Tourist arrivals to the Maldives surpassed 1.6 million, marking a strong year-on-year growth, driven by diversified markets, expanded bed capacity, and sustained sectoral resilience.
TTM
Tourist arrivals to the Maldives exceeded 1.6 million as of 01 October 2025, reflecting a 9.7 percent increase compared to the corresponding period of 2024. According to the Maldives Tourism Updates published by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment on 02 October 2025, the country recorded 149,563 tourist arrivals in September 2025, a 12.6 percent increase from the previous year. While 6,659 tourists arrived in the country on 01 October alone, the year-to-date daily average stands at 5,997 arrivals, with the September average at 4,985.
The Ministry reported that 96.9 percent of total beds were in operation (64,742 beds), with 67.0 percent of the bed capacity provided by 174 resorts located in 19 atolls, and 24.0 percent by 925 guesthouses across 20 atolls. As of 01 October 2025, the highest number of arrivals was recorded in Kaafu Atoll, representing 45.0 percent of the total. Alifu Dhaalu, Raa, Alifu Alifu, and Baa Atolls also received a significant share, collectively accounting for 28.4 percent of total arrivals.
Tourism momentum is expected to strengthen as the peak tourist season begins in the final quarter of the year. The sector’s resilience was evident throughout the year, with steady year-on-year growth, and a particularly strong increase during May-August 2025, which is traditionally a slower period. Year-to-date monthly trends establish a solid foundation for the final quarter, reinforcing the critical role of tourism sector in sustaining economic performance.
The increase in tourist arrivals is likely to be reflected in an increase in travel receipts. Though data published by Maldives Monetary Authority indicate a strong correlation between tourist arrivals and travel receipts recorded, it should be noted that travel receipts are calculated using tax revenue data. Travel receipts data will be most accurate if the tax collection is adjusted for enforced collection. At present, monthly revenue statistics published by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority do not differentiate between enforced collection and on-time collection.
Tourism arrivals continue to show strong representation from Asia and Europe, as China remains the leading source market, with 265,971 arrivals, representing 16.2 percent of the total arrivals. Russia follows with 199,406 arrivals, accounting for 12.1 percent. Similar to the previous months, the U.K, Germany, and Italy also contributed significantly, together representing over 22 percent of total arrivals. Collectively, the top five markets now account for 50.8 percent of the arrivals, highlighting both the concentration in key markets and the resilience of demand across these regions.
Looking ahead, the Maldives tourism sector is well positioned to close the year with record-breaking arrivals, supported by the expanding bed capacity, and the strong momentum leading into the high season. While the consistent upward trend in arrivals reaffirm the country’s standing as a leading global destination, continued focus on sustainable growth, improved data accuracy in
measuring sector contributions, and strengthening linkages between tourism and other areas of the economy will be critical to maximizing the benefits of this growth.
