The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has forecast 2.4 million tourist arrivals in 2026, citing expected gains from continued growth in the tourism sector and new infrastructure developments.

According to the central bank’s latest report, 1.18 million tourists visited the Maldives in the first half of 2025, a 9.1 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Overnight stays also rose by 1.2 per cent year-on-year, reaching 6.8 million by the end of June. The authority also projects national output to grow between 4.5 and 5.6 per cent this year, driven by tourism and other key sectors.

The MMA had previously estimated 2.2 million arrivals for 2025, but now expects numbers to climb in the final quarter, driven by seasonal demand and infrastructure upgrades. It said the opening of the new Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport is expected to have a positive impact on arrivals in 2026.