The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has reported that tourist arrivals in the Maldives reached 1.15 million as of July 8, 2025, reflecting a 9.3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

According to the Ministry’s latest statistics, a total of 45,816 tourists visited the Maldives in the first week of July, marking a 13.4 per cent rise from the same period in 2024. The highest single-day arrival so far this month was recorded on July 5 with 6,057 visitors, while the lowest was on July 6 with 5,504 arrivals.

Although July falls within the low season, the average daily arrivals for the month currently stand at 5,727 - higher than the averages recorded in both May and June. February saw the highest daily average for the year at 7,646, while January remains the busiest month overall, with 214,863 arrivals.

Accommodation statistics show that resorts continue to lead the market, accounting for 72.6 per cent of total arrivals. Guesthouses followed with 22.4 per cent, while hotels and safari vessels registered 2.8 per cent and 2.2 per cent respectively.

China continues to top the list of source markets, maintaining its lead since 2024, with a 13.3 per cent share. Russia followed with 11.6 per cent, ahead of the United Kingdom at 9.7 per cent - a reversal from last year’s rankings. A similar shift occurred between Italy and Germany, with Italy now contributing 7.7 per cent of arrivals and Germany at 7.3 per cent.

With 1.1 million tourists recorded by the end of June, the Government has set an ambitious target of welcoming 2.3 million visitors by the end of the year. A key development expected to support this goal is the opening of the new terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA) later this month. The terminal will boost the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity to 7 million.

Speaking on the new development, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC)’s CEO and Managing Director, Ibrahim Shiuree, has stated the terminal is designed to provide unique and globally competitive experiences that will further enhance the Maldives’ standing as a premier tourist destination.