Kaafu Atoll has emerged as the leading tourism destination in the Maldives this year, recording the highest share of visitor arrivals as the country experiences sustained growth in the sector.
According to the latest Maldives Tourism Update released by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, a total of 390,004 tourists have arrived so far this year, reflecting an 8.2 percent increase compared to 360,401 visitors during the same period last year.
Kaafu Atoll accounted for 166,867 arrivals, significantly outpacing other regions. The atoll’s strong performance is supported by its extensive tourism infrastructure and the largest operational bed capacity in the country. Of the Maldives’ total 67,027 registered beds, 24,864 are located in Kaafu Atoll, including 15,566 beds in resorts, 1,604 in hotels, and 7,694 in guesthouses.
Alifu Dhaalu Atoll ranked second with 35,451 visitors, followed by Alifu Alifu Atoll with 31,870 arrivals.
The breakdown of visitor purpose highlights the Maldives’ continued appeal as a leisure destination. Of the total arrivals, 387,594 tourists visited for holidays. Business travel accounted for 1,345 arrivals, while 1,065 visitors entered the country via cruise liners.
The tourism sector is currently averaging 7,959 arrivals per day. On 14 February, the Maldives recorded 11,136 arrivals in a single day, marking the highest daily visitor figure in the nation’s history.
The growth builds on last year’s record performance, when the Maldives welcomed 2.2 million tourists. The government has set a target of attracting 2.5 million visitors by the end of this year, reinforcing tourism’s central role in the national economy.