Russia leads tourist arrivals so far this January

Russia has surfaced as the Maldives’ largest source of tourists so far in January, underscoring the continued strength of arrivals from the Russian market at the start of the year.

This was revealed by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment through its latest weekly tourist arrival statistics.

As such, the ministry’s statistics indicate a notable shift in source markets at the start of 2026, with Russia emerging as the leading contributor to tourist arrivals, despite China having closed 2025 in the top position. As of January 23, Russia ranks first among source markets, accounting for 14.6 percent of total arrivals with 21,798 visitors. Italy follows in second place, contributing 10.9 percent of the market share with 16,364 arrivals, while the United Kingdom ranks third, representing 8.8 percent with 13,147 visitors. China places fourth with 10,924 arrivals, accounting for 7.3 percent, followed by Germany at 6.3 percent with 9,451 arrivals.

India currently stands sixth, contributing 3.6 percent with 5,355 visitors, while the France accounts for 3.3 percent with 4,890 arrivals. Further, U.S. contributes three percent with 4,445 arrivals, Poland contributes 2.7 percent with 3,995 arrivals and Australia trails close at the 10th spot contributing 2.2 percent with 3,231 arrivals recorded by Friday. This underscores the Maldives’ continued appeal across a diverse range of international markets.

Further, between January 1 – 23, a total of 149,447 tourists touched down at Velana International Airport (VIA). This, is a seven percent increase from the 139,682 arrivals recorded in the same period of 2025 and much higher than the 128,551 tourist arrivals recorded in 2024.

Of the total capacity of 186 resorts and marinas spread across the archipelago nation, 179 are currently operational, offering 44,807 beds. Further, 16 hotels are in operation across the Maldives with 2,598 beds, alongside 976 guesthouses providing 16,940 beds, and 173 safari vessels offering a combined total of 3,484 beds.

Maldives continues to cement its reputation as a premier luxury travel destination, with statistics revealing that 69 percent of visitors opt to stay 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. As of Friday, 103,067 visitors had chosen the luxury of resort stays. Meanwhile, 39,003 tourists, accounting for 26.1 percent of total arrivals, stayed at guesthouses, while 4,109 tourists, representing 2.7 percent, opted for hotels. A further 3,119 tourists, making up 2.1 percent, stayed aboard liveaboard vessels, and 84 visitors chose other accommodation facilities during this period.

Tourist arrivals during the period were overwhelmingly concentrated at Velana International Airport (VIA), which handled 144,226 arrivals, accounting for 98.7 percent of total inbound travelers as of January 23. Other international and domestic gateways recorded significantly smaller volumes, with Maafaru International Airport receiving 540 arrivals accounting for 0.4 percent, Gan International Airport welcoming 445 arrivals accounting for 0.3 percent, and Hanimaadhoo International Airport recording 428 arrivals accounting for 0.3 percent. Dhaalu Airport registered 183 arrivals contributing 0.1 percent, and Villa International Airport in Maamigili registered 288 arrivals contributing around 0.2 percent to the overall share. This highlights VIA’s continued role as the primary gateway for international travel to the Maldives, while also underscoring the need to enhance services and facilities at other airports nationwide to attract a greater share of visitors.

Renowned as one of the Indian Ocean’s most iconic destinations, the Maldives has captivated global audiences since tourism was formally introduced in 1972. More than five decades on, the island nation continues to uphold its legacy of world-class hospitality, breathtaking natural beauty, and exclusive experiences, reaffirming its position as a timeless paradise that remains firmly at the forefront of international travel.