The Maldives, a luxury South Asian island known for its crystal-clear waters and luxury resorts, has raised air taxes on tourists.
According to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority, the exit tax will begin in 2022 and will be levied on passengers departing the Maldives from Maldivian airports based on their class of travel.
Taxes vary by boarding class and are applicable to Maldivian and foreign passengers.
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The tax for foreign passengers flying economy is $50, compared to $12 for nationals. According to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority website, the tax is $120 for business, $240 for first class and $480 for private jets, the same amount for nationals and tourists.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Maldives had a total of 1.7 million visitors. (St. Petersburg)
“Passengers with diplomatic immunity, transit passengers, and children under 2 years of age are exempt from exit tax,” the site continues.
According to the Ministry of Tourism’s November report, the number of visitors to the Maldives totaled 1.7 million.
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The Maldives has introduced a departure tax on travelers departing from the island’s airport. (Matt Hunt/Anadolu via Getty Images)
In addition to the departure tax, the country is also introducing another visitor tax, which applies to hotels, resorts and tourist boats, and will double from $6 to $12 from January.
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Other holiday destinations have introduced taxes to curb tourism.
Hotel and resort guests visiting the Maldives will be charged a $12 tourist tax starting in January. (Nautilus Maldives)
Greece plans to introduce a 20 euro ($22) tax on cruise travelers to Santorini and Mykonos, and Bali will introduce a $10 tax on all foreign travelers to encourage more sustainable tourism. The company has begun charging fees, Fox News Digital reported.
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Fox News Digital has contacted the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority for comment.
