Tourist spending in the Maldives reached an all‑time high of more than USD 5.4 billion in 2025, according to Visit Maldives. The figure surpasses the national target of USD 5 billion and reflects a 15.8 percent year‑on‑year increase in travel receipts, based on data from the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).
Visit Maldives described the performance as a major milestone achieved despite global and regional economic pressures. The year began with industry concerns over proposed increases to airport taxes and the Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST) scheduled for 2026, but the sector demonstrated “exceptional adaptability and confidence,” the corporation said.
According to Visit Maldives, 2025 was also a record year for tourist arrivals, with surface arrivals growing by around 10 percent. Bed nights and overall bed capacity increased as new resorts and guesthouses opened across the country.
Tourists in the Maldives: A campaign has been initiated to promote the Maldives in collaboration with Australian company Ignite Travel Group (ITG). (Photo/ Travel Trade Maldives)
The Maldives also recorded its strongest‑ever low‑season performance, with double‑digit month‑on‑month growth in arrivals driven by diversified marketing efforts and improved destination positioning beyond peak periods.
Key source markets posted robust gains, with China up 22 percent and Russia up 20 percent, reaffirming their importance to the Maldives’ tourism expansion strategy.
Visit Maldives said it continues to work with industry partners to address occupancy challenges stemming from rapid capacity growth in recent years. Several high‑impact promotional campaigns are already planned for 2026.
Looking ahead, the Maldives is preparing for a new phase of tourism development with major projects, branded residences, and internationally recognised resort openings on the horizon. Forbes Travel Guide has listed the Maldives among the world’s most exciting destinations for luxury hospitality openings in 2026.
Maldives wins the World's Leading Destination 2025 at the 32nd World Travel Awards in Bahrain on December 6, 2025. (Photo/WTA)
In 2025, the Maldives secured the World Travel Awards’ “World’s Leading Destination” title for the sixth consecutive year, an unprecedented global record. Resorts across the country also received Condé Nast Traveler awards and MICHELIN Key recognitions.
Visit Maldives said its evolving strategy places greater emphasis on high‑yield tourism, luxury experiences, and niche segments. The corporation launched its first‑ever super‑yacht‑focused campaign and collaborated with more than 40 international tour operators and airlines to drive premium travel demand. Digital engagement also reached historic highs, strengthening the global reach of the Maldives brand.
The corporation said its 2026 strategy focuses on revenue growth, luxury market positioning, and long‑term sustainable value creation.