Maldives has seen a significant rise in tourist arrivals in the first month of the year, recording a 10.7 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism.

As of January 28, a total of 193,175 visitors had entered the country, marking a notable uptick in tourism activity. The majority of these travellers, 134,714 tourists or 69.7 per cent, chose to stay in resorts, maintaining the Maldives’ reputation as a luxury travel destination. Guesthouses saw 49,203 arrivals, while 4,467 tourists opted for safari vessels. Meanwhile, hotels recorded 4,716 visitors, and an additional 76 tourists stayed in other types of accommodation.

China remained the leading source market for tourism in the Maldives, contributing 15.2 per cent of total arrivals, with 29,397 visitors recorded during this period. Russia followed as the second-largest source market, with 20,291 arrivals. 

Between January 1 and January 28, the country welcomed an average of 6,899 tourists daily. If this trend persists, total arrivals are expected to surpass 200,000 by the end of the month. For comparison, 192,385 tourists had arrived by the same time last year, indicating a strong year-on-year growth trajectory.

The peak of tourist arrivals so far this month occurred on 25 January, with a record-breaking 9,199 visitors entering the Maldives in a single day. This surge underscores the nation’s strong start to the year and its continued attractiveness as a premier holiday destination.