The Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) has urged the Maldives Government to reconsider the 17% Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) being extended to overseas sellers from 1 October 2026. The measure, enacted through the Eighth Amendment to the GST Act, brings foreign tour operators, travel agents and booking platforms supplying Maldivian accommodation, meals, transport and tourist activities into the tax regime. MIRA has introduced registration, online filing and record-keeping requirements, with no MVR1 million registration threshold for affected suppliers. OTOAI president Himanshu Patil said the move could pressure contracts and consumer pricing. Separately, UK trade body ABTA has sought a six-month delay. India recorded 131,625 Maldives arrivals in 2025 and 74,173 by 10 August 2026.
Shreya Bansal is a reporter at TravTalk India, covering the travel and tourism industry. She brings a keen eye for emerging trends, trade developments, and the stories shaping the travel landscape. Through in-depth reporting and on-ground insights, she connects industry stakeholders with news that matters. Beyond travel, Shreya has a growing interest in the premium lifestyle space, particularly the world of fine jewellery and is eager to explore the craftsmanship, culture, and commerce that define luxury living.