Guesthouses accounted for 22.6 percent of tourist arrivals to the Maldives so far this year, reflecting the continued expansion of locally operated tourism accommodation and the growing diversity of options available to international travellers.
Statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation show that the Maldives welcomed 1,241,422 tourists during the period, with 274,687 visitors choosing to stay at guesthouses. The figures demonstrate the important contribution of the guesthouse sector to the country’s tourism industry, alongside its internationally renowned resort segment.
The development of guesthouse tourism has enabled visitors to experience the Maldives from inhabited islands while supporting local businesses, employment opportunities and economic activity within island communities. Guesthouses complement the country’s luxury resorts by offering travellers a broader range of accommodation choices and greater access to the Maldives’ natural beauty, local culture and community-based tourism experiences.
Chinese tourists represented the largest share of guesthouse guests during the period. China was also the Maldives’ leading overall source market, contributing 213,317 tourist arrivals. Of these visitors, 28.6 percent selected guesthouse accommodation, indicating strong interest among Chinese travellers in locally based tourism experiences.
Italian tourists ranked second in terms of guesthouse stays. A total of 96,876 visitors arrived from Italy during the period, with 28.2 percent choosing to stay at guesthouses. The figures underline the continued popularity of the Maldives among European travellers and the appeal of its diverse accommodation portfolio.
There are currently 944 guesthouses operating across the Maldives, providing a combined capacity of 17,010 beds. According to the Ministry’s statistics, guesthouses represent approximately 25 percent of the country’s total registered tourism bed capacity, highlighting their established position within the national tourism industry.
Kaafu Atoll has the country’s largest guesthouse capacity, with 8,162 operational beds. Its extensive connectivity, proximity to Velana International Airport and wide selection of tourism services have made the atoll a major centre for both guesthouse and resort-based tourism. Alifu Alifu Atoll ranks second, with 2,312 guesthouse beds in operation, supported by its attractive islands, marine environment and established tourism infrastructure.
The growth of guesthouse tourism reflects the Government’s continued efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable tourism development across the country. By expanding tourism opportunities beyond resort islands, the sector supports greater participation by local communities while strengthening the Maldives’ position as a globally competitive destination offering accommodation experiences for a wide range of international visitors.
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