The Maldives tourism sector shows strong growth in 2025, with a 5.7 percent increase in arrivals compared to 2024. The sector's competitiveness is set to improve further with ongoing strategic developments and marketing efforts.
PHOTOGRAPH: MAALDIF.COM
The Ministry of Tourism and Environment reported that a total of 693,949 tourists had visited the Maldives as of 9 April 2025. This was published in the most recent ‘Maldives Tourism Updates 2025’ by the Ministry, and the figure accounts for 31.5 percent of the projected tourist arrivals for the year 2025. According to the Macro Economic Update – October 2024, published by the Ministry of Finance and Planning, tourist arrivals are projected to reach 2.2 million by the end of 2025—an increase of 8.2 percent compared to 2024.
Total Tourist Arrivals
As of 9 April 2025, the highest number of tourists came from China, representing 11.3 percent of total arrivals. Other top markets during this period included Russia, the U.K., Italy, and Germany. Compared to the corresponding period in 2024, the list of top markets has slightly changed during the first quarter of the year, with the Indian market—previously listed among the top five markets during the first two months of 2024—now ranking sixth. With a total of 64,633 beds in 1,196 facilities, the Ministry reported that 97.0 percent of the beds were in operation as of 9 April 2025. The total number of beds in operation by the end of December 2024 was reported to be 63,274.
Total tourist arrivals as at the date of publication have increased by 5.7 percent compared to the corresponding period of 2024, despite a drop in arrivals in February 2025. This growth indicates rising demand in the tourism industry and highlights the effectiveness of ongoing marketing initiatives carried out by both the government and private stakeholders. While the Ministry recorded a daily average of 7,010 arrivals during this period, 69.7 percent of tourist arrivals is reported to have stayed at resorts, with 24.8 percent of the arrivals staying at guesthouses.
With the main international airport located in Kaafu Atoll, which also hosts the highest number of resorts and guesthouses, the Ministry reported that this Atoll saw the highest number of arrivals, totaling 298,641 visitors, accounting for 43.0 percent of the total arrivals. The second-highest number of arrivals was recorded in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll with 63,482 visitors, followed by Alifu Alifu Atoll with 47,557 visitors. The fewest arrivals during this period were recorded in Thaa Atoll.
International connectivity remained strong throughout the reporting period, with more than 40 airlines operating direct flights to the Maldives. These include both full-service and low-cost carriers from key markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. With the development of Velana International Airport, the number of airlines operating is expected to increase. Authorities anticipate that this expansion will resolve existing service bottlenecks, improving both the accessibility and quality of services offered to travelers.
Given the extensive marketing efforts led by the government and supported by the industry stakeholders, the tourism sector is expected to perform strongly throughout the rest of the year. Moreover, the government’s diversification plans for the tourism industry are expected to enhance the competitiveness of the Maldives in international market.
