The Association of Travel Agents (ATA) has voiced strong concerns over what it describes as the growing and unchecked influence of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) such as Booking.com in the Maldives. In a statement, ATA criticised Booking.com’s role in what it perceives as attempts to undermine local travel businesses.
ATA argued that OTAs are monopolizing the travel market in the Maldives, putting local agents at risk. The association pointed out that in several other countries, governments have imposed regulations to ensure OTAs pay royalties and contribute fairly to the national economy. It called for similar policies in the Maldives to protect local travel agencies that play a vital role in maintaining foreign currency inflow to the country.
The association stressed that unregulated dominance by OTAs could destabilize the Maldives’ tourism sector, which heavily relies on the efforts of local travel agents. ATA urged authorities to enforce policies that require OTAs to pay royalties and establish regulations that safeguard local businesses.
ATA emphasized the need for immediate action to protect national interests, the economy, and local tourism operators from the rising influence of international platforms like Booking.com. The association warned that failing to regulate OTAs could weaken the sustainability of Maldives’ tourism sector in the long run.
