Resorts in the Maldives continued to account for the largest share of tourist accommodation in 2026, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the world’s most established luxury island destinations. According to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, more than 600,000 tourists had stayed at resorts so far this year, representing 70.4 percent of all visitors to the Maldives. The figures reflect the continued strength of the resort segment, which remains central to the Maldivian tourism industry through its distinctive blend of privacy, premium hospitality, natural beauty, and globally recognised service standards.
As of the latest recorded period in 2026, total tourist arrivals to the Maldives reached 879,154. This represents a 5.3 percent decline compared to the same period last year, although the overall volume of arrivals continues to demonstrate the destination’s strong international appeal. The figures indicate that the Maldives remains highly competitive in the global tourism market, supported by its well-developed hospitality infrastructure and continued demand from key international source markets.
Accommodation data shows that resorts remained the preferred choice for the vast majority of travellers, with 604,888 tourists staying at resort properties across the country. This dominant share highlights the enduring value of the Maldives’ resort product, which has long served as the flagship of the nation’s tourism offering. From internationally acclaimed luxury brands to boutique private-island experiences, Maldivian resorts continue to attract travellers seeking high-end leisure, wellness, seclusion, and world-class marine experiences. Their ability to deliver personalised guest experiences in exceptional natural surroundings remains one of the country’s strongest tourism advantages.
Guesthouses ranked second in visitor accommodation, welcoming 211,275 tourists in total, reflecting the continued growth of local island tourism and a widening range of experiences available to travellers. Hotels accommodated 22,512 visitors, while safari vessels received 19,222 travellers, further illustrating the diversity of accommodation and travel preferences in the Maldives. At present, there are 179 resorts and 952 guesthouses in operation nationwide, underscoring the scale and maturity of the country’s tourism sector and its capacity to serve different market segments while maintaining the premium appeal for which the Maldives is internationally known.
The continued prominence of resorts is especially significant for the broader economy, as the segment plays a major role in generating foreign exchange earnings, creating employment, stimulating investment, and supporting related industries such as transport, construction, fisheries, and services. Resorts also remain one of the most visible expressions of the Maldives’ international tourism brand, helping sustain its image among global travellers as a destination synonymous with exclusivity, tranquillity, and exceptional island hospitality. Their performance in 2026 reflects the resilience of this core segment even amid changing global travel patterns.
In terms of source markets, China remained the leading contributor to tourist arrivals with 134,838 visitors, followed by Russia with 116,010. The United Kingdom ranked third with 75,886 arrivals, while Italy recorded 67,930 and Germany 56,966, completing the top five markets. These figures demonstrate the Maldives’ continued reach across major international travel markets and the broad-based demand that supports the country’s tourism industry throughout the year.
Air travel remained the primary mode of entry to the Maldives, with 865,346 tourists arriving by air. Velana International Airport continued to serve as the principal gateway, receiving 854,372 tourists and accounting for the overwhelming majority of air arrivals. Gan International Airport ranked second with 3,569 travellers, followed by Maafaru International Airport with 3,130 and Hanimaadhoo International Airport with 1,981. Additional arrivals were recorded at Maamigili Airport, which welcomed 1,572 visitors, and Dhaalu Airport, which received 722. The distribution of arrivals across these airports reflects the importance of national connectivity in supporting tourism flows and facilitating access to resorts and other accommodation providers located across the archipelago.
Overall, the latest tourism figures show that resorts continue to define the Maldivian visitor experience and remain the cornerstone of the country’s tourism economy in 2026. While total arrivals have seen a modest year-on-year decline, the sustained dominance of resort stays highlights the enduring confidence international travellers place in the Maldives as a premium destination. With a strong portfolio of operating resorts, established global market presence, and continued appeal among major source countries, the Maldives remains well positioned to maintain its standing as one of the world’s leading island tourism destinations.
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