The Maldives is edging closer to a major tourism milestone, with fewer than 30,000 additional visitors needed to push total arrivals past the one million mark for the year.
Latest statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism show that 970,581 tourists had visited the country as of June 7, leaving just 29,418 arrivals needed to reach one million tourists in 2026.
The figures highlight the continued strength of the tourism industry despite challenges affecting global travel markets in recent months.
However, overall arrivals remain slightly below last year’s levels. During the same period in 2025, the Maldives recorded 1,018,210 tourist arrivals, meaning arrivals this year are down by 4.7 percent. Industry observers have linked part of the decline to disruptions in international travel demand caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Despite the slowdown, the Maldives continues to attract thousands of visitors every day. Current figures show the country is welcoming an average of 6,143 tourists daily.
Tourism statistics indicate that 26,590 tourists arrived in the Maldives during the first week of this month alone. In addition, 8,029 visitors entered the country for business-related purposes this year, while another 14,847 passengers arrived aboard cruise vessels.
China continues to dominate as the Maldives’ largest tourism source market, contributing 148,685 arrivals so far this year. The country was also the Maldives’ leading tourism market in 2025.
Russia remains the second-largest source market with 131,171 arrivals, while the United Kingdom ranks third with 81,742 tourists.
The data also underscores the importance of Velana International Airport as the country’s primary tourism gateway. Of the total arrivals recorded this year, 943,800 entered through VIA.
Gan International Airport recorded the second-highest number of arrivals among the country’s airports, welcoming 3,841 visitors, while Maafaru International Airport handled 3,376 arrivals.
Tourism remains the backbone of the Maldivian economy, contributing significantly to government revenue, foreign currency earnings and employment. The government has projected another strong year for the sector, supported by continued investments in tourism infrastructure and the expansion of airport capacity.
According to the latest figures, the Maldives currently operates 179 resorts, 16 hotels, 923 guesthouses and 172 safari vessels, offering a wide range of accommodation options for visitors.
The Maldives welcomed a record 2 million-plus tourists in recent years and continues to target sustained growth as it seeks to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading luxury and island tourism destinations.
With the one million mark now within reach, industry stakeholders are expected to closely monitor arrival figures over the coming days as the country moves toward another major tourism milestone.
