The Maldives generated more than USD 27.31 million in green tax revenue during the first two months of 2026, reflecting strong tourism activity and continued commitment to environmental sustainability across the island nation. Data released by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) indicates that the amount collected from January and February represents a 63.7 percent increase compared with the USD 16.68 million recorded during the same period in 2025.
Green tax was introduced in October 2016 as part of the Maldives’ broader strategy to safeguard its fragile island ecosystems while supporting the long-term sustainability of its tourism industry. The levy is collected from visitors staying at tourist resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboard safari vessels operating throughout the country. The tax contributes directly to environmental conservation initiatives designed to preserve the natural beauty and ecological balance that underpin the Maldives’ global reputation as a premier island destination.
Under the current structure, travellers staying at resorts, safari vessels and hotels are charged a green tax of USD 12 per night, while visitors staying in guesthouses are charged USD 6 per night. Children under the age of two are exempt from the fee. The policy ensures that visitors contribute directly to protecting the natural environment they experience during their stay, reinforcing the Maldives’ approach of integrating tourism development with environmental stewardship.
Revenue generated through green tax plays a vital role in financing a range of environmental projects implemented across the country’s islands. These initiatives include the development of modern water supply and sewerage systems to improve sanitation infrastructure, coastal protection programmes aimed at safeguarding beaches from erosion, and environmental clean-up campaigns that protect marine ecosystems and maintain the pristine conditions of inhabited and resort islands. Such programmes support both local communities and the tourism sector by ensuring that the Maldives’ unique natural environment remains protected for future generations.
The increase in green tax revenue coincides with a rise in tourist arrivals during the opening months of the year. Official statistics show that 474,920 travellers visited the Maldives during January and February 2026, marking a 10.4 percent increase compared with 430,356 arrivals recorded during the same period in 2025. Tourism remains the backbone of the Maldivian economy, and the continued growth in visitor numbers reflects the strong global demand for the country’s luxury resorts, private island experiences and world-renowned marine biodiversity.
During the first two months of the year, tourist arrivals averaged approximately 6,000 visitors per day. More recently, however, the daily arrival figure has declined to around 4,000 travellers due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has affected some international travel routes. Authorities have indicated that roughly 30 percent of visitors to the Maldives typically arrive through routes connected to the Middle East region, meaning disruptions to travel corridors can have a short-term impact on arrival trends.
Despite these external challenges, the Maldives continues to maintain strong performance in its tourism sector, supported by its globally recognised hospitality industry and extensive network of high-end island resorts. The steady growth in green tax revenue highlights the continued success of the Maldives in balancing tourism expansion with environmental responsibility, ensuring that the country’s natural resources are protected while sustaining the economic benefits generated by international travel.
advertisment
advertisment
