Tourist arrivals to the Maldives have surpassed 1.7 million so far this year — a 10 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024 — bringing the nation closer to achieving its record target of 2.3 million arrivals by year’s end.
According to the latest figures from the Ministry of Tourism, 1,701,785 tourists visited the country by October 11, up from 1,546,319 during the same period last year. The first eleven days of October alone saw 65,296 arrivals, marking a 20 percent rise from the 54,292 visitors recorded during the same period in 2024.
Top five source markets remain consistent, with China leading the list this year:
China: 279,690 arrivals
Russia: 208,329 arrivals
United Kingdom: 149,424 arrivals
Germany: 120,922 arrivals
Italy: 106,230 arrivals
With only about 598,000 more arrivals needed, the government is confident that the 2.3 million target can be met by December.
Meanwhile, the Maldives Tourism Awards 2025 recognized outstanding contributors to the country’s tourism industry at a ceremony held at Barceló Nasandhura on Saturday. Ten awards were presented to eight tourism facilities, including resorts, hotels, guesthouses, dive centres, and travel agencies, for their excellence and innovation in promoting Maldivian tourism between June 2023 and May 2024.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim announced plans to introduce new award categories in the next edition.
“Additional categories will be included in the next tourism awards ceremony. These will include recognition for women’s empowerment, those who promote Maldivian culture and traditions, and a special category for individuals working in the tourism industry,” the Minister said.
