December 2025 has marked a historic milestone for the Maldives’ tourism industry, recording the highest monthly tourist arrivals ever. A total of 218,650 visitors entered the country during the month, surpassing the previous monthly record of 217,392 arrivals in February 2024.
This achievement caps off a strong performance throughout the year, with over 200,000 visitors recorded in January (214,863), February (214,091), March (203,468), and December (218,650) — making 2025 one of the most successful tourism years on record.
Total arrivals for 2025 have now reached 2.2 million, reflecting a 9.8% increase compared to 2024, while arrivals from China exceeded 300,000, reinforcing its position as the Maldives’ leading source market, followed by Russia and the United Kingdom.
Early December also showed exceptional momentum, with daily arrivals ranging between 5,500 and 7,700 visitors. As of 6 December, the Maldives recorded 2,059,962 arrivals, already surpassing the total annual figures of 2024. The early-December average stands at 6,317 tourists per day, signaling a confident start to the peak holiday season.
Tourism Performance Highlights – December 2025
• Highest monthly arrivals in Maldivian tourism history: 218,650
• 2025 total arrivals: 2.2 million, up 9.8% from 2024
• China leads the market with 316,147 arrivals
• Strong daily traffic: average of 6,317 visitors in early December
• Four months above 200,000+ arrivals (Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec)
Accommodation and Market Trends
Resorts continue to drive sector performance, representing 73.6% of accommodation share, with guesthouses hosting around 21.6% of arrivals. The popularity of resort islands — known for privacy, luxury villas, overwater suites, premium dining and marine experiences — remains central to the country’s international appeal. Increasing emphasis on sustainability, conservation, and Maldivian cultural experiences is strengthening the sector’s value proposition for premium travelers.
Guesthouses across inhabited islands remain a strong complementary segment, providing community-based stays and appealing to budget-conscious and experiential travelers.
With arrivals at record highs and early-December momentum showing strong potential, the Maldives celebrated an exceptional finish to 2025, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most sought-after luxury holiday destinations.
