January Sets New Tourism Record as Maldives Welcomes 224,788 Visitors

January has become the most visited month in the Maldives’ tourism history, surpassing the previous record set in December.

According to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, a total of 224,788 international tourists arrived in the Maldives during the first month of the year, an increase of 333 visitors compared to December.

This marks the first time January has recorded the highest monthly tourist arrivals, reflecting sustained demand for the Maldives as a year-round destination.

Russia was the largest source market, contributing more than 20,000 visitors, followed by Italy, China, and the United Kingdom, each also recording arrivals exceeding 20,000 tourists. The increase comes amid ongoing international marketing efforts and expanded air connectivity.

January represents the sixth occasion on which monthly tourist arrivals have exceeded 200,000, and the second time this threshold has been reached in January, following a similar performance last year. The period from December to March continues to be the peak tourism season, with each of these months now consistently recording arrivals above 200,000.

February 2024 had previously been the first month to surpass the 200,000 mark, a record that was exceeded in December and again in January.

Based on current trends, the government has projected tourist arrivals of 2.4 million in 2026, exceeding last year’s total of 2.24 million and the earlier 2025 target of 2.3 million. Officials have cited international promotion efforts, expanded resort capacity, and improved connectivity as contributing factors.