Ministry of Tourism has stated amendments have been brought to the regulations on tour operators and travel agencies in order to assist Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) working in the tourism industry.
Speaking to PSM News, Senior Policy Director at the Ministry of Tourism Mohamed Khussaan said the old regulations brought major difficulties to the operations of SMEs in the sector. He said the regulations were amended to remove such obstacles. He added the regulations were also amended for the benefit of local travel agents.
The regulation on travel agencies and tour operators was amended and re-published on February 25. The main amendment brought to the regulation was with regards to the establishment of an office for the operations of travel companies. Previously, the regulation mandated such companies to establish an office for their services, and included the minimum size and description of the office. However, these clauses have now been removed.
Furthermore, the new regulation also requires foreign travel agencies and tour operators to seek authorization from the tourism ministry before opening an office in the Maldives. Foreign companies are also required to work with a local company during their operations in the Maldives.