Resorts Dominate Tourism Sector as 600,000 Visitors Choose Luxury Stays

Over 600,000 tourists have opted for resort stays in the Maldives so far this year, accounting for 70.4 percent of all visitor arrivals. Data released by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation reveals that luxury resorts remain the primary driver of the nation's tourism industry, despite a slight dip in overall arrivals. A total of 879,154 travelers have visited the archipelago in 2026, representing a 5.3 percent decline compared to the previous year. While resorts captured the largest share with 604,888 guests, the guesthouse sector continues to provide a significant alternative, hosting 211,275 visitors. Other accommodation options included hotels, which saw 22,512 guests, and safari vessels, which hosted 19,222 travelers. The Maldives currently operates 179 resorts and 952 guesthouses, reflecting a diverse infrastructure designed to cater to different budget levels and preferences. From a global perspective, China remains the leading source market with 134,838 arrivals, followed by Russia (116,010), the United Kingdom (75,886), Italy (67,930), and Germany (56,966). Air travel remains the dominant gateway for visitors, with 865,346 arrivals by air. Velana International Airport, the country's primary hub, handled the vast majority of this traffic with 854,372 tourists. Other regional gateways also contributed to the flow, with Gan International Airport recording 3,569 arrivals, Maafaru International Airport recording 3,130, and Hanimaadhoo International Airport recording 1,981. Smaller regional airports also played a role in facilitating visitor access, with Maamigili Airport receiving 1,572 visitors and Dhaalu Airport welcoming 722. This distribution underscores the government's ongoing efforts to decentralize tourism and improve accessibility across the atolls.