The Maldives collected USD 110.2 million in green tax revenue during the first nine months of 2026, reflecting continued strength in the country’s tourism industry and providing significant financial support for environmental and infrastructure development across the islands.
According to figures released by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), green tax collections increased by 5.4 per cent compared with the same period last year, when approximately USD 103.8 million was collected. The increase comes as the Maldives continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading island tourism destinations, supported by an extensive network of resorts, hotels, guesthouses and safari vessels.
The country currently has 180 resorts in operation, forming the backbone of the Maldives’ internationally renowned tourism industry. The resort sector offers accommodation across private islands and integrated tourism developments throughout the archipelago, attracting travellers from major international markets and making an important contribution to government revenue, employment and broader economic activity.
In addition to the resort sector, the Maldives currently has 16 operational hotels, 932 guesthouses and 166 safari vessels, demonstrating the diversity and geographical reach of the country’s tourism industry. The expansion of guesthouse tourism has also enabled more local islands and communities to participate directly in the economic opportunities generated by the sector.
Green tax was introduced in October 2016 as a dedicated revenue mechanism primarily intended to support environmental protection and conservation initiatives. Tourists staying at resorts, hotels and safari vessels are currently charged USD 12 per person per day, while visitors staying at guesthouses are charged USD 6 per person per day. Children below the age of two are exempt from the tax.
Revenue generated through the green tax supports the Government’s environmental and infrastructure priorities across the Maldives, including water and sewerage projects, coastal protection, clean environment programmes and the establishment and improvement of water supply systems.
The growth in green tax collections highlights the important relationship between the Maldives’ tourism industry and sustainable national development, enabling revenue generated from visitors to contribute directly towards strengthening environmental resilience, improving essential services and supporting the long-term development of island communities.
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