Maldives Tourism Act No. 2 of 1999.

This Act provides for the determination of zones and islands for the development of tourism in the Maldives; the leasing of islands for development as tourist resorts, the leasing of land for development as tourist hotels and tourist guesthouses, the leasing of places for development as marinas, and the management of all such facilities; and the operation of tourist vessels, diving centers and travel agencies, and the regulation of persons providing such services.A tourist resort on an island or land leased under this Act shall be developed under a lease agreement to be entered into between the Government and the lessee of such island or land. Contents of the agreement and lease period are specified in the text.The Act sets out procedures and requirements for obtaining permission by the Ministry of Tourism for the felling of coconut palms and trees on an island or land leased for development as a tourist resort, dredging of the lagoon of such an island, reclamation of land, or any other activity.The Act further provides for: registration and licensing to operate tourist resorts, hotels or guesthouses, tourist vessels, diving centres, and for providing travel agency services; the leasing of places for the development of marinas and licences for their operation; etc.

Implemented by: Regulation on the Protection and Conservation of Environment in the Tourism Industry. (2006)