Maldives kicks off 2026 with 224,788 tourists, a 4.6 percent tourism boom
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.
A tourist floats on a transparent kayak over turquoise waters at Lily Beach Resort, Maldives. | Visit Maldives
Tourism momentum in the Maldives carried strongly into the new year, with January arrivals reaching 224,788, which is up 4.6 percent year-on-year.
This was revealed by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment through its latest daily tourist arrival statistics.
As such, the ministry revealed that between January 1 – 31, a total of 224,788 tourists touched down at Velana International Airport (VIA). This, is a 4.6 percent increase from the 214,863 arrivals recorded in the same period of 2025 and much higher than the 192,385 tourist arrivals recorded in 2024.
Out of the 66,906 tourist beds in operation as of February 1, 67 percent were located in resorts, 24 percent in guesthouses, five percent in safari vessels, and four percent in hotels.
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 901 guesthouses providing 15,977 beds, and 174 safari vessels offering a combined total of 3,524 beds.
As of Sunday, 153,824 visitors had chosen the luxury of resort stays. Meanwhile, 59,813 tourists, accounting for 26.6 percent of total arrivals, stayed at guesthouses, while 6,008 tourists, representing 2.7 percent, opted for hotels. A further 4,942 tourists, making up 2.2 percent, stayed aboard liveaboard vessels, and 201 visitors chose other accommodation facilities during this period.
The ministry’s statistics go on to 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 February 1, Russia ranks first among source markets, accounting for 13.1 percent of total arrivals with 29,370 visitors. Italy follows in second place, contributing 10.3 percent of the market share with 23,171 arrivals, while China ranks third, representing 10.1 percent with 22,676 visitors. The UK places fourth with 20,478 arrivals, accounting for 9.1 percent, followed by Germany at 6.2 percent with 14,028 arrivals.
India currently stands sixth, contributing 3.7 percent with 8,413 visitors, while the France accounts for 3.4 percent with 7,751 arrivals. Further, U.S. contributes 2.8 percent with 6,353 arrivals, Poland contributes 2.7 percent with 6,041 arrivals and Australia trails close at the 10th spot contributing two percent with 4,585 arrivals recorded by Sunday. This underscores the Maldives’ continued appeal across a diverse range of international markets.
Tourist arrivals during the period were overwhelmingly concentrated at Velana International Airport (VIA), which handled 221,994 arrivals, accounting for 98.8 percent of total inbound travelers as of February 1. Other international and domestic gateways recorded significantly smaller volumes, with Maafaru International Airport receiving 786 arrivals accounting for 0.3 percent, Gan International Airport welcoming 709 arrivals accounting for 0.3 percent, and Hanimaadhoo International Airport recording 631 arrivals, also accounting for 0.3 percent. Dhaalu Airport registered 258 arrivals contributing 0.1 percent, and Villa International Airport in Maamigili registered 411 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.
