Tourism in the Maldives has seen notable changes between 2024 and 2025, with some markets showing growth while others experienced declines. An analysis of the latest data reveals key trends in tourist arrivals, accommodation capacity, and shifts in visitor demographics.
Tourist Arrivals: Growth and Declines
So far in 2025, the Maldives recorded 538,018 tourist arrivals, reflecting a 4.8% increase compared to 513,377 arrivals during the same period in 2024. While January 2025 saw an 11.7% increase over the previous year, February recorded a slight 1.5% decline. March, up to the 17th, showed moderate growth of 5.3%.
Key Markets: Winners and Losers
China emerged as the leading source market in 2025, with 66,334 arrivals, surpassing its 2024 figures of 60,699. Russia and the UK followed closely, maintaining their positions in the top three markets. Italy moved up to fourth place in 2025 with 51,015 arrivals, while Germany dropped to fifth with 37,002 visitors.
The Indian market saw a significant decline, dropping from 31,028 arrivals in early 2024 to 26,280 in 2025. France, on the other hand, improved slightly, moving from eighth to seventh place. Meanwhile, Poland rose to ninth position, reflecting growing interest from Eastern European travellers.
Accommodation Trends
The Maldives’ accommodation sector experienced minor changes in capacity. In 2025, total bed capacity increased to 63,209, up from 63,100 in 2024. Notably, resorts added 690 beds, while guesthouse and hotel capacities remained stable.
The share of resort stays remained dominant, accounting for 69% of total bed capacity in 2025. Guesthouses continued to hold a significant share at 25.6%, reflecting the growing appeal of budget-friendly accommodation.
Market Insights and Outlook
The data suggests that while the Maldives is seeing overall growth in tourism, certain markets are showing signs of decline. The reduction in Indian visitors and slight dip in February’s numbers indicate potential challenges in sustaining momentum.
The rise in arrivals from China, combined with growing interest from markets like Poland, suggests a shift in visitor demographics. These trends highlight the need for targeted marketing strategies to sustain growth and attract travellers from emerging markets.
