Government and senior tourism industry leaders have held a meeting to discuss concerns affecting the tourism sector.
Four cabinet members, including the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen, Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Hassan Zareer, Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed, Attorney General Ahmed Usham, as well as the Commissioner General of Taxation Fathmath Azeema attended the meeting.
According to the Tourism Ministry, the meeting is part of the ongoing industry dialogue. The discussions focused on increasing tourist arrivals, meeting the 2027 tourism targets, and the challenges currently facing the tourism industry.
The ministry said key goals were agreed upon at the meeting based on industry recommendations, with the Tourism Ministry assuring continued government support.
The meeting comes amid industry concerns over the recent amendment to the Goods and Services Tax Act (GST Act). President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has decided to review the amendment following concerns raised by tourism industry stakeholders. However, the government has not yet announced what changes will be made.
President Muizzu has designated the upcoming year as the Visit Maldives Year, and the official promotional campaign has already launched. The government said the national campaign will include the participation of all.