December 2025 arrivals soar 9.5 percent year-on-year
2,134,549 tourists were welcomed between January 1 and December 19. This is a 10 percent increase in comparison to the 1,940,375 arrivals recorded in the same period last year, and much higher than the 1,784,499 arrivals recorded in the same period of 2023.
A tourist enjoys breakfast with a view at Coco Boduhithi Resort.
Tourist arrivals to the Maldives recorded a strong year-on-year increase of 9.5 percent in December 2025, as of Friday.
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 112,488 tourists touched down at Velana International Airport (VIA) between December 1 and 19.
This, is a 9.5 percent increase from the 102,740 arrivals recorded in the same period of 2024 and much higher than the 100,652 tourist arrivals recorded in 2023.
The statistics go on to reveal that 2,134,549 tourists were welcomed between January 1 and December 19. This is a 10 percent increase in comparison to the 1,940,375 arrivals recorded in the same period last year, and much higher than the 1,784,499 arrivals recorded in the same period of 2023.
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, 1,570,942 visitors have opted for the luxury of resorts. 461,843 tourists make up 21.6 percent of the tourists who stayed at guesthouses, 55,215 tourists make up 2.6 percent of the tourists who stayed at hotels, 44,675 tourists make up 2.1 percent of the tourists who stayed at liveaboard vessels and 1,869 who stayed at other facilities during this period.
The ministry’s statistics go on to indicate that China continues to top the leading tourist source markets, contributing 15.2 percent of the market share with 323,492 arrivals.
Russia sits at second place on the list contributing 12.4 percent of the market share with 265,577 arrivals.
The United Kingdom comes third contributing nine percent of the market share with 192,479 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.
