Maldives sets $5 billion tourism receipts target for 2025

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) has set an ambitious target of $5 billion in tourism receipts for 2025.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at the MMPRC headquarters on Sunday by Abdulla Ghiyas, Chairperson of MMPRC, and Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of MMPRC.

Building on the achievements of 2024, which marked a record-breaking year for the Maldives tourism industry, the destination welcomed 2 million tourists. February saw record-breaking daily and monthly arrivals. According to MMPRC, this success was driven by extensive marketing efforts, including participation in 23 fairs and roadshows, 15 social media campaigns, and 23 virtual events. The ‘Discover Maldives’ Webinar Series played a significant role in showcasing the Maldives’ offerings to key markets.

The Maldives achieved its largest-ever representation at ITB Berlin 2024 and ATM Dubai 2024. It also served as the Host Country sponsor at ITB China in Shanghai for the first time, further strengthening its position in crucial markets. At WTM London, MMPRC launched ‘The World’s Biggest Giveaway 2025,’ a campaign set to begin next year. Increased airline connectivity also contributed to making the destination more accessible.

MMPRC hosted the inaugural Data Forum 2024, noted as the largest in the Southeast Asia region, and the Tourism Symposium 2024. Both events focused on industry development and collaborative growth. Key agreements were signed with organisations such as Fliggy, Weixin Pay, the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), Maldives Immigration, Maldivian Airlines, and ADK Hospital, aiming to enhance travel and tourism-related services.

According to the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), 2024 saw a 15% growth in tourism receipts compared to the previous year. The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) recorded an 8% increase in tourism-related tax revenues during the same period.

The Maldives received several international accolades in 2024, including the titles of World’s Leading Destination for the fifth consecutive year and World’s Leading Green Destination for the first time at the World Travel Awards. This year also marked 11 years since the Maldives surpassed the milestone of 1 million annual tourist arrivals.

With these milestones and future plans, MMPRC is optimistic about achieving the $5 billion target and further strengthening the Maldives’ position as a leading global tourist destination.