Maldives hits two-million tourist milestone
The Maldives welcomed 2,040,846 tourists between January 1 and December 3, marking a 10 percent increase compared to the same period last year
The two millionth visitor of 2025 being welcomed with cultural performances and a ceremony attended by representatives from government agencies and industry stakeholders.
The Maldives has reached a major milestone, welcoming its two millionth tourist, highlighting the resilience and growth of the country’s tourism sector.
This was revealed by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment through its latest weekly tourist arrival statistics.
As such, the ministry’s statistics revealed that 2,040,846 tourists were welcomed between January 1 and December 3. This is a 10 percent increase in comparison to the 1,855,799 arrivals recorded in the same period last year, and much higher than the 1,703,302 arrivals recorded in the same period of 2023.
The statistics go on to reveal that 18,785 tourists touched down at Velana International Airport (VIA) between December 1 and 3. This, is a 3.4 percent increase from the 18,164 arrivals recorded in the same period of 2024, however, it is a decline compared to the 19,355 tourist arrivals recorded in 2023.
Looking at the daily arrivals for December:
- 5,820 tourist arrivals were recorded on December 1
- 6,946 tourist arrivals were recorded on December 2
- 6,019 tourist arrivals were recorded on December 3
The ministry went on to reveal that so far in December, 6,262 visitors are being recorded on a daily basis.
Maldives continues to cement its reputation as a premier luxury travel destination, with statistics revealing that 73.6 percent of visitors opt for stays at the nation’s upscale resorts. This trend underscores the enduring appeal of the island nation’s exclusive accommodations and pristine surroundings among global travelers.
So far, 1,502,326 visitors have opted for the luxury of resorts. 441,175 tourists make up 21.6 percent of the tourists who stayed at guesthouses, 52,700 tourists make up 2.6 percent of the tourists who stayed at hotels, 42,852 tourists make up 2.1 percent of the tourists who stayed at liveaboard vessels and 1,785 who stayed at other facilities during this period.
The ministry’s statistics go on to indicate that China has reaffirmed its dominant position in the island nation's key economic sector, remaining the leader in tourist arrivals to the Maldives with no signs of slowing down as the twelfth month of the year begins.
China contributes 15.4 percent of the market share with 314,201 arrivals.
Russia sits at second place on the list contributing 12.5 percent of the market share with 256,063 arrivals.
The United Kingdom comes third contributing nine percent of the market share with 183,246 arrivals.
Other top tourist markets in 2025 include:
- Germany contributing 7.6 percent with 154,123 arrivals
- Italy contributing 6.5 percent with 133,057 arrivals
- India contributing 5.8 percent with 118,532 arrivals
- United States contributing 2.9 percent with 59,317 arrivals
- France contributing 2.6 percent with 52,091 arrivals
- Spain contributing 2.5 percent with 50,570 arrivals
- Switzerland contributing 1.9 percent with 38,930 arrivals
A true jewel of the Indian Ocean, Maldives has been dazzling among passionate travelers since tourism was introduced in the island nation in 1972. It has been 53 years since the island paradise has been enchanting travelers from around the globe with its unrivaled hospitality and picturesque beauty.
