Maldives passes one million tourists for 2026, but arrivals stay behind last year

The Maldives welcomed its one millionth tourist of 2026 on 21 June, reaching the milestone within the same timeframe as last year despite disruptions to key air routes.

Total arrivals stood at 1,040,976 as of 24 June, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. That figure was down 4.9 percent compared with the same period in 2025.

Monthly data shows the shortfall took hold in spring. Arrivals grew year on year in January, up 5.0 percent, and February, up 17.7 percent. They then fell sharply in March, down 19.8 percent, and April, down 24.4 percent. May recovered slightly, rising 1.7 percent, before June arrivals through the 24th came in 13.5 percent lower than the same days last year.

The daily average for 2026 was 5,948 visitors, close to the 6,258 recorded in 2025.

China remained the largest source market. It contributed 163,291 arrivals, or 16 percent of the total. Russia was second with 145,299 arrivals, a 14.3 percent share. The United Kingdom was third with 85,097 arrivals, 8.4 percent. Italy followed with 72,891 arrivals, 7.2 percent, then Germany with 66,050 arrivals, 6.5 percent, and India with 60,866 arrivals, 6.0 percent.

Resorts remained the dominant accommodation choice. They received 731,369 tourists, or 71.8 percent of all arrivals. Guesthouses took 239,089 tourists, 23.5 percent. Hotels received 25,028 tourists and vessels 21,037 tourists.

Velana International Airport handled almost all arrivals, with 1,013,434 visitors, a 97.4 percent share. Gan International Airport was next with 4,080 arrivals, followed by Maafaru International Airport with 3,567 and Hanimaadhoo International Airport with 2,321. Sea ports accounted for 14,847 arrivals.

The one millionth visitor, Ms. Almudena Ortuño Esparza from Spain, arrived on 21 June aboard Qatar Airways and was welcomed with a traditional cultural reception at Velana International Airport. The ceremony was organised by the Visit Maldives Corporation, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Maldives Airports Company Limited and Maldives Immigration.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen said reaching the milestone despite disruptions to key air routes reflected the dedication of tourism stakeholders and the continued global appeal of the Maldives.

Total bed capacity reached 68,628 beds across 1,298 facilities as of 24 June. Resorts accounted for 45,963 beds, guesthouses 16,522, hotels 2,654 and tourist vessels 3,489. The Ministry reported 98.6 percent of beds were in operation.