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.
