The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has projected a record 2.4 million tourist arrivals in the coming year, signalling renewed momentum in the island nation's most vital economic sector. The forecast builds on a strong first-half performance, marked by sustained growth in both visitor numbers and overnight stays.
In its mid-year report, the central bank recorded a 9.1 percent increase in international arrivals during the first six months of 2025, compared with the same period last year. By the end of June, 1,108,130 tourists had visited the country, up from 1,015,527 in the corresponding period of 2024, MMA data showed.
Growth was also evident in the duration of stays, with total bed nights reaching 6,892,533 by mid-year, an increase of 1.2 percent over the same period last year. These figures reflect continued resilience in the tourism sector, supported by favourable market conditions and recent infrastructure enhancements.
Among the developments cited by the MMA is the operationalisation of the new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport. Now fully functional, the upgraded facility is expected to improve international connectivity and accommodate higher volumes of inbound traffic. The central bank identified this expansion as a key factor underpinning its revised projections.
Earlier estimates released in May had placed expected arrivals for 2025 at 2.2 million. The government has since adjusted its own forecast, now anticipating 2.3 million visitors by year-end.
Passenger traffic through Velana International Airport further illustrates the sector’s momentum. The airport served 4.1 million travellers in the first half of the year, underscoring elevated activity at the country’s primary international gateway.
Beyond tourism, the MMA expects broader economic gains. National Gross Domestic Product is projected to grow between 4.5 percent and 5.6 percent by the end of the year, driven largely by the anticipated surge in tourism-related revenue.