Maldives Sees Record Tourism Surge, Fueling Growth in State Revenue

A surge in tourist arrivals during the first quarter of 2025 has led to a significant increase in state revenue for the Maldives, as the country continues to break records in its vital tourism sector. For the first time in history, more than 200,000 tourists are expected each month for four consecutive months, a milestone that signals unprecedented growth for the island nation.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, 104,357 tourists visited the Maldives in the first 15 days of April, representing a 16.1% increase compared to the same period last year. With an average of 6,957 tourists arriving daily surpassing peak season levels in December and January, the tourism boom is delivering a powerful economic boost.

As of mid-April, the total number of tourists visiting the Maldives in 2025 reached 736,775, a 6.2% increase over the same period in 2024. This rise in arrivals has translated directly into a 12.4% increase in state revenue, with over 3.3 billion Maldivian Rufiyaa collected through tourism-related taxes in February and March alone.

The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has credited the revenue growth to timely tax submissions by major contributors and sustained tourism momentum. Officials note that revenue from each month's tourism activity is generally reflected in the following month's state revenue collection.

Top 10 Source Markets for Tourists in 2025 (as of mid-April):

1. China – 81,001 tourists (11% increase)
2. United Kingdom – 80,535 tourists (10.9% increase)
3. Russia – 76,243 tourists (10.3% increase)
4. Italy – 63,995 tourists (8.7% increase)
5. Germany – 57,081 tourists (7.7% increase)
6. India – 36,941 tourists (5% increase)
7. France – 28,983 tourists (3.9% increase)
8. United States – 23,720 tourists (3.2% increase)
9. Switzerland – 16,766 tourists (2.3% increase)
10. Poland – 14,184 tourists (1.9% increase)

Tourist Accommodation Distribution:

• Resorts: 516,174 tourists (70.1%)
• Guesthouses: 179,878 tourists (24.2%)
• Hotels: 21,852 tourists (3%)
• Safari vessels: 18,379 tourists (2.5%)
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While February 2025 saw a slight 1.5% decrease in arrivals compared to February 2024, the number of nights tourists spent in the Maldives increased by 0.6%, indicating longer and potentially more lucrative stays. March followed with a 4.8% increase in tourist numbers compared to the same month last year, and this growth is expected to reflect in April’s revenue figures.

As international demand for Maldives tourism continues to rise, the sector remains the backbone of the nation’s economy, providing not just income, but also resilience and stability in the face of global economic shifts.