Over 860,000 tourists visit in first six months

Tourists in a local island. -- Photo: Mirash Nashim/ Adhadhu

Tourists in a local island. -- Photo: Mirash Nashim/ Adhadhu

Over 860,000 tourists visited the Maldives during the first six months of the year, according to official figures.

Statistics showed that 861,167 tourists visited the Maldives by Jun 14. This is a 14.2 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

India is presently the top market for the Maldives followed by Italy, Russia, UK and Germany. China ranks in sixth place.

titledesc

China was the top market for Maldives tourism before the Covid pandemic. After a three-year hiatus, Chinese tourists returned on January 18.

Some 101,348 Indian tourists visited the Maldives this year while the number of Italian tourists stood at 100,593.

By the end of last month, 60,830 tourist beds were in operation at 1244 properties. An estimated 1.8 million tourists are expected to visit this year.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Dhiraagu opens EliteClub+ loyalty program to all customers

Dhiraagu has expanded its EliteClub+ loyalty program to all mobile customers, offering tiered rewards and discounts at over 100 outlets. Users can earn points through bill payments and recharges to unlock benefits like free data and gift cards. New members receive a 100-point welcome bonus by signing up via the Dhiraagu App.

Maldives fisheries could plummet by 75 percent

A new study warns that climate change could reduce Maldivian fish stocks by 75% by 2100 as rising temperatures drive fish to cooler waters. Local fishermen already report traveling much further offshore to find catches. Experts caution against switching to industrial netting, as it could further deplete stocks and damage the nation's reputation.

Budget 2027: Domestic debt projected to surpass MVR 100 billion

The Maldives' domestic debt is projected to exceed MVR 100 billion by the end of this year, driven by heavy reliance on the domestic market for financing. Government estimates show debt rising to MVR 108.1 billion by late 2025. This year marks the highest borrowing period for the current administration to meet its fiscal needs.

Economic growth could be below one percent

The Maldives' economic growth forecast has been slashed to between 0.6% and 1.8% due to Middle East conflicts disrupting tourism. Finance Minister Hassan Zareer noted that travel route closures and rising fuel costs have caused a sharp decline in arrivals. The government now expects 2.17 million visitors, a 3.5% drop from last year.

Tourist arrivals expected to fall short of previous record

Maldives Finance Minister Hassan Zareer announced that tourist arrivals this year are expected to fall short of previous records and targets. The government revised its year-end estimate to 2.17 million visitors, citing geopolitical tensions as a factor. This decline marks the end of a five-year growth trend for the nation's tourism sector.

Maldivian flight with pilgrims abruptly postponed

A Maldivian flight carrying 250 Umrah pilgrims was postponed due to escalating regional tensions and airspace restrictions near Jeddah. Island Aviation delayed the trip to prioritize passenger safety amid deteriorating conditions in the Middle East. The airline and Hajj Corporation are working to assist affected travelers.

Villa College opens January 2027 intake with over 100 programs

Villa College has opened applications for its January 2027 intake, offering over 100 programs from certificates to master’s degrees. Students can apply until December 26, 2026, for courses in fields like IT, law, and nursing. The college provides international-standard education through partnerships with top UK and Malaysian universities.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox