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A 20-Year Legacy: Cinnamon Grand Colombo Reaches Key Milestone in Sri Lankan Luxury

A 20-Year Legacy: Cinnamon Grand Colombo Reaches Key Milestone in Sri Lankan Luxury

According to Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Chief Operations Officer Kamal Munasinghe, the brand aims to strengthen the profile of both Sri Lanka and the Maldives as leading global destinations. The company is exploring growth and expansion opportunities while bridging the talent gap in the hospitality industry through training and development.

December 4, 2025
Fine Dining Meets Island Serenity: Chef Pascal Oudotte at Kandolhu Maldives

Fine Dining Meets Island Serenity: Chef Pascal Oudotte at Kandolhu Maldives

Kandolhu Maldives has announced the next chapter in its chef collaboration series, welcoming acclaimed Chef Pascal Oudotte from the Michelin Guide–rated restaurant Stilbruch in Karlsruhe, Germany.

December 4, 2025
Dhiraagu Supports Inter Office/Company Netball Tournament 2025 as the Digital Partner

Dhiraagu Supports Inter Office/Company Netball Tournament 2025 as the Digital Partner

Dhiraagu is supporting this year’s Inter Office/Company Netball Tournament as the Digital Partner. This tournament is an exciting event that brings together teams from across various organisations

December 4, 2025
International Support for Ditwah Affected Sri Lanka

International Support for Ditwah Affected Sri Lanka

As of the latest updates regarding the humanitarian assistance for Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka, the country has received various forms of financial and material support from several countries and organizations.

December 3, 2025
45 Days to Go Until the 9th Edition of Food & Beverage Show!

45 Days to Go Until the 9th Edition of Food & Beverage Show!

In just 45 days, the culinary scene in the Maldives is set to witness the highly anticipated 9th edition of the Food & Beverage Show, organized by Highrise Pvt Ltd.

December 3, 2025
Barceló Nasandhura to Host New Year’s Eve Gala Featuring Renowned Local Artist Fasy

Barceló Nasandhura to Host New Year’s Eve Gala Featuring Renowned Local Artist Fasy

Barceló Nasandhura Malé is preparing to host the capital’s New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration on December 31st, beginning at 7:00 PM.

December 3, 2025
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives Invites Guests for a Timeless Valentine’s Day 2026 Celebration

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives Invites Guests for a Timeless Valentine’s Day 2026 Celebration

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, an island synonymous with barefoot luxury and the art of refined romance, is delighted to announce its Valentine’s Day 2026 program — Through the Sands of Time.

December 3, 2025
Five Years of Refined Elegance from Maldivian Gem to Global Sanctuary

Five Years of Refined Elegance from Maldivian Gem to Global Sanctuary

What began as a whisper in the Maldives has become a symphony across oceans - discover how THE OZEN COLLECTION is redefining intimate luxury, one sanctuary at a time.

December 3, 2025
Extensive Humanitarian Aid Rolls into Sri Lanka After Devastation!

Extensive Humanitarian Aid Rolls into Sri Lanka After Devastation!

Following Cyclone Ditwah in late November, the international community provided substantial humanitarian support to Sri Lanka, coordinated by the United Nations and including financial aid and technical assistance from various nations and NGOs.

December 3, 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

Lavender Chocolate Harmony

Chef's Signature Dish

Lavender Chocolate Harmony

When I was a child, I loved eating Dairy Milk chocolate. The taste stayed with me, and I thought I could create something even better by adding some extra ingredients. I infused the chocolate with lavender crème brûlée and sesame seeds and paired it with raspberry sorbet. The result is a smooth, decadent chocolate experience. To balance the richness, you get the aroma of lavender from the crème brûlée and the light, tart taste of the raspberry sorbet.

Prep: 1hrCook: 1hrServes: 1
Pritam Sarki

Pritam Sarki

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