During the meeting, he confirmed to ABTA that overseas operators and agents with no fixed place of business in the Maldives will be removed from the scope of Goods and Services Tax on inbound tourism products and related booking or agency services, which was in force since 1 October 2026. The amendment on the TGST Act to repeal this provision is expected to pass shortly.

Maldives Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, H.E. Mohamed Ameen said: “The destination principle was introduced to ensure greater fairness in our tax system. Our decision to repeal it reflects an equally important commitment: listening to the industry, protecting our competitiveness and maintaining the confidence of our international partners. We will continue to listen, engage and work closely with our industry partners to strengthen the long-term success of Maldives tourism."

ABTA’s Director of Public Affairs, Luke Petherbridge, who met with the Minister at the event, said: “It was great to meet with Minister Ameen at WTM and ABTA strongly welcomes the responsive approach adopted by the Maldives government on this issue.

“The Maldives has long been favoured by the travel trade and UK travellers as a premium long-haul destination, with around 200,000 visitors from the UK in a typical year. It is great news the Maldivian government has recognised the value UK travel brings and acted swiftly to address the concerns expressed by ABTA, and the global travel trade, including our partners in ECTAA and the WTAAA.

“ABTA will stay in touch with the Maldivian authorities and will share with members all updates from MIRA, the Maldivian tax authority, to ensure anti-avoidance measures and refund processes are understood.”