The Maldives has welcomed a staggering 1,520,699 tourists so far this year, marking a robust 9.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, when the island nation saw 1,386,554 arrivals, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment.
This impressive growth puts the country on track to meet its ambitious target of 2.3 million visitors by year-end, which would surpass the record two million achieved last year. The daily arrival average stands at 6,232 according to the latest tourism statistics.
The positive momentum shows no signs of slowing down. In the first seven days of September, tourist arrivals surged by 23.6 percent compared to the same period last year, with a total of 33,773 visitors recorded.
Monthly arrival figures demonstrate the steady influx of tourists, with January leading the way with 214,863 visitors, followed by February (214,091), and March (203,468). Despite a slight dip in May (135,614) and June (141,772), arrivals rebounded strongly in July (186,738) and August (192,058).
China has re-emerged as the dominant force in the Maldivian tourism market, contributing significantly to the overall growth. Over 240,000 Chinese tourists have visited so far this year, accounting for 15.8 percent of all arrivals. Russia follows closely behind with 182,315 visitors, while the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany complete the top five, each receiving over 100,000 visitors.
The Maldives' continued success is underscored by its consistent recognition as a premier travel destination. The country has earned the title of World's Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards for five consecutive years, and in 2024, it also won the World's Leading Green Destination Award, reflecting its dedication to sustainable tourism and environmental preservation.
The new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), with a capacity of 7.5 million passengers annually, is expected to further boost arrival numbers.