Despite earlier resistance from tourism operators, the Maldivian authorities have begun implementing a new Green Tax at US$6 per tourist bed from November 1.
The Green Tax, imposed through an amendment to the Maldives Tourism Act, is payable by tourists who stay in resorts, hotels and tourist vessels. Maldivians and resident permit holders who stay in such properties are exempted, clarified the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority. Guesthouses are exempted too.
Earlier in January, tourism minister Ahmed Adheeb said the new tax is aimed at protecting the Maldives’ fragile environment. “Revenue generated from the tax will go into managing the waste from local resorts and other islands,” he told local media.
