The Chinese traveler market remains an important and significant component of the total tourist arrivals to the Maldives.
With the boost of the Chinese market, total tourist arrivals to the Maldives has already crossed 1.6 million so far in 2026. Statistics confirm total arrivals at exactly 1,603,021.
According to Tourism Ministry statistics, Chinese traveler market has clocked over 300,000 arrivals so far. This marks a 19 percent of the total tourist arrivals to the Maldives. Additionally, this year’s arrival figure of the market stands 14 percent above previous years, which clocked out at 263,599 by year end.
China maintains its top traveler market position to the Maldives.
Top Tourism Markets:
- China: 300,977 arrivals
- Russia: 229,236 arrivals
- UK: 119,968 arrivals
- Germany: 99,062 arrivals
- Italy: 98,039 arrivals
Tourist behavior remains unchanged from traditional patterns, with tourist resorts taking up the top share of accommodations. According to statistics 73.7 percent of the arrivals, which translates to roughly 1.15 million, holidayed in tourist resorts. Another 345,220 were reported to have vacationed in local guesthouses. Additionally, 36,106 arrivals opted to stay city and tourist hotels in the Maldives.
Presently the Maldives boasts of 184 operational resorts, 19 hotels, a staggering 927 guesthouses, and 165 safaris and liveaboards.
The Maldives government earlier announced its ambitious plan of welcoming more annual arrivals than the previous year. The country envisions welcoming 2.5 million tourists by the end of 2026.