fuvahmulah where a significant number of dive centres operate, is the mandated 24-hour waiting period between diving and air travel. In comparison, other countries permit air travel after only 18 hours, a point the Minister emphasised as an area in need of review.

Faisal assured that discussions with industry experts will take place, and that an evaluation of the current rules will be initiated once the government offices reopen following the weekend.

In his speech, the Minister also revealed that the government is taking steps to establish a dedicated department aimed at accelerating the growth of local tourism. This department will focus on improving service delivery and addressing the unique needs of different regions.

“This initiative will enhance the attention given to rural areas, and is a vital step toward ensuring the success of local tourism,” said Faisal.

Addressing broader challenges within the tourism sector, Faisal acknowledged the difficulties faced by small businesses in securing loans through local banks. He confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the Bank of Maldives, Maldives Islamic Bank, and several international financial institutions to secure loans at lower interest rates. These efforts, he said, are aimed at alleviating financial burdens and fostering further expansion of the sector.

The Minister expressed optimism that low-interest loans could be made available as early as the first quarter of next year.

In addition, he shared the government’s plans to boost its budget for international tourism promotion, particularly in the south of the country. As part of this strategy, efforts are underway to attract more foreign airlines to the southern regions, further supporting the government’s goal of diversifying and expanding tourism offerings.

Faisal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving its target of welcoming two million tourists to the Maldives by the end of the year.