The government’s dollar revenue fell by 6 percent in the second quarter of this year, according to figures released by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).

MIRA’s second-quarter report shows that dollar revenue declined sharply in April and May, falling by 5 percent in April and 15 percent in May compared with the corresponding months last year.

The government collected USD328 million in dollar revenue during the second quarter, down from USD350 million in the same period last year.

The decline was attributed to lower tourist arrivals and tourism revenue amid the conflict in the Middle East.

Tourist arrivals to the Maldives have fallen by 3.9 percent so far this year compared with the same period last year.

The government collected USD868 million in dollar revenue during the first six months of the year.

Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) was the largest source of dollar revenue, followed by resort rent and income tax. The government also receives dollar revenue from green tax and airport development fees.

Dollar revenue accounted for 66 percent of total government revenue in the second quarter, while MVR revenue amounted to MVR2.5 billion.

The government collected a total of MVR19 billion in revenue during the first six months of the year.