Tourist arrivals to the Maldives recorded a steady start in January 2026, with visitor numbers continuing to trend above the same period last year, according to the latest daily update released by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment.
As of 24 January, total tourist arrivals for the month reached 170,709, representing an increase of 6.5 percent compared to the same period in January 2025. The data suggests that early-year demand has remained resilient, building on the momentum seen at the end of 2025.
Daily arrival figures for January show a relatively consistent flow of visitors throughout the month, with daily averages largely remaining between 6,000 and 8,000 arrivals. Several days in mid-January recorded noticeably higher inflows, indicating strong travel demand during the peak winter travel window for key source markets.
Russia remained the largest source market during the month, accounting for 14 percent of total arrivals, followed by Italy with 10.7 percent and the United Kingdom with 8.9 percent. China ranked fourth, contributing just over 8 percent of arrivals, while Germany and India rounded out the top six markets. The distribution reflects a continued reliance on European markets, alongside steady recovery from Asian markets.
Resorts remained the primary accommodation choice in January, hosting close to 69 percent of all tourists. Guesthouses accounted for just over a quarter of arrivals, while hotels and safari vessels made up the remaining share. The figures underline the continued importance of the resort segment, while also pointing to the sustained role of guesthouse tourism in diversifying accommodation options.
Operational bed capacity stood at just under 68,000 beds as of 24 January, with resorts accounting for the majority of available capacity. The balance between capacity and arrivals suggests relatively healthy utilisation levels during the peak season, although the data does not provide occupancy rates.
Overall, the January figures indicate a stable opening to 2026 for the tourism sector, with arrivals tracking ahead of last year and market composition remaining broadly consistent. How this momentum carries into the traditionally slower months ahead will be shaped by flight capacity, geopolitical conditions, and demand trends in key source markets.
