The Maldives has crossed a major tourism milestone in 2025, with over 900,000 international visitors arriving in the island nation by mid-May, marking an impressive leap forward for the country's tourism sector.
According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Tourism, a total of 901,210 tourists had landed in the Maldives by 14 May, reflecting an 8% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2024. This steady rise reaffirms the Maldives’ position as one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations.
A Daily Wave of Wanderlust
On average, over 5,000 travellers per day are currently making their way to the Maldives—drawn by its crystalclear lagoons, world-renowned resorts, white-sand beaches, and vibrant marine life. This consistent influx highlights not only the country’s global appeal but also the efficiency and resilience of its tourism infrastructure.
Where the World Comes to Stay
- The Maldives continues to offer a diverse range of accommodations that cater to every type of traveller, from luxury seekers to budget-conscious adventurers:
- 71% of tourists (640,026 visitors) chose to stay in the Maldives' iconic resorts, enjoying the exclusivity and opulence that define island luxury.
- Guesthouses accounted for 23.5% of the market, welcoming 211,584 visitors, showcasing a growing interest in cultural immersion and local hospitality.
- Hotels hosted 3% of tourists (26,634 arrivals), while liveaboards, perfect for diving and island-hopping enthusiasts, attracted 2.5% or 22,380 visitors.
This accommodation breakdown reveals the Maldives’ strength in offering flexible travel experiences, from ultra-luxurious escapes to intimate, community-based stays.
Top Source Markets: A Global Embrace
Tourism to the Maldives in 2025 is being fueled by a strong presence from both traditional and emerging markets:
- China leads the pack with 103,072 arrivals (11.4% of the total), reaffirming its status as a vital contributor to Maldivian tourism.
- Russia follows closely behind with 97,123 visitors.
- The United Kingdom continues to be a strong market with 93,043 arrivals.
- Italy and Germany round out the top five with 79,557 and 69,283 arrivals, respectively.
These numbers signal a strong resurgence of travel confidence and highlight the Maldives as a dream destination for diverse international travellers, from Europe to Asia and beyond.
Eyes on the Goal: 2.5 Million Visitors in 2025
With more than 900,000 arrivals already in the books and high-season travel still ahead, the Maldivian government remains confident in its ambitious goal of welcoming 2.5 million tourists by the end of 2025.
To achieve this, efforts are being intensified across tourism marketing, destination development, and sustainable practices—ensuring that the Maldives not only grows in numbers but also in quality of experience and environmental responsibility.
Maldives Welcomes 900,000+ Visitors by May 2025
Surpassing 900,000 tourist arrivals by mid-May, the Maldives continues to solidify its status as a global tourism powerhouse. With over 5,000 travelers arriving daily, the island nation draws visitors from across the globe—offering everything from world-class luxury resorts to local guesthouse stays. Key source markets like China, Russia, and the UK fuel this upward trend, pushing the Maldives closer to its bold target of 2.5 million visitors by year-end.