The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) indicated that the country’s green tax rates are to change significantly starting on 1st January 2025. The revised tariffs will be applicable to all tourist establishments, including resorts, guesthouses, and vessels, in accordance with the 14th amendment to the Maldives Tourism Act. Green Tax in Maldives will double for…
The Foreign Exchange Bill, which establishes new rules mandating that foreign exchange earners in the tourism industry convert a percentage of their foreign exchange profits to Maldivian Rufiyaa, was ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday. On 12th December 2024, the bill was approved by the parliament. Important provisions of the law include: Category A…
At the 2024 Diving & Resort Travel (DRT) Expo in Hong Kong, Fuvahmulah was named the “Best Shark Diving Destination.” This esteemed honor confirms the Maldivian island’s standing as a world-renowned destination for exhilarating and environmentally friendly shark diving experiences. Fuvahmulah is well-known for its remarkable underwater environment and provides divers with a rare chance…
A new species of fish has been found in the pristine Maldives’ waters, marking a significant advancement in marine science. The species, Chromis Abadhah, is named after the Maldivian Dhivehi word Abadhah, which means forever and represents the continuous dedication to planetary protection. The Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, which provided funding for the study, is…
The Italian-flagged cruise liner AIDA, which is carrying 2,139 holidaymakers, has arrived in the Maldives. On 8th December 2024, the ship, which serves tourists from Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, landed in the Maldives from Muscat, Oman. Since the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA) requested regulatory modifications, this is the first time a cruise ship…
A safety guideline detailing precautions to reduce mishaps during water sports and other tourist activities in the Maldives has been released by the Ministry of Tourism. In the guidelines, instances that have resulted in catastrophes involving visitors on beach and water-related excursions are addressed. The ministry said that a formal regulation to guarantee safer procedures…
During a ceremony marking the first year of the government’s rule, President Muizzu declared that Maldivian, the country’s carrier, will start operating wide-body aircraft in early January 2025. By January 2025, the first wide-body aircraft, which can accommodate 275 passengers, will be in service. With direct flights to long-haul locations previously unreachable with the airline’s…
The Maldives Butler Academy just wrapped up an exciting two-day training camp for sixteen Villa Haven team members. Being the first and only Maldivian butler training academy approved by the Ministry of Tourism, the Academy is setting the standard for Maldivian hospitality in the future. The rigorous curriculum was specifically designed to give Villa Haven’s…
According to the state budget, there will be 14.2 million bed nights and 2.2 million visitors overall in the upcoming year. In order to do this, the government is concentrating on finishing and opening the new airport terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), which is an essential part of its larger plan to expand the…
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Ministry of Tourism and The Maldives National University (MNU) to build a five-star resort and Hotel Training School on the island of L. Hulhimendhoo. This partnership is in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s goal of strengthening the Maldives’ position as a leader in hospitality education…