MATI Delays Reethi Raajje’ Event Amid Rising Tensions With MMA

The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has postponed the launch of its Reethi Raajje’ National Campaign, originally scheduled for Thursday, citing unforeseen circumstances. The announcement comes amid growing tensions between MATI and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) over recently introduced amendments to the Foreign Exchange Regulations.

MATI made the postponement announcement on Wednesday through X, formerly known as Twitter, offering apologies to its volunteers and partners. “We regret to inform you all that we are postponing tomorrow’s Reethi Raajje’ kick-off event until further notice,” the statement read.

The Reethi Raajje’ National Campaign, a yearlong initiative organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, was set to launch in the greater Malé area. The campaign aims to promote sustainability and cleanliness across the country, featuring monthly clean-ups in different atolls, running until September 2025.

The decision to delay the event comes at a time of heightened friction between MATI and the MMA, following the MMA’s decision to gazette new foreign exchange regulations on Tuesday. The new rules mandate that all transactions within the Maldives be conducted in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), with limited exceptions for businesses handling foreign currency, such as resorts and duty-free shops.

MATI has been vocal in its criticism of the new regulations, accusing the MMA of implementing the changes without addressing concerns raised by the tourism industry during consultations. The association is particularly worried about the fixed foreign exchange amounts imposed on tourism establishments—US$500 per tourist for resorts, safari boats, and city hotels, and US$25 for guesthouses. MATI believes the new rules could place an undue burden on smaller tourism businesses that receive payments in local currency from tourists.

Although the exact reason for the postponement of the Reethi Raajje’ event has not been disclosed, the timing coincides with the ongoing dispute over the foreign exchange regulations.