The Maldives government has postponed the implementation of a new tax on overseas travel businesses until April 2027, according to reports. The tax originally took effect on October 1, but local media indicated that the Tourism Minister announced a delay.
ABTA, The Travel Association, welcomed the reported postponement and is seeking formal confirmation and clarification on how the tax applies to travel agents. The association had called for a delay, noting the tax was introduced without prior warning or consultation with the international industry.
Susan Deer, ABTA Director of Industry Relations, stated that ABTA has been working with the UK High Commissioner and international associations to address members' concerns. She described the reported postponement as a positive development but stressed that the situation remains difficult until official confirmation and government-industry engagement occur.
For travellers, the postponement means that overseas travel businesses will not face the new tax for now, which could help maintain current pricing and operations for trips to the Maldives until April 2027.
