With over 1.52 million international visitors recorded as of early September 2025, the Maldives continues to solidify its standing as a world-class holiday destination. The latest figures released by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment reveal a 9.7% increase in arrivals compared to the same period last year, when the country welcomed 1,386,554 visitors. This upward trend is fueling expectations that the Maldives may reach its annual target of 2.3 million tourists by the end of the year, potentially breaking its previous record of two million visitors set in 2024.
The average daily arrival rate now stands at 6,232, underscoring the steady inflow of global travelers attracted by the country’s pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and unmatched marine biodiversity. This momentum shows no signs of slowing down. The first week of September alone saw a 23.6% year-on-year increase, with 33,773 arrivals in just seven days.
Monthly tourism data demonstrates a consistently high influx of tourists throughout the year. January led with 214,863 visitors, closely followed by February with 214,091 and March with 203,468. Although a seasonal dip was observed in May (135,614) and June (141,772), the sector rebounded in July (186,738) and August (192,058), reflecting the Maldives’ year-round appeal across a range of travel markets.
China has reclaimed its position as the leading source market, contributing over 240,000 arrivals so far in 2025, representing 15.8% of all visitors. Russia follows as the second-largest contributor with 182,315 tourists, while the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany also remain key markets, each surpassing 100,000 arrivals. These diverse origin markets highlight the Maldives’ broad international appeal and its sustained success in promoting itself across Europe and Asia.
Supporting this growth is the enhanced infrastructure at Velana International Airport (VIA), where a newly developed passenger terminal now accommodates up to 7.5 million travelers annually. This capacity expansion is expected to further facilitate and support increased tourist arrivals, especially during peak seasons and international events.
In addition to its scenic allure and luxurious accommodations, the Maldives continues to earn international acclaim. The destination has been crowned the World’s Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards for five consecutive years, and in 2024, it received further global recognition with the World’s Leading Green Destination Award. This honor reflects the Maldives’ growing commitment to sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, and responsible development, factors increasingly valued by eco-conscious travelers.
As the year progresses, industry stakeholders remain optimistic about reaching the ambitious tourism goals, confident in the Maldives’ well-earned reputation as a premier island escape. With robust growth, strategic infrastructure upgrades, and continued recognition from global travel bodies, the island nation remains a beacon of inspiration for travelers worldwide.
advertisment
advertisment
