The Maldives has moved closer to welcoming one million tourist arrivals this year, reflecting the continued global appeal of the destination and the strength of its tourism industry. According to the latest available figures, 994,901 tourists visited the country during the reporting period, underscoring the Maldives’ sustained position as one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations. Although arrivals were 4.9 per cent lower compared with the same period last year, the figures indicate a 4.5 per cent increase over 2024, pointing to stable long-term growth and continued international confidence in the Maldivian tourism sector.
The arrival statistics further highlight the Maldives’ broad connectivity and accessibility to international travellers. Of the total number of visitors recorded so far this year, 980,054 tourists arrived by air, while 14,847 entered by sea. These figures demonstrate the country’s continued success in attracting travellers through multiple channels and reaffirm the importance of tourism as a pillar of the national economy. The steady pace of arrivals also reflects the resilience of the sector amid evolving global travel patterns and competitive regional markets.
China remained the largest source market for tourist arrivals to the Maldives this year, contributing 153,790 visitors. Russia followed with 136,495 arrivals, while the United Kingdom ranked third with 82,850 visitors. Italy and Germany also remained among the top performing markets, recording 70,888 and 64,075 arrivals respectively. The diversity of these source markets reflects the Maldives’ enduring popularity across Asia and Europe and illustrates its strong international brand as a premium leisure destination known for natural beauty, world-class hospitality, and exceptional visitor experiences.
Resorts continued to play the leading role in accommodating travellers and shaping the overall performance of the tourism industry. Of all visitors recorded so far this year, 694,411 stayed at resorts, reaffirming the central role of the resort segment in the Maldivian tourism model. The strong preference for resort stays highlights the continued demand for the Maldives’ signature one-island-one-resort concept, which offers privacy, exclusivity, high service standards, and direct access to pristine beaches and turquoise lagoons. For many international visitors, the resort experience remains a defining feature of travel to the Maldives, combining luxury, comfort, and serene island surroundings in a way few destinations can replicate.
The resort sector also continues to serve as a major driver of value creation within the broader tourism economy. Beyond offering accommodation, resorts contribute significantly to employment, service excellence, international marketing visibility, and the overall positioning of the Maldives as a leading destination for upscale and high-quality tourism. The strong share of resort-based stays this year reflects not only visitor preference, but also the sector’s ability to maintain its appeal across different global markets. With travellers increasingly seeking personalised, scenic, and high-standard holiday experiences, Maldivian resorts continue to stand out for their distinctive setting, refined hospitality, and reputation for delivering memorable stays to guests from around the world.
In addition to resorts, guesthouses accommodated 231,189 tourists, while 24,321 visitors stayed in hotels, indicating that the Maldives continues to offer a wide range of options catering to different travel preferences and budgets. This balanced accommodation mix supports the expansion of tourism across multiple segments while preserving the premium status of the destination. At the same time, the dominance of resort stays demonstrates that the Maldives’ luxury and resort-focused identity remains at the heart of its international tourism success.
The latest figures also show that 1,286 tourist establishments are currently in operation across the Maldives, with a combined bed capacity of 67,468. This extensive operational base reflects the scale, maturity, and continued development of the country’s tourism infrastructure. As the Maldives approaches the one million visitor mark for the year, the latest performance highlights the enduring strength of the industry and the continued confidence of global travellers in the destination. With its established resort sector, diverse visitor base, and internationally recognised hospitality offering, the Maldives remains well positioned to sustain its appeal and advance its standing in the global tourism market.
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