The government collected USD 77.8 million in Green Tax revenue during the first half of this year, according to financial statistics.
According to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA)'s June revenue report, the government received USD 77.8 million in Green Tax revenue during the first six months of the year. During the corresponding period last year, Green Tax collections amounted to USD 71.3 million, representing an 8.2 percent increase.
Revenue collected in US dollars also rose during the first six months of the year. Green Tax receipts totalled USD 79 million during the period, compared with USD 73 million during the same period last year.
The Maldives introduced the Green Tax in October 2016 to raise funds for environmental protection initiatives across the country. The tax is levied on tourists staying at resorts, hotels and guesthouses, as well as those arriving on tourist vessels.
The Green Tax is charged at USD 12 per person per night for guests staying at resorts, tourist vessels and hotels, and USD 6 per person per night for guests staying at guesthouses. Children under the age of two are exempt from the tax.
Revenue generated through the Green Tax is used by the government to fund environmental projects across the Maldives. These include water and sewerage systems, coastal protection works, clean environment projects, and the development of water supply infrastructure.