The Maldives concluded 2025 with a record-breaking year for tourism, welcoming a total of 2,240,711 visitors, representing an 8.7 percent increase in arrivals compared to 2,046,615 in 2024 and a 16.3 percent increase with a total of 1,875,543 visitors in 2023.
December emerged as the busiest month, attracting 218,650 visitors, surpassing previous records and edging out January, which recorded 214,863 arrivals, and February with 214,091. According to the data published by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the highest number of visitors in a single day in the month of December was recorded on Sunday, the 21st, with 9,613 arrivals, highlighting the peak of the year’s travel season.
Tourist arrivals from key international markets reflected sustained interest in the Maldives. China remained the largest market, contributing 329,827 visitors (14.7 percent), followed by Russia with 277,391 visitors (12.4 percent) and the UK with 201,197 visitors (9 percent). Other significant markets included Germany, Italy, India, the USA, France, Spain, and Switzerland.
Comparing December arrivals with previous years, the Maldives saw a steady upward trend: 208,980 in December 2024 and 194,964 in December 2023, demonstrating consistent growth in end-of-year tourism.
Accommodation distribution also remained dominated by resorts, which accounted for 66 percent of total bed capacity, followed by guesthouses at 25 percent, hotels at 4 percent, and safari vessels at 5 percent.
The year’s figures underscore the Maldives’ continued appeal as a premier international tourist destination, driven by its diverse markets, high-end resort offerings, and a growing number of alternative accommodation options catering to different traveller preferences.
