Tourist arrivals to the Maldives showed a strong performance in the first two weeks of September 2025, continuing the upward trend seen over the summer months. Data from the Ministry of Tourism reveals that 66,561 visitors entered the country between 1 and 14 September, representing a 15.8 percent increase compared with the same period last year.
This growth comes on the back of consistent gains recorded throughout 2025. From January to August, arrivals rose each month compared with 2024, with particularly sharp increases in April (17.8 percent), May (13.1 percent), and June (15 percent). The steady rise has pushed total arrivals for the year so far to 1,553,487 as of 14 September, a 9.7 percent increase year-on-year.
China continues to dominate as the top source market, contributing 246,063 arrivals, or 15.8 percent of the total. Russia remains in second place with 186,927 arrivals, followed by the United Kingdom with 139,368. Italy and Germany round out the top five, with India holding steady in sixth place.
Resorts remain the backbone of the sector, accounting for nearly three-quarters of all arrivals this year. Guesthouses, however, continue to play a significant role, accommodating just under 22 percent of tourists. The balance is spread across hotels and safari vessels.
The healthy numbers recorded in early September suggest that momentum is holding despite the month typically being associated with a lull in travel. The increase in arrivals during what is traditionally an off-peak period signals the Maldives’ strengthened position as a year-round destination.
Looking ahead, industry observers will be closely watching whether this growth trajectory can be sustained through the remainder of the year. With the high season beginning in November, the performance of September and October will provide a critical indication of how strong 2025 will close.
