Maldives extends resort rent deferral to 3 years for maintenance, upgrades
The Ministry of Tourism has introduced an amendment to its regulations, extending the rent deferral period for resorts undergoing maintenance or redevelopment to a maximum of three years. This extension applies if the resort suspends operations entirely during the upgrade process. The update, published in the government gazette, marks the third amendment to the Regulation […]
Maldives removes 3 islands, adds 6 lagoons and 1 island for tourism lease
The Ministry of Tourism has revised its list of islands and lagoons available for tourism development, removing three islands and adding six lagoons and one island in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. This update was issued on Monday as part of the third amendment to the ministry’s original list. The islands removed from the list are: Lh. […]
Maldives adds new island to resort development list
The Ministry of Tourism has added Lhaanbugali in Raa Atoll to the list of islands available for lease for resort development. The ministry announced on Wednesday that proposals are now open for the development of Lhaanbugali, with an acquisition fee set at USD 1.6 million. The island covers an area of 2.66 hectares. Additionally, the […]
Maldives targets 3 million annual tourists by 2026 with focus on India, China
The Maldives government is targeting to boost annual tourist arrivals to an unprecedented three million by 2026, according to Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal. Speaking on PSM’s ‘Raajje Miadhu’ programme, Minister Faisal expressed confidence that the goal would be within reach following the completion of the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), anticipated to […]
Govt initiates programme to boost women’s participation in tourism employment
The government launched the Women for Tourism programme on Thursday, a part of its initial 100-day commitments aimed at boosting female participation in the tourism sector. The inauguration ceremony took place at Meeruma Hotel in Male, with Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed leading the event. The programme’s primary objective is to offer targeted training for women […]
Maldives shifts focus to completing undeveloped resorts over new leases
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal has declared a shift in the government’s approach, focusing on developing existing undeveloped resorts over leasing additional islands for construction. In an interview with local newspaper Mihaaru, Faisal discussed ongoing discussions on challenges with 63 undeveloped islands, and said the government is open to considering proposals from capable companies interested in […]
New regulation introduces lower fees for foreign tourist vessels
A revised regulation altering fees imposed on foreign tourist vessels has been introduced, impacting the costs for yachts, cruise liners, and safari vessels visiting Maldives. Gazetted by the Ministry of Tourism on Tuesday, this new regulation replaces a previous September regulation that escalated fees for foreign yachts, cruise liners, and safari vessels. Under the updated […]
Ibrahim Faisal appointed new tourism minister
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who took the oath of office on Friday, has appointed Ibrahim Faisal as the new Minister of Tourism. Faisal took the oath of office at a ceremony held at the President’s Office Friday evening for the swearing-in of the new president’s cabinet. Faisal received his higher education from Westminster International College, […]
MVR 4b in resort lease rent penalties waived
A 2020 amendment to resort development regulations has resulted in the waiving of approximately MVR 4 billion in fines for non-payment of rent after the construction period’s expiration on leased islands designated for resort development. The amendment, which took effect in December 2020, reduced the penalty for non-payment of rent from 0.5% to 0.0493% for […]
Permit fee for foreign cruise ships raised to $1,000
The Ministry of Tourism has announced an increase in the cruise permit fee for large foreign tourist vessels, which has been raised to USD 1,000 from the previous charge of USD 324. According to the latest amendment to the Regulation Governing Foreign Tourist Vessels Cruising and Harbouring in Maldivian Waters, foreign tourist vessels are now […]
Tourist arrivals fall 4.4 per cent in October
Tourist arrivals totalled 105,498 in October 2015, 4.4 per cent less than the arrivals for the same period last year, figures released by the Ministry of Tourism reveal.
