Regulations have been changed such that only 100 percent Maldivian owned companies can act as agents for tourist vessels.
The amended rules, gazetted by the Tourism Ministry on Saturday, said that only companies with Maldivian shareholders, including partners, can act as agents for foreign tourist vessels arriving in the country.
The rules now require licensed tour guides for all crew and passenger excursions from these vessels.
Additionally, the fee structure for passenger licenses have also been updated. Previously, the license fee for vessels between 75 meters and 100 meters was $700. However, the fee has now been revised to $650 for these vessels, and $750 for larger vessels. Cruise liners remain exempt from these changes.
