Tourism in the Maldives continued its upward trajectory in 2025, with total visitor arrivals reaching 2,246,516 by 31 December, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment’s latest Daily Update. This figure represents a 9.8 percent increase compared to 2024, reinforcing the country’s steady recovery and sustained global appeal.
Although growth throughout the year was gradual rather than dramatic, the final weeks of December delivered a strong seasonal boost. On 28 December alone, arrivals peaked at 9,903 — the highest daily figure for the month and among the strongest single-day results recorded this year. This surge reflects heightened holiday travel and confirms the Maldives’ continued popularity as a prime winter destination.
A closer look at monthly performance shows that January recorded the highest year-on-year growth, rising by 11.7 percent to 214,863 arrivals. February was the only month to post a decline, slipping by 1.5 percent compared to the previous year. Growth then rebounded sharply in April at 17.8 percent before stabilizing between 9 and 15 percent for most of the remainder of the year. Across the full month of December (1–31), arrivals increased by 7.4 percent year on year, indicating solid volumes despite a moderation in growth rates.
The average daily arrival count for 2025 stood at 6,155 visitors. However, the pronounced late-December spike suggests that strong peak-season demand has helped offset slower growth during shoulder periods. This trend also signals robust forward bookings and continued confidence from key international markets.
Resorts remained the backbone of the accommodation sector, hosting 1,647,591 tourists, or 73.4 percent of total arrivals. Guesthouses welcomed 491,184 visitors, accounting for 21.8 percent and highlighting the growing role of local island tourism. Hotels contributed 2.6 percent of arrivals (58,584 guests), while safari vessels represented 2.1 percent (47,126 guests).
Accommodation capacity expanded only slightly during the year. By 31 December, the Maldives had a total operational bed capacity of 67,475. Resorts and marinas accounted for 44,697 beds across 178 islands, while guesthouses provided 16,824 beds on 113 islands. Hotel capacity remained unchanged at 2,598 beds, indicating that higher visitor numbers were largely absorbed through increased occupancy rather than new developments.In terms of source markets, China retained its position as the largest contributor, with 329,428 arrivals, representing 14.7 percent of total visitors. Russia followed with 278,760 arrivals, while the United Kingdom ranked third with 202,171 tourists. Germany and Italy completed the top five, with India placing sixth at 131,625 arrivals. The United States, France, Spain, and Switzerland rounded out the top ten markets.
While the reliance on a small group of major source markets continues to underpin overall growth, it also highlights the sector’s exposure to fluctuations in those countries. Nevertheless, the strong year-end performance suggests that demand from these markets remains resilient.
Overall, the 2025 tourism data shows a sector that has moved into a more stable growth phase after earlier rebound years. With limited capacity expansion and strong peak-season performance driving record daily arrivals, future growth is likely to depend increasingly on visitor spending, length of stay, and value generation rather than headline arrival numbers alone.