Maldives records increase in tourist arrivals as market recovers amid Middle East tensions
Tourist arrivals to the Maldives have begun to recover after declining over the past few months amid disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism on Monday show that more than 14,000 tourists visited the Maldives during the first two days of August, an increase of 2.1 per cent compared with the same period last year.
Tourism figures indicate that monthly arrivals fell year-on-year between March and July, with the exception of May.
The largest decline was recorded in April, when arrivals dropped by 24.5 per cent compared with the same month last year. Arrivals increased by 1.7 per cent in May before declining again by 12 per cent in June.
According to the ministry, the Maldives has welcomed 1.2 million tourists so far this year. Total arrivals remain 4.5 per cent lower than during the corresponding period in 2025.
Resorts continue to account for the majority of visitors, hosting 73 per cent of arrivals. Guesthouses account for 22.5 per cent, while hotels accommodate 2.4 per cent.
China remains the Maldives’ largest source market, with 220,730 visitors accounting for 17.8 per cent of total arrivals. Russia ranks second with 182,012 visitors, representing 14.7 per cent.
The other leading source markets are:
- United Kingdom: 98,692 visitors (7.9 per cent)
- Italy: 80,523 visitors (6.5 per cent)
- Germany: 77,455 visitors (6.2 per cent)
The government has set a target of attracting 2.5 million tourists this year.
However, challenges facing the aviation and tourism sectors following the conflict in the Middle East have raised questions over whether that target can be achieved.
Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has previously said that despite the challenges, the government’s objective is to ensure that annual tourist arrivals do not fall below last year’s total of 2.2 million.
