By The Maldives continues to shine as a top global getaway, with tourist arrivals in September surging by 23.2 percent compared to the same month last year, signaling strong momentum for the nation’s vital tourism industry. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment revealed the figures on Tuesday through its latest daily tourist arrival statistics.
According to the ministry, 38,637 tourists arrived at Velana International Airport (VIA) between September 1 and 8, a significant increase from the 31,367 arrivals recorded during the same period in 2024, and well above the 32,034 arrivals in 2023. Daily arrivals in September ranged between 4,488 and 5,149, with an average of 4,830 visitors per day.
Overall, 1,525,563 tourists visited the Maldives between January 1 and September 8 this year. This marks a 9.7 percent rise compared to the 1,390,599 arrivals during the same period in 2024, and substantially higher than the 1,262,115 recorded in 2023. Monthly arrivals peaked in January with 214,863 tourists, while the lowest figures were in May at 135,614. The average daily arrivals ranged from 4,375 in May to 7,646 in February.
The Maldives continues to cement its status as a premier luxury destination, with 73.4 percent of visitors opting for resorts. By early September, 1,120,354 tourists had stayed at resorts, while guesthouses hosted 333,197 visitors, hotels 39,714, liveaboards 31,201, and other facilities 1,098.
China remains the top contributor to tourist arrivals, accounting for 15.8 percent of the market share with 241,211 visitors so far this year. Russia follows with 183,057 arrivals (12 percent), while the United Kingdom ranks third with 136,975 visitors (nine percent). Other key markets include Italy, Germany, India, the United States, France, Spain, and Australia.
The Maldives also celebrated a major milestone on June 7, when Kajal Singh, visiting on her honeymoon, became the nation’s one millionth tourist of 2025 — the fastest achievement of this figure in the country’s history. She was welcomed at a special ceremony at VIA by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim and took part in a symbolic tree-planting at Hulhulé to highlight the Maldives’ commitment to sustainable tourism.
The Maldives welcomed a record 2,046,615 visitors in 2024, following 1,878,543 arrivals in 2023. With 2025 marking 53 years since the nation first opened to international travelers, the island paradise continues to enchant global visitors with its unmatched hospitality, natural beauty, and world-renowned luxury experiences.