The state collected over MVR 221.7 million in Green Tax revenue last month, marking a significant increase of 104.8% compared to the same period last year. Established in 2016, this tax is levied on tourists to generate necessary funding for environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives.
The primary driver behind this revenue growth is a 5% surge in tourist arrivals, with over 200,000 visitors recorded last month. Statistics show that the majority of these tourists stayed at resorts. The Green Tax is currently applied at a rate of USD 12 per person per day for stays in resorts, hotels, and safari vessels, while a rate of USD 6 is charged at local guesthouses.
The revenue generated from this tax is utilized by the government to finance essential environmental infrastructure projects across the islands, including the establishment of water and sewerage systems and the implementation of coastal protection measures.
