Maldives recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals in a single month last December, according to official statistics.
Data from the Ministry of Tourism shows that 224,455 tourists visited the country in December last year, surpassing the previous monthly record set in February 2024, when 217,392 tourists arrived. The new figure is 7,063 higher than the earlier peak.
Tourism traditionally reaches its peak towards the end of the year, when airlines, private jets and holiday travellers flock to the Maldives. This seasonal surge also boosts airport‑related revenue.
Apart from December, tourist arrivals exceeded 200,000 in two other months last year, January and February. Overall, total arrivals for the year increased by 9.8 percent compared to 2024.
On average, 6,155 tourists arrived in the Maldives per day. China remained the top source market with 329,428 visitors, followed by Russia with 278,760 and the United Kingdom with 202,171.
Tourists at a Maldivian resort.
Total arrivals for the year reached 2.25 million, falling short of the government’s target of 2.3 million. However, the government projects that 2.4 million tourists will visit the Maldives this year.
Marking last year’s tourism performance, Visit Maldives said tourist spending reached a record USD 5.4 billion, citing data from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). According to the MMA’s November Economic Situation Report, tourist expenditure for the same period increased by 15.8 percent compared to 2024, a result Visit Maldives described as a major achievement despite global and regional economic challenges.