Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has revealed ongoing efforts to amend the cruise ship regulations implemented by the previous administration, assuring that a resolution is imminent.
The statement follows the recent enforcement of an amendment to the regulation in September, imposing a 16% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on daily room rates for individual passengers aboard cruise ships. As such, major cruise ships scheduled to visit the Maldives are rerouting to alternative destinations.
The repercussions of the amendment are evident, with a substantial number of cruise ships opting for destinations other than the Maldives, resulting in the loss of numerous tourist bookings. Notably, the Maldives welcomed six cruise ships last year, and their presence has played a pivotal role in attracting tourists and benefitting the economy, with cruise passengers contributing to the revenue of resorts, guesthouses, and island shops.