The islandchief

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Frankly Speaking

Maldives starts welcoming back Chinese tourists with 'arms wide open' as key market returns for the first time since March 2020. Unlike several other destinations with strict screening procedures for Chinese travelers, Maldives chose to maintain normal screening procedures for Chinese tourists. What could be the outcome from this?

PUBLISHED February 01, 2023

The growing number of surfers traveling to Southern Maldives are faced with challenges ranging from getting domestic flights with steady flight schedules and assurance on their surf gear and luggage delivered on time during arrival and departure. How can the industry overcome this obstacle? Will it be sorted when the new ATR aircrafts are added to the Maldivian fleet?

PUBLISHED January 04, 2023

In July 2022, the Finance Ministry along with the Tourism Ministry officials met with industry stakeholders MATI, MATATO, NBAM, NHGAM, ATA, MAYA etc. to share information on the increment of taxes in early 2023, in spite of not having an exact date of implementation. These meetings shed light on the proposed GST increments from 6% to 8% and TGST from 12% to 14% - a total increment of 2% from both the taxes. Many across the industry continue expressing their concerns on tax increment and advising authorities of the challenges in keeping up with competitive markets. What is your take on the matter?

PUBLISHED November 05, 2022

MMPRC and the tourism sector’s efforts to increase the inflow of tourists may result in additional flights coming in and new market openings. Then again, is there any positive impact without a new terminal at Velana International Airport or direct flights to regional international airports such as Maamigili, Maafaru, Gan or Hanimaadhoo? What is your take?

PUBLISHED October 05, 2022

WHO has recently declared a global health emergency for Monkeypox as several cases have been identified from across the world in regions outside of West and Central Africa, where it had initially emerged from. In the face of the Monkeypox outbreak in our top markets including India, how do you think this will affect the Maldives tourism industry and in tourist arrivals to the Maldives?

PUBLISHED August 05, 2022