Committee votes to reduce green tax on guesthouses to USD 4

People’s Majlis Economic Affairs Committee has voted to reduce USD 6 in green tax proposed by government on guesthouses to USD 4.

Tourism bill proposed by government calls for green tax to be taken from tourists who stay at guesthouses, raising concern from people involved in the guesthouse business.

Speaking during the Committee discussion regarding the issue, South Mafannu MP Abdulla Rifau said that guesthouses had asked to reduce the green tax during discussions with government.

Rifau proposed to reduce the green tax on guesthouses to USD 4 per tourist per night.

It passed with the vote of four members – Rifau, North Fuvahmulah MP Ali Shah, Central Fuvahmulah MP Ali Fazaal and Maduvvari MP Mohamed Ameeth.

North Galolhu MP Eva Abdulla, North Hithadhoo MP Mohamed Aslam and Kinbidhoo MP Abdulla Riyaz voted against the proposal.

The Committee also passed that green tax on guesthouses would be implemented from October 1 onwards in order to give the businesses more time to prepare.