The Maldives has recorded its strongest tourism performance on record in 2025, with projected travel receipts expected to exceed USD 5.4 billion, surpassing the national target of USD 5 billion.
Figures released by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) show tourism receipts rose by 15.8 percent compared with 2024, highlighting the sector’s resilience despite ongoing global and regional economic pressures.
The year also marked a record for visitor arrivals. It began amid cautious forecasts from industry analysts following announcements of proposed increases to airport taxes and the Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST), scheduled to take effect in 2026. While the measures sparked debate within the industry, they were introduced against the backdrop of wider fiscal challenges. Despite this, the tourism sector demonstrated strong confidence and adaptability throughout the year.
By the end of 2025, surface arrivals had grown by approximately 10 percent, accompanied by an increase in bed nights, signalling sustained demand across key source markets. Accommodation capacity expanded further with the opening of new resorts and guesthouses, broadening the country’s tourism offering.
The Maldives also reported an unprecedented low-season performance, with double-digit month-on-month growth in arrivals, reflecting the success of efforts to diversify markets and promote the destination beyond traditional peak periods.
Growth from major source markets remained robust, with arrivals from China increasing by 22% and Russia by 20%, reinforcing their significance to the Maldives’ tourism recovery and expansion.
While rapid capacity growth in recent years has continued to place pressure on occupancy levels, Visit Maldives said it is working closely with industry stakeholders to address the issue through targeted marketing campaigns and new market strategies, several of which are scheduled for rollout in 2026.
Looking ahead, the country is preparing for a new phase of tourism development, with large-scale projects, branded residences and high-profile resort openings planned. Forbes Travel Guide has identified the Maldives as one of the world’s most exciting destinations for luxury hospitality launches in 2026.
The year also saw the Maldives achieve a landmark in global tourism recognition, winning the World Travel Awards’ World’s Leading Destination title for the sixth consecutive year — a new international record. Maldivian resorts further received multiple Condé Nast Traveler awards and MICHELIN Key distinctions, reinforcing the destination’s standing in luxury and experiential travel.
As part of its evolving strategy, Visit Maldives increased its focus on high-yield tourism, luxury experiences and niche segments. For the first time, the tourism board launched dedicated campaigns targeting the superyacht market and collaborated with more than 40 international tour operators and airlines to stimulate premium travel demand.
Digital engagement also reached record levels in 2025, with Visit Maldives reporting its strongest social media performance to date, reflecting the growing global appeal of the Maldives brand.
With a strategy for 2026 centred on revenue growth, luxury positioning and sustainable value creation, the Maldives appears set to consolidate its position as one of the world’s most resilient and desirable tourism destinations.