- Maldives collected MVR 1.9 billion in Green Tax over the first 10 months of this year, up four per cent from MVR 1.8 billion a year earlier.
- Monthly collections fell in October to MVR 156 million from MVR 172 million the previous October.
- Green Tax, levied on tourists at USD 12 or USD 6 per night, funds environmental projects like water, sewerage, and coastal protection.
The state has collected MVR 1.9 billion in Green Tax during the first 10 months of this year, according to statistics published by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).
Figures from the tax authority show that Green Tax revenue rose by four per cent compared to the MVR 1.8 billion collected during the same period last year. MIRA collected MVR 2.28 billion in total revenue in October.
Despite the overall growth across the 10-month period, monthly Green Tax collections declined in October. MIRA collected MVR 156 million in Green Tax during October, down from MVR 172 million in October last year.
Authorities levy Green Tax on tourists staying at tourist resorts, hotels, guesthouses, and liveaboard safari vessels operating in the Maldives. Guests staying at resorts, hotels, and safari vessels pay USD 12 per person per night, while guests at guesthouses pay USD 6 per person per night. Children under the age of two are exempt from the tax.
As of 10th November 180 of the 185 resorts listed by the Ministry are in operation, alongside 17 hotels, 922 guesthouses, and 164 safari vessels.
The government allocates Green Tax revenue to fund environmental projects across the islands. These initiatives include water and sewerage systems, coastal protection efforts, waste management projects, and the establishment of water supply networks.
