Tourist arrivals to the Maldives for the month of May 2025 have risen by 12 percent compared to the same period last year, according to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism. From 1 to 24 May, the country welcomed 107,744 visitors, up from 96,165 in May 2024.
This year-on-year increase follows strong performance in April and signals renewed momentum for the sector ahead of the traditionally busier mid-year travel period. May’s arrivals also mark the highest for this month in the last three years, with 2023 recording 94,604 visitors during the same period.
As of 24 May 2025, total tourist arrivals for the year have reached 938,488—an overall growth of 8.1 percent compared to the same point in 2024. China remains the top source market for the Maldives with 110,711 arrivals, followed by Russia (101,318), the United Kingdom (96,275), and Italy (80,660). Notably, Russia has overtaken the UK to claim the second spot compared to its third-place ranking in 2024.
Resorts continue to dominate the tourism landscape, accounting for 71.3 percent of total arrivals. Guesthouses captured 23.2 percent, reflecting the increasing popularity of more affordable accommodation options, while hotels and safari vessels accounted for smaller shares.
The country currently has 1,198 registered and operational tourist facilities, offering a total of 64,978 beds. This includes 183 resorts, 841 guesthouses, 158 safari vessels, and 16 hotels. Operational capacity has grown compared to previous years, particularly in the resort sector.
The average daily arrivals throughout May have remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 3,300 and 4,800 visitors per day, suggesting consistent demand despite the off-peak season. These figures, coupled with steady growth from established source markets, indicate a strong outlook for the Maldivian tourism sector as it moves into the second half of the year.
