Tourist arrivals to the Maldives reached 1.1 million by mid-July 2025, marking a 9.6 percent increase from 2024. Despite the low season, demand remains strong, driven by key source markets and a rise in guesthouse stays, signalling sustained, year-round growth.
SunOnline
Total tourist arrivals to the Maldives has reached 1.1 million, marking a 9.6 percent increase compared to the corresponding period of last year, according to the latest Maldives Tourism Updates published by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment on 17 July 2025. Tourist arrivals in June increased by 15.0 percent compared to June last year, while arrivals in July showed a 15.3 percent increase over the corresponding period of 2024. As of 16 July 2025, the daily average number of arrivals stands at 6,103, with the July average so far recorded at 5,883 per day. In comparison, the daily average for July 2024 (up to the 17th) was 5,184.
Monthly tourist arrivals have consistently exceeded 2023 and 2024 figures in most months, highlighting the tourism sector’s strong performance in 2025, as depicted in Graph 2. The year started with high arrival numbers observed in the first quarter, and despite the seasonal dip in May, the sector rebounded sharply in June and July. Indicating a stronger off-peak demand, tourist arrivals have increased significantly in June 2025. This upward trend continued into July 2025, with arrivals surpassing those of both prior years, reflecting a positive shift in seasonal patterns and signalling a strong year-round performance for the sector.
As of 16 July 2025, China, Russia, the UK, Italy, and Germany remained the top five source markets, consistent with July 2024. While these markets account for 49.7 percent of the total tourist arrivals, slightly higher than 47.3 percent reported on 18 July 2024, their sustained dominance, led by China with 165,134 arrivals in July this year, reflects strong market stability and resilience despite global uncertainties. All five markets saw increased arrivals compared to the corresponding period of last year, highlighting the effectiveness of targeted marking efforts by relevant authorities and the strategic partnerships they have established in these regions.
Tourists continued to show a strong preference for resorts, which accounted for 72.8 percent of total arrivals. At the same time, guesthouses gained ground, attracting 22.2 percent of arrivals, which reflects a growing trend among travellers seeking cultural experiences and affordable options beyond the traditional luxury resort model. While guesthouses offered 14,936 operational beds across 880 establishments on 107 islands, marking a slight increase from mid-July 2024, 23.0 percent of the total national bed capacity was in operation at guesthouses. According to the latest Maldives Tourism Updates, hotels and tourist vessels made up a smaller share, at 4.0 percent and 5 percent respectively, highlighting their niche roles in the industry.
As the sector continues to recover and grow, the positive trends observed in 2025, particularly the surge during traditionally slower months signal a maturing tourism industry with increasing off-peak demand. In line with this momentum, the recent renaming of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation to Visit Maldives Corporation Limited marks a strategic step by the government to streamline tourism promotion efforts, positioning the Maldives tourism sector for stronger, more coordinated growth in the years ahead.
