The Maldives has recorded its highest-ever monthly tourist arrivals, welcoming 224,788 visitors in January 2026, marking a historic milestone for the nation’s tourism industry and setting a new benchmark for global island destinations.
Official statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism confirm that January 2026 surpassed all previous monthly records, reflecting a 4.6 percent increase compared to January 2025, which stood at 214,863 arrivals. The figures also significantly outperform January 2024, when arrivals totaled 192,385.
The record-breaking performance underscores the effectiveness of a renewed national tourism strategy spearheaded by Visit Maldives Corporation, which has adopted a sharper, market-driven promotional approach under the current government’s leadership. Industry observers attribute the surge to high-impact global campaigns, diversified source-market targeting, and a refreshed branding style that has repositioned the Maldives as a year-round, experience-rich destination.
Data shows sustained daily arrival averages exceeding 7,200 tourists per day throughout January, driven by strong inflows from key European and Asian markets, alongside growing demand across resorts, guesthouses, and safari vessels. Velana International Airport continued to handle the vast majority of arrivals, reinforcing the Maldives’ role as a premier long-haul tourism hub.
Tourism analysts note that the January performance sets a strong tone for 2026, with momentum already building toward another record year. The results also reflect policy stability, coordinated destination marketing, and closer public sector leadership of tourism promotion efforts.
As the Maldives enters the remainder of the year on a historic high, the January 2026 milestone stands as a clear endorsement of the government’s new tourism management approach and Visit Maldives Corporation’s intensified global outreach, signaling renewed confidence in the country’s long-term tourism growth trajectory.
