Maldives has witnessed a 2% reduction in tourist arrivals during the peak season this December in comparison to the same timeframe last year, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism.
From December 1 to 11, the tourist count fell from 63,523 in 2023 to 62,249 in 2024. Nevertheless, the overall number of tourists visiting the Maldives this year has seen an increase relative to 2023.
As of December 11, 2024, the Maldives recorded a total of 1.89 million tourist arrivals, reflecting an 8.7% rise from the 1.87 million arrivals noted in 2023.
The decline in December arrivals aligns with the introduction of heightened tourism-related taxes. Effective December 1, new rates for the departure tax and airport development fee were implemented:
- Foreign economy class passengers are now charged $50.
- Business class passengers face a fee of $120.
- First-class passengers are required to pay $240.
- Passengers traveling on private jets incur a charge of $480
Further tax increases are anticipated in the upcoming months:
- Green tax: Beginning in January, the tax for guesthouses with fewer than 50 rooms will rise from $3 to $6. For resorts, city hotels, and establishments with more than 50 rooms, the tax will increase from $6 to $12.
- Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST): Starting in July, the TGST will increase from 16% to 17%.
The government expects to generate an additional MVR 3 billion in revenue through these tax modifications. However, industry experts have expressed concerns that the elevated taxes may render the Maldives a more costly destination, potentially impacting future tourist arrivals.
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