In a significant boost to the Maldives' tourism sector, the nation welcomed 1.8 million tourists by the end of November 2024, a remarkable increase of 5.7% compared to the same period last year.

November alone saw 172,985 visitors, marking a steady rise in the country’s tourist arrivals. This growth aligns with the Maldivian Government’s ambitious goal of attracting 2 million tourists by the end of 2024.

The Tourism Ministry’s data revealed that 172,985 visitors arrived in November, up from 163,658 in the same month last year. This reflects the country's year-on-year growth, with the total number of arrivals in the first 11 months standing at 1,837,633.

 As a result, the Government is confident of reaching its 2024 target, with expectations to surpass 2 million visitors, especially with December’s expected influx of 162,367 tourists.

 As of November 2024, an average of 5,485 tourists arrived in the Maldives daily, showing the sector’s strong performance.

The consistent growth in tourism can be credited to several factors, such as effective marketing strategies, the appeal of its pristine beaches, and the recovery of global travel conditions.

The Maldives’ peak tourist months were February, with 217,398 visitors, and January, which recorded 192,385 arrivals. Despite a dip in arrivals in May, when only 119,875 tourists visited, the overall trend has been upward throughout the year, with November rounding out the figures with a near-record number of arrivals.

The Government anticipates a further boost to the economy in 2025, with predictions of 2.2 million tourists. As a vital sector of the Maldivian economy, tourism is set to continue as a primary driver of growth.