State proposed bill for collecting an amount of $6 per night during stay for tourists، entitled Green Tax، have been passed from People’s Majilis.
The bill proposed by Nilandhoo constituency member Adhulla Haleel was passed with a vote of 52 members out of the 68 members present in today’s Majilis sitting. The bill was voted against by 16 members.
As per the bill، it dictates Green Tax will be collected from tourists who are visiting tourist resorts، hotels and tourist vessels. The tax will commence on next year’s November.
Green Tax includes in the proposed and planned strategy by Finance Minister Abdulla Jihaad to increase government revenue، and Finance Minister estimates and amount of MVR 341 million as Green Tax revenue for government.
While Green Tax is slated to commence next year، and already analysts concerning over the adverse effects of increase in taxation on Tourism as a prime focus، an airport service charge of $25 per head، commenced recently and Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) has upped by 12%.