Maldives has experienced a remarkable upswing in tourist arrivals during the first half of May 2025, recording a 14.6% increase compared to the same period last year. According to the Ministry of Tourism, 81,365 visitors arrived between May 1 and 17, up from 70,986 during the same timeframe in 2024.
This surge is particularly notable as May typically represents a shoulder month between the Maldives’ peak winter and summer seasons. The consistent growth suggests a robust recovery and sustained interest in the island nation’s offerings.
As of May 17, total tourist arrivals for 2025 have reached 912,109, marking an 8.2% year-on-year increase. Resorts continue to dominate accommodation preferences, hosting over 648,000 tourists, which accounts for 71.1% of all arrivals. Guesthouses have also seen significant patronage, capturing 23.4% of the market.
China remains the leading source market in 2025, contributing 11.5% of all visitors. Russia and the United Kingdom follow closely, while India, Italy, and Germany continue to feature prominently in the top ten.
The growth in tourist numbers is particularly impressive given that the total bed capacity has only marginally increased since last year. As of mid-May 2025, the Maldives boasts 1,193 registered tourism facilities with a combined operational bed capacity of 64,926. Guesthouses contribute significantly to this capacity, offering over 14,300 beds across 836 establishments.
This positive trend in May reinforces expectations for continued growth throughout the off-peak season. However, fluctuations in key markets and external conditions will likely influence the tourism outlook in the coming months.
The Maldives’ ability to attract a diverse range of visitors, coupled with its strategic marketing efforts and infrastructure development, positions it well to achieve its ambitious tourism targets for 2025.
