The Maldives is witnessing an exceptional rise in tourist arrivals in 2025, reinforcing its position as one of the most desirable holiday destinations worldwide. According to the latest Tourism Daily update released by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment on 2025 April 6, the island nation welcomed a total of 667,730 international visitors as of April 5, 2025, a 5.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 630,867 arrivals were recorded.
The month-by-month analysis reveals a robust start to the year. In January, 214,863 tourists visited the country, marking an 11.7% increase over January 2024. While February saw a slight decline of 1.5% with 214,091 visitors, March rebounded with 203,464 arrivals, reflecting a 4.8% year-on-year growth. Notably, during the first five days of April alone, the Maldives welcomed 35,312 visitors, a significant 31.5% increase compared to the same period last year.
As of early April, the majority of international guests stayed in resorts, which continue to lead the accommodation sector by hosting 464,015 visitors, accounting for 69.5% of total arrivals. Guesthouses followed with 167,089 tourists (25%), highlighting the growing popularity of budget-friendly and community-based tourism. Safari vessels and hotels hosted 16,713 and 19,459 guests respectively.
From a global perspective, China has emerged as the top source market in 2025, with 76,674 tourists — representing 11.5% of the total market share. The United Kingdom followed with 70,561 visitors (10.6%), closely tailed by Russia with 70,538 (10.6%). Italy contributed 59,978 tourists (9.0%), while Germany and India brought in 47,470 and 33,544 visitors respectively. France, the United States, Switzerland, and Poland also featured in the top ten markets, indicating the Maldives’ widespread appeal across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Accommodation infrastructure has kept pace with this rising demand. As of April 5, 2025, the Maldives offers 1,204 operational tourist facilities, including 191 resort and marina establishments with a total of 46,015 beds. Guesthouses account for 842 facilities with 14,412 beds, while safari vessels and hotels provide an additional 3,108 and 2,038 beds respectively. In total, the Maldives has an operational bed capacity of 65,525.
The archipelago’s well-balanced tourism model, which spans high-end resorts, local guesthouses, and unique liveaboard experiences, continues to support its appeal to a diverse range of travelers. Spread across 20 atolls and 111 inhabited islands, these facilities ensure that tourists can experience both the serene seclusion and vibrant local culture that the Maldives is famed for.
With the tourism sector contributing significantly to the country’s GDP and employment, these steady gains in arrivals offer promising prospects for economic sustainability. The Maldives remains committed to enhancing its tourism infrastructure and diversifying offerings to maintain long-term growth while preserving its unique natural environment. The sustained upward trend in arrivals reflects global confidence in the Maldives as a safe, welcoming, and unforgettable travel destination.
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