Abta has reported positive discussions with the Maldives government regarding its tourism tax proposals. The association's director of public affairs, Luke Petherbridge, met with Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen at World Travel Market London.
Minister Ameen reaffirmed plans to remove overseas travel agents and tour operators from the scope of the tax. The tax provision, which took effect on October 1, 2026, had brought overseas operators selling inbound tourism products under Goods and Services Tax.
The government now plans to repeal the provision for overseas businesses without a fixed place of business in the Maldives. An amendment to the Tourism Goods and Services Tax Act is expected to be passed shortly, according to Abta.
Abta praised the government's response and said it will continue working with Maldivian authorities as changes are implemented. Petherbridge noted that the Maldives receives around 200,000 UK visitors in a typical year and that the government recognized the value of UK travel.
