Maldivian Diving Schools Lead Tourism Growth With 47 Per Cent Revenue Surge

Diving schools have emerged as the fastest-growing segment of the Maldivian tourism industry, recording a robust 47.7 per cent increase in revenue during the first quarter of the year. According to the latest statistics from the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), these institutions generated USD 32.03 million in revenue, a significant jump from the USD 21.68 million reported during the same period last year. This surge in diving activity contributed to a broader upward trend across the tourism sector. The industry generated USD 447 million in output tax during the first quarter, marking a 20.5 per cent increase over the USD 371 million collected in the corresponding period of the previous year. The growth was further bolstered by an 11.6 per cent rise in total tourist arrivals. While diving schools led the expansion, other aquatic recreation businesses also showed strong financial performance. Water sports centers saw revenues climb by 49.2 per cent, reaching USD 12.37 million. Additionally, homestay guesthouses recorded a steep percentage growth of 60.8 per cent, although their total financial contribution remains small relative to the wider market. Traditional resorts continue to hold the largest financial share of the tourism market, though their growth was more moderate. Resorts experienced a 21.0 per cent increase in revenue during the reporting period, which spanned from December 2025 through February 2026. The data underscores a diversifying tourism landscape in the Maldives, where experiential and activity-based travel—particularly underwater exploration—is increasingly driving economic gains. The rapid expansion of diving schools reflects a growing global demand for the Maldives' unique marine biodiversity and a shift toward more specialized tourism offerings.