Maldives to offer incentives for tourism investment in 5 underserved atolls
The government will introduce new incentives for tourism development in five atolls with the lowest number of resorts, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced on Saturday. The atolls identified for these measures are Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani in the northern region, and Thaa and Laamu in the south. The President stated that the aim […]
World Bank projects 5.7% Maldives GDP growth in 2025, driven by new airport terminal
The World Bank has projected that the Maldives’ real GDP will grow by 5.7% in 2025, supported in large part by the anticipated completion of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA). In its latest Maldives Development Update, the World Bank notes that medium-term economic growth is expected to strengthen slightly, with improved performance […]
Indian market shows growth after decline, Maldives tourism minister says
Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim stated that tourist arrivals from India to the Maldives are showing signs of growth after a period of decline. Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office on Wednesday, the minister presented a chart indicating a gradual monthly increase in tourist arrivals from India since the beginning of 2025. […]
Maldives targets $6 billion in tourism revenue by 2027
Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim has stated that the Maldives aims to increase annual tourism revenue to USD 6 billion by 2027, under the fifth tourism masterplan covering the period 2023 to 2027. Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office on Wednesday, Thoriq shared updated statistics on the tourism sector and outlined government […]
Maldives to add 1,290 new tourism beds in 2025
Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim has announced that 156 locations are currently under development for tourism across the Maldives, with 1,290 new beds expected to be added to the market this year. Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office on Wednesday, the minister provided an update on the tourism sector and the ongoing […]
Maldives records over 630,000 tourists in Q1 2025; 5.8% year-on-year hike
A total of 667,730 tourists have visited the Maldives so far in 2025, reflecting a 5.8% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Tourism. The ministry reported that 632,418 tourists arrived by the end of March, with 35,312 tourists during the first five days of April. The […]
Maldives reduces resort lease extension fees; introduces instalment payment option
The government has reduced the fees for extending the lease term of resorts and introduced an instalment payment option, effective from Wednesday. The change follows the recent amendment to the Tourism Act, which was passed by parliament on Wednesday and ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu Wednesday afternoon. The bill was passed with modifications proposed by […]
Maldives records 1.5% decline in tourist arrivals in February
The number of tourists visiting the Maldives in February this year decreased compared to the same period last year, according to figures released by Maldives Immigration. A total of 214,091 tourists arrived in the country last month, compared to 217,391 in February last year, marking a 1.5% decline, or 3,300 fewer arrivals. According to immigration […]
Maldives tourism in 2025: Growth in numbers and decline in revenue?
As we move into 2025, the Maldives—a destination synonymous with luxury, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters—continues to attract travellers from around the globe. While initial projections indicate a slight increase in tourist arrivals this year, the underlying narrative is less optimistic. Despite the increase in visitor numbers, tourism revenue is unlikely to see a corresponding […]
Maldives tourism marketing to shift focus to conversion-driven marketing in 2025
Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) announced a new strategic direction for its tourism marketing efforts in 2025. Moving away from traditional trade shows, Visit Maldives will adopt more conversion-driven marketing tactics, with an emphasis on digital campaigns, video-based content, and strengthened international collaborations. The announcement was made at a press conference held at […]
President ratifies forex bill requiring dollar exchange in tourism
President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday ratified the Foreign Exchange Bill, which introduces new regulations requiring foreign exchange earners in the tourism sector to exchange a portion of their foreign currency earnings to Maldivian rufiyaa. Parliament on passed the bill on Thursday. Key provisions of the law include: Category A establishments (resorts): Resorts can either exchange $500 […]
Forex bill proposes optional $500 per tourist exchange
Parliament on Monday received the new foreign exchange bill, which proposes to change the current mandatory requirement for resorts to exchange $500 per tourist optional or to enable them to exchange 20% of revenue instead. The bill was presented by Inguraidhoo MP and PNC parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falah on behalf of the government. It […]
