The Maldives has recorded a major fiscal uplift this year, driven by the continued strength of its tourism sector. New data from the Ministry of Finance and Planning shows the state has collected USD 116.72 million in Green Tax revenue so far — nearly double the amount received during the same period in 2024.
According to the Ministry’s latest Weekly Fiscal Development report, Green Tax collections for the first 22 weeks of 2025 have surged by 88.3 percent compared with the USD 51.77 million generated during the corresponding period last year. Officials say the significant increase reflects both higher visitor arrivals and longer average stays.
The Green Tax — first introduced in October 2016 — serves as a dedicated funding mechanism for environmental protection and sustainability initiatives across the islands. It is levied on foreign tourists staying at resorts, hotels, guesthouses, and on liveaboard vessels. The rate is set at USD 12 per person per night for resorts, safaris, and hotels, while guests at registered guesthouses pay USD 6 per person per night. Children under two years old are exempt from the charge. Registered properties must submit monthly tax declarations and settle payments by the 28th of the following month.
Tourism statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment support the upward trend. As of now, the Maldives has welcomed 1,943,305 tourists — a 9.9 percent increase compared with the 1,768,714 arrivals recorded during the same period last year.
The government is building on the momentum generated in 2024, when tourist arrivals crossed the 2-million mark for the first time. For 2025, officials have set an ambitious target of attracting 2.3 million visitors, with multiple initiatives underway to expand the industry and enhance the country’s tourism offerings.
