International tourist arrivals to the Maldives have surged in 2025, reaching 1,202,262 visitors as of 16 July, marking a 9.6% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Tourism and Environment.
The data, published in the Ministry’s Tourism Update Report, highlight the sector’s continued recovery and reaffirm tourism’s pivotal role in the national economy.
Tourist traffic gained further momentum in July. From 1 to 16 July alone, the Maldives welcomed 94,132 visitors, representing a 15.3% year-on-year increase for the first half of the month. This translates to an average of 5,883 daily arrivals, a sharp rise from the daily average of approximately 4,000 seen in May and June.
China continues to lead the source markets, contributing 165,134 tourists so far this year. Russia follows with 140,298 arrivals, while the United Kingdom ranks third with 115,133 visitors.
Accommodation preferences show that resorts remain the top choice, hosting 72.8% of total visitors. Guesthouses accounted for 22.2%, reflecting strong interest in local island stays, while hotels made up 2.7% of bookings.
Looking ahead, the Ministry has reaffirmed its ambitious target of attracting 2.3 million international visitors by the end of the year. Officials are optimistic that the upcoming opening of the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport, scheduled for 26 July, will usher in a fresh wave of arrivals and further bolster the Maldives’ position as a premier global travel destination.