Maldives announces halal tourism projects in 6 atolls with investor concessions
The Government of Maldives has announced plans to develop halal tourism in six islands across six atolls, with land rent waivers granted for the remaining grace period if resorts are developed and operational before the end of the allotted grace period. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism, the initiative is part […]
Maldives opens tourism development in least developed atolls with investor incentives
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced the opening of tourism to several atolls in the Maldives that currently have limited resort development. The move is part of a broader pledge by the President to promote tourism across all regions of the country. The commitment was first made during his presidential campaign and reiterated in his […]
Maldives to designate exclusive islands for halal tourism development
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government will designate several islands exclusively for the development of halal tourism. The announcement was made via a post on his official X account on Friday. In the post, the President noted that the initiative would be accompanied by substantial incentives for investors, aiming to diversify and […]
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 […]