Tourist arrivals in Maldives surge by 11% in first month of 2025

The number of tourists visiting the Maldives saw a significant increase in the first month of this year, with an 11% rise compared to the same period in 2024. According to figures released by the Tourism Ministry yesterday, a total of 214,864 tourists arrived in the Maldives last month, surpassing the 192,385 arrivals recorded in January last year.

As of February 2nd, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism reported that the total number of tourist arrivals for the year had reached 233,457, showcasing a strong start to the country’s tourism sector.

A majority of visitors traveled to the Maldives to stay at luxury resorts, with 69.9% of the total tourists opting for resort accommodations. Other accommodation preferences among tourists included:

• 25.2% choosing guesthouses
• 2.5% staying at city hotels
• 2.3% embarking on safari experiences

Maldives continues to be a highly sought-after destination, welcoming an average of 7,000 tourists daily.

China has remained the top source market for Maldives tourism, contributing 39,887 visitors so far this year. This aligns with last year’s trend, where China had the highest number of arrivals. Following China, other key contributors to the Maldives’ tourism sector include:

• Russia: 23,512 tourists
• Italy: 22,162 tourists
• United Kingdom: 20,577 tourists
• Germany: 13,653 tourists

The Maldivian government has set an ambitious target of attracting 2.2 million tourists in 2025, aiming to surpass last year’s total of 2 million visitors. With the steady rise in tourist numbers, the Maldives remains a top global destination for travellers seeking luxury, relaxation, and unique island experiences.

The positive trend in arrivals reflects the country’s strong appeal and effective tourism policies, reinforcing its position as a premier vacation hotspot in the Indian Ocean.