Tourism to the Maldives continued its robust upward trajectory in October 2025, with the Ministry of Tourism reporting a 10.3% year-on-year increase in arrivals for the month. A total of 190,445 international travellers visited the country in October alone, up from 172,621 during the same month last year, reinforcing the Maldives’ position as one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations.
Cumulative figures reveal that by the start of November, total arrivals for 2025 had already reached 1.85 million, an impressive 9.8% rise compared to the same period in 2024. With two full months remaining in the calendar year, the nation is on track to achieve, and likely exceed, the two million visitor benchmark for the first time in its tourism history. This achievement would further cement the Maldives’ reputation for resilience and sustained growth following the pandemic-induced global travel disruptions.
The strong performance in October is part of a broader trend of recovery and growth observed throughout the year. China maintained its lead as the largest source market, contributing 16% of total arrivals. Russia followed closely with 12.6%, while the United Kingdom and Germany accounted for 8.8% and 7.4% respectively. Other significant contributors included Italy, India, and the United States, showcasing the Maldives’ diverse appeal across continents.
Accommodation trends remained consistent with previous years, with luxury resorts continuing to be the preferred choice among visitors, representing 73.8% of total bookings. However, guesthouses, particularly in inhabited islands, are gaining popularity, making up 21.5% of the total market share. This reflects the growing interest among travellers in experiencing local island life alongside traditional resort stays.
As of early November, the Maldives boasted a total of 1,297 operational tourist establishments, collectively offering more than 66,000 beds. This expansion in capacity has been crucial in accommodating the increasing demand, particularly during peak seasons. With the high season set to begin in late November and extend through March, tourism stakeholders remain optimistic about ending the year with record-breaking figures.
Industry experts attribute the consistent growth to strategic efforts in expanding international air connectivity, tapping into emerging source markets, and promoting the Maldives as a safe and premium travel destination. With arrivals already surpassing those of both 2023 and 2024, tourism operators are anticipating a busy and prosperous end to the year, especially with the expected influx of European travellers seeking tropical escapes during the northern hemisphere winter.
As the country edges closer to surpassing its long-standing visitor records, the Maldives continues to solidify its status as a leading global destination known for pristine beaches, world-class hospitality, and an ever-evolving tourism offering.
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