In a bold move that challenges the integrity of the Maldives’ tourism sector reporting, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has called out the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) for disseminating questionable tourism revenue figures. On February 11, 2025, MATATO formally sought clarification from the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), expressing deep concerns over the accuracy and potential repercussions of the data presented by MATI.
The disputed figures, unveiled at MATI’s Annual General Meeting and widely circulated in local media, claim that in 2024, resorts dominated the tourism revenue with MVR 69.3 billion (USD 4.5 billion), accounting for 83.6% of the total. In stark contrast, travel agents and tour operators were reported to have generated a mere MVR 2.1 billion (USD 141.4 million), representing just 2.6% of the sector’s revenue.
MATATO has vehemently challenged these numbers, pointing out the absence of corresponding data on official platforms such as the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) and MIRA. The association emphasized that the combined turnover of several key MATATO members alone far exceeds the reported MVR 2.1 billion, suggesting a significant underreporting of the contributions from travel agents and tour operators.
In their communication to MIRA’s Commissioner General of Taxation, Hassan Zareer, MATATO highlighted concerns that the methodology employed by MATI may involve unfounded assumptions, leading to a distorted portrayal of the industry’s financial landscape. They warned that publishing such potentially inaccurate figures without rigorous verification could mislead stakeholders and damage public perception of the sector.
This incident is not isolated. MATATO has previously voiced apprehensions about challenges faced by local travel agencies, including the proliferation of unregulated ‘paper companies’ that operate without bearing the burden of tourism and other taxes, thereby undermining legitimate businesses.
The association’s latest move underscores a pressing need for transparency and accountability within the Maldives’ tourism industry. As MATATO continues to advocate for fair representation and accurate data reporting, the spotlight is now on MATI to address these allegations and uphold the integrity of the sector.
