Maldives extends 17% tourism GST to overseas sellers, raising Indian package costs

The Maldives government extended the 17% tourism GST to overseas sellers, with the change taking effect on October 1, leading Indian travel agents to anticipate higher Maldives package prices.

Agents warn that bookings made directly with resorts could attract both the 17% Maldives GST and an 18% GST in India on the same income, creating potential double taxation; they say they cannot absorb the added cost and that price‑sensitive travellers may consider alternatives such as Bali, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Thailand, while some operators will review each package individually and may offer discounts or extra benefits to retain demand.