Visiting the Maldives is now pricier than ever
Visitors to the Maldives should prepare to spend more on their trip to the island nation. Here’s what’s driving the increase…
Maldives tourist taxes see an increase
The Maldives, famous for its turquoise waters, luxurious overwater villas, and pristine white sandy beaches, remains a dream destination for countless travelers.
However, if you’re planning a visit there soon, you may need to save up a little more.
Due to recent changes made to multiple tourist taxes, the cost of visiting the South Asian country is now more expensive than ever.
According to Travel News, the government of the Maldives have increased the cost of flying to there, as well as staying at hotels and purchasing tourism goods and services.
How much more?
From 1 December, foreigners departing the Maldives in economy class are now charged US$50 (R905), increased from the previous US$30 (R540). Business-class passengers pay US$120 (R2 170), increased from US$90 (R1 630) and first-class passengers pay US$240 (R4 340), increased from US$90 (R1 630).
The country’s President, Mohamed Muizzu, also made some changes to the Maldives Tourism Act, which delineates the amount paid per person per night spent in the Maldives as a ‘green tax’.
This green tax has now doubled, from US$6 (R110) per person per night for resorts and hotels, to US$12 (R220).
Those staying in guesthouses will now be charged US$6 (R110), up from US$3 (R55) previously. The updated green tax will take effect in January 2025, however.
The Tourism Goods and Services tax in the country will also increase from 16% to 17% on 1 July 2025.