Contracts signed, brochures printed: This bill rewrites price
A bill before the Majlis would order the world’s travel sellers to collect 17% Maldivian tax from 1 October—in the middle of a selling season whose prices were fixed months ago. It arrives without workings, without machinery, and without any sign its drafters have sat in a contracting meeting. The industry that feeds this economy […]
Extending TGST offshore: Three questions the proposed GST amendment has yet to answer
People’s Majlis is now considering a government-backed amendment to the Goods and Services Tax Act (Law No. 10/2011) that would, for the first time, require foreign tour operators, overseas travel agents, and offshore booking platforms to register with the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority and charge 17% Tourism GST on sales of Maldives travel services. The […]
In conversation with Chef Tipa: Bringing southern Thai flavours to Maldives
For a limited time, Saffron Maldives at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites guests on a culinary journey through the rich flavours of Southern Thailand, till 17 July 2026. Guided by Chef Tipaporn Phianthong (Chef Tipa), Head Chef of Saffron, Banyan Group, the exclusive menu showcases authentic regional recipes thoughtfully reimagined with selected locally sourced ingredients from […]
Pivotal role of Dhiraagu in powering digital lifelines for hospitality
The Maldives has long captured the imagination of travellers through its turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and world-renowned hospitality. Yet today, beyond the beauty of its islands and resorts, another essential force quietly powers the nation’s tourism industry, digital connectivity. As global travel becomes increasingly digital, seamless connectivity is no longer simply an added convenience for […]
Fuel crisis: Looming shadow over Sunny Side of Life
In the Maldives, the “one-island, one-resort” model is the gold standard of luxury and seclusion. However, this architectural isolation comes with a heavy operational burden: total self-sufficiency. Unlike urban hotels, Maldivian resorts function as independent municipalities, managing their own power grids and desalination plants. Traditionally, this autonomy has been fuelled by diesel. But as a […]
‘… because tomorrows start today’: BBM’s hospitality partnership built on purpose
Future doesn’t get built in a single moment. It is shaped through decisions taken early, partnerships sustained over time and investments made before results become visible. That is why the phrase “…because tomorrows start today” as articulated by AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), resonates beyond branding. In practical terms, it suggests […]
Abdulla Fathhey: Making a big island feel effortless at Villa Park
By Maaish Mohamed and Mariyam Saliya Mohamed On an island with the scale and recognisability of Sun Island, change is never simply cosmetic. The renaming of a Maldivian mainstay to Villa Park is a high-visibility move, but for Abdulla Fathhey, General Manager of Villa Park, the point is not novelty. It is clarity. Villa Resorts […]
When dredgers draw near: Resorts sound alarm on safety, privacy, guest experience
Resort operators in the Malé Atoll are increasingly voicing concern that dredging activity linked to land reclamation projects is taking place uncomfortably close to resort lagoons, heightening anxieties around guest safety, privacy, and the overall holiday experience. The Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) has confirmed it has received multiple complaints alleging illegal sand extraction tied to […]
Cocomo Maldives: Your island home
Set on the serene island of K. Himmafushi, just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Cocomo Maldives is a tropical retreat where the rhythm of the waves guides your days. Whether you’re sharing sunsets as a couple, creating memories with family, or simply unwinding on your own, this laid-back beachfront haven invites you […]

















