By The Maldives welcomed 135,614 tourists in May 2025, showing a 13.1% increase compared to the same month last year. This brings the total number of arrivals from January to May 2025 to 966,358, representing an 8.3% growth from the same period in 2024.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, this steady increase highlights the Maldives’ continued popularity as a top holiday destination, particularly among travelers seeking luxury, privacy, and natural beauty. The growth is also attributed to successful promotional campaigns by Visit Maldives, strategic partnerships with international airlines and tour operators, and new resort openings in recent months.
China has emerged as the leading source market for 2025 so far, followed by Russia, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany. These countries collectively account for a large portion of tourist arrivals, supported by strong air connectivity and visa-free access.
Resorts remain the most popular choice of stay, accommodating over 71% of total arrivals, while guesthouses—especially in local islands—continue to grow in popularity, representing over 23% of stays. Safari vessels and hotels make up the remainder. This variety in accommodation has helped the Maldives attract a broader range of travelers, from luxury seekers to budget-conscious tourists.
With Eid al-Adha and the European summer holidays approaching, tourism authorities expect arrival numbers to grow further in June and July. Several resorts have already announced special offers and cultural events to attract holidaymakers during the festive period.
The government’s ambitious goal for 2025 is to welcome 2.4 million tourists and generate over USD 5 billion in revenue. Based on current trends, the Maldives appears well on track to achieving this target, reaffirming its position as a world-class destination in the post-pandemic tourism era.