Tourist arrivals to the Maldives have exceeded 1.8 million this year, according to newly released government data, placing the country on a steady trajectory toward its most ambitious tourism target to date.
Figures published by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment show that, as of 27 October, the country had recorded 1,804,515 international arrivals, a 9.9 percent increase over the same period last year, when 1,641,937 visitors were registered. The year 2024 stands as the highest on record for inbound tourism to the Maldives.
The government has set a year-end goal of 2.3 million arrivals. To reach that threshold, the country must attract approximately 500,000 additional visitors in the remaining months. With the current average daily arrival rate exceeding 6,200, officials remain cautiously optimistic.
Meeting this target will depend not only on demand but also on the capacity of the tourism sector to absorb it. At present, 1,286 facilities are operational across the country, offering a combined bed capacity of 64,994.
Accommodation preferences continue to favour resort stays, which have hosted 1,332,533 guests to date. Guesthouses followed as the second most selected option, accommodating 386,692 visitors.
Visitor origin data reflects both diversification and enduring strength in key markets. China leads with 291,573 arrivals, followed by Russia (223,857), the United Kingdom (159,615), Germany (132,394), and Italy (119,261).