Resorts, guesthouses and the visitor economy.
The Noonu Atoll resort's calendar runs from a vampire-themed Halloween to its 13th anniversary on 20 December, with two guest chefs cooking at Aragu in November.
A fifth addendum to the resort’s environmental impact assessment drops a larger coastal scheme approved under an earlier addendum in favour of smaller breakwater and groyne changes. The regulator is taking public comments until 5 November.
The national airline also held a China roadshow with its sales agent there. China sent 324,039 tourists to the Maldives this year up to 21 October, more than any other country.
Kaafu’s 770,644 guests to 21 October were 46% of those recorded at resorts, hotels and guesthouses. Arrivals remain 3.2% behind 2025, but October’s shortfall has narrowed to 0.9%.
The bill, which would refund tax collected on these sales since 1 October, has moved to the committee stage. MIRA still lists 31 October as the registration deadline for overseas suppliers.
It is one of 10 nominees for the World Travel Awards’ top destination title and is also shortlisted for dive, green and honeymoon awards. Winners will be named in Tanzania on 12 December.
The bill says tax collected on these sales since 1 October must be returned. Its fiscal note puts the revenue at stake at MVR1.61 billion.
Base rates and per-hectare charges fall for islands leased under the cross-subsidy scheme in northern and southern atolls. The concession runs until June 2027.
State-owned MTDC now targets October 2027 for the Haa Dhaalu resort. The government’s extension of the construction period runs to 20 November 2026.
The Tourism Ministry recorded 79,529 tourists from 1 to 14 October. Total visitor numbers for the year are 3.4% lower than at the same point in 2025.
A decree signed on 14 October lets Belarus's transport ministry negotiate and sign the agreement. The text has not been negotiated, and no routes or airlines have been named.
The Tourism Minister says 161 islands and lagoons are in a “distressed” state and land rent owed has reached about US$500–600 million. The regulation itself names no sites.
Island Aviation wants the first jet in the last quarter of 2027 and has given lessors until 28 October to submit proposals.
The package for the last 15 days of Ramadan costs MVR48,965, with payment due by 19 December.
The Vietnamese carrier will operate three return flights a week with Airbus A320 aircraft, stopping in Sri Lanka in both directions.
A new agreement gives the Tourism Ministry a role in bringing resorts into the National Apprenticeship Programme and supporting workplace training.
The South Malé Atoll resort has introduced an all-inclusive programme and new family accommodation following its 1 October rebranding.
The footballers are scheduled at the Dhaalu Atoll resort from 26 December to 1 January, with children’s coaching and a match on the programme.
MATATO confirms a government decision to change the framework. ABTA is seeking formal confirmation of a postponement and the next steps for overseas sellers.
The latest ministry figures put tourist arrivals at 1.597 million through 4 October, with China and Russia accounting for one-third of the total.
The destination episode screens on TVM at 10pm on 5 October, following an island production coordinated by MHC Group and Visit Maldives.
CROSSROADS hosts the Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean ceremony on Sunday, with representatives from more than 40 countries expected.
The agreement provides for stays of up to 30 days per visit. The Foreign Ministry has not announced an entry-into-force date.
Expressions of interest are due on 5 October for the northern marina’s development and operation.
Nine additional weekly flights are scheduled from 25 October, alongside a new destination marketing agreement with Visit Maldives.
The Vaavu Atoll development includes private-island residences. The company has not announced an opening date.
Muizzu says the state-led programme will be implemented within 36 months, with annual distributions in foreign currency.
The 1 October rules cover overseas sellers of inbound tourism products and related booking services. Tourism GST remains 17 per cent.
The airlines have announced mileage redemptions on Maldivian's network. A booking launch date and award prices have not been published.
