The Island Chief
Loading advertisement…

Daily News

Today's top stories

Maldives Welcomes its Two Millionth Tourist for 2025

Maldives Welcomes its Two Millionth Tourist for 2025

The Mldives has marked a major milestone today with the arrival of the two millionth tourist of 2025, reaching this landmark earlier than any previous year.

November 27, 2025
beOnd Partners with Ceylinco Insurance to Launch Premium Travel Protection

beOnd Partners with Ceylinco Insurance to Launch Premium Travel Protection

beOnd, the world’s first premium leisure airline, in partnership with Ceylinco Insurance has announced the launch of beOnd Assurance, a premium, comprehensive travel protection program provided with every ticket purchased

November 27, 2025
Young Talent Shines: 15 yrs Aishath Zara Zaheen Wins Bronze at Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge 2025

Young Talent Shines: 15 yrs Aishath Zara Zaheen Wins Bronze at Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge 2025

Aishath Zara Zaheen has made a spectacular debut at the prestigious Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge 2025, proving that passion and talent know no age limit.

November 27, 2025
MATATO Leads Maldives Showcase at QTM with Visit Maldives Corporation and NHGAM

MATATO Leads Maldives Showcase at QTM with Visit Maldives Corporation and NHGAM

The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) is set to lead a powerful Maldives presence at Qatar Travel Mart (QTM), held from 24–26 November at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).

November 27, 2025
dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives Brings Fresh Energy to Country’s MICE and Wedding Scene

dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives Brings Fresh Energy to Country’s MICE and Wedding Scene

Dusit Hotels and Resorts has announced the next milestone for its newest lifestyle resort – dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives – with the forthcoming launch of Feydhoo Hall. The new venue introduces an accessible and elegant space designed for meetings and events landscape.

November 26, 2025
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Kicked Off the Festive Season with Sri Lankan Chef and YouTuber Charith N. Silva

Sun Siyam Olhuveli Kicked Off the Festive Season with Sri Lankan Chef and YouTuber Charith N. Silva

Sun Siyam Olhuveli set the holiday season in motion with another twist to its beloved annual Festive Cake Mixing event held on 23rd of November. This year, the annual event was led by acclaimed Sri Lankan chef and viral social media personality Charith N. Silva

November 26, 2025
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Showcases Its Signature “Kandu Kukulhu” Cooking Experience

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Showcases Its Signature “Kandu Kukulhu” Cooking Experience

At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Maldivian cuisine is honoured not merely as food but as a reflection of island heritage and identity. One of its most meaningful traditions is the preparation of Kandu Kukulhu, the Maldives’ iconic rolled tuna curry.

November 25, 2025
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives Awarded as One of the ‘Favourite Overseas Leisure Hotels’

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives Awarded as One of the ‘Favourite Overseas Leisure Hotels’

The inaugural Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 have just been announced, and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, located within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, has earned a place on the list.

November 25, 2025
Visit Maldives CEO & MD Delivers Keynote at Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event 2025

Visit Maldives CEO & MD Delivers Keynote at Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event 2025

Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree delivered a keynote address at the 2025 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event in Sanya, held from 18 to 21 November 2025.

November 25, 2025

Frankly Speaking

Industry voices on this month's key question

This Month's Question

The Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) in the Maldives increased from 16% to 17% on July 1, 2025, impacting all tourism-related businesses. The new rate applies to all “time of supply” transactions on or after this date, meaning any invoice or payment made after June 30, 2025, will be charged at 17%. Will this affect occupancy and arrivals?

Quick Takes

  • Ahmed Jihad (Jay)

    The increase of TGST from 16% to 17% is not expected to have a negative effect. Why? Because even with this adjustment, the tax rate remains reasonable…

  • Ahmed Zahir

    We already have bookings secured until the end of the year, so there will not be much of an impact for now, as most hotels are likely to absorb the 1%…

  • Mohamed Firaq

    I don’t think the small TGST increase will make a significant difference. The real issue is that we are not marketing our tourism products effectively…

The increase of TGST from 16% to 17% is not expected to have a negative effect. Why? Because even with this adjustment, the tax rate remains reasonable compared to many other destinations. With new resorts opening, an expanded range of tourism products across the Maldives, and a strong collective marketing strategy, we are well positioned to tap into emerging markets and further diversify our visitor base. In addition, enhanced PR and marketing initiatives will support continued growth in both arrivals and overall revenue.

Bon Appetit

Maldivian Octopus Carpaccio with Guacamole, Jalapeño Oil and Fish Roe

Chef's Signature Dish

Maldivian Octopus Carpaccio with Guacamole, Jalapeño Oil and Fish Roe

This refreshing salad blends tender octopus, creamy avocado, and spicy jalapeño, creating a harmony of oceanic flavors and tropical zest—perfect for a vibrant and nourishing Ramadan feast.

Prep: 15minsCook: 1hrServes: Serves 2
Devin Rodrigues

Devin Rodrigues

View Full Recipe