Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) has reduced membership fees for guesthouses aimed at increasing participation from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, VMC Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree said membership fees charged to guesthouses have been significantly reduced. Previously, guesthouses incurred a payment of USD 1,000 for membership. But with the proposed changes, small guesthouses with less than 25 rooms will have to pay USD 350 whereas larger guesthouses with over 25 rooms will be required to pay USD 750.
Guesthouses are required to pay the membership fee at the start of every year.
For 2026, VMC will introduce more accessible and lower-priced membership options, enabling a broader range of SMEs across the country to join the corporation’s marketing network. These measures aim to ensure that every segment of the tourism sector—large or small—has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from global promotion of the Maldives.
VMC will also reduce participation fees for roadshows and promotional activities for resorts, guesthouses, travel agencies, and liveaboards. In addition, SMEs will have access to flexible non-physical participation options, including digital showcases, representation services, and shared lead-generation support, allowing businesses to engage in international markets without travelling overseas.
To further support industry partners, VMC will facilitate content trips and high-quality content-sharing initiatives, enabling resorts and guesthouses to receive professional marketing assets. This collaborative approach strengthens both the destination’s content library and the visibility of individual operators.