The Maldives has welcomed over 560,000 tourists so far this year, with resorts continuing to dominate as the preferred accommodation choice, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Tourism and Environment.
A total of 562,956 visitors arrived in the country, marking a 5.1 percent increase compared to 535,781 during the same period last year. Of these, more than 378,850 tourists stayed at luxury resorts, reinforcing the Maldives’ status as a leading high-end travel destination. Guesthouses hosted 146,351 visitors, while 16,061 stayed in hotels and 11,744 opted for liveaboard experiences.
China remains the top source market with 86,464 arrivals, followed by Russia with 66,960 visitors. The United Kingdom, Italy and Germany also ranked among the leading markets.
While the year began strongly with daily arrivals averaging above 6,000, the figure has recently declined to around 4,000 per day. Officials attribute this drop to ongoing instability in the Middle East, a key transit region used by nearly 30 percent of travellers heading to the Maldives.
Despite these challenges, airlines are increasing flights to maintain connectivity and meet growing demand for alternative travel routes. Swiss carrier Edelweiss has added extra flights between Zurich and Malé during April and May, while Air India has expanded its operations with dozens of additional flights, offering more seats and avoiding conflict-affected airspace.
Russian airline Aeroflot has also increased flights to Malé and other destinations in response to rising demand, particularly as travellers seek reliable routes that bypass disrupted regions.
Private aviation has also seen a sharp rise. Data from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) shows that 128 private jets landed in the Maldives between late February and mid-March, a 166 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This surge highlights the continued appeal of the Maldives among high-end travellers.
In addition to Velana International Airport, Maafaru Airport has emerged as a key hub for private jets, with the capacity to handle up to 800 flight movements annually. During peak periods, dozens of jets have been accommodated simultaneously.
Building on last year’s record of 2.2 million tourists, the government remains focused on achieving its target of 2.5 million arrivals by the end of the year. Officials say the steady flow of visitors, combined with expanded flight options and strong demand from luxury travellers, demonstrates the Maldives’ resilience and continued appeal despite global travel disruptions.
