Maldives recorded 64,613 tourist arrivals in May 2021 with tourists spending an average of 9.1 days in the island nation during the month.
Maldives recorded 64,613 tourist arrivals in May 2021, bringing the total number of tourist arrivals during the first 5 months of 2021 to 454,383. According to the statistics from the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism, tourists spent an average of 9.1 days in the Maldives during the month.
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The daily average of tourist arrivals has significantly decreased in May 2021 compared to other months of 2021. This is due to the temporary suspension of tourist vias for travellers from South Asian countries to the Maldives. In addition to that, several countries issued travel warnings for the Maldives over COVID-19 fears.
However, stakeholders and industry experts remain fully confident the Maldives is a safe destination for travellers. With the island nation’s unique geographical advantage the one-island-one-resort concept, travellers can vacation in the tropical holiday destination with natural social distancing.
While the Maldives recorded 64,613 arrivals in May 2021, the total number of tourist arrivals stand at 454,383 for the first 5 months of the year. Compared to the same period of 2020, this is an increase of 18.7%. But, in comparison to the pre-pandemic figures of 2019, arrivals have decreased by 39.3% during the first 5 months.
3,009 tourists arrived every day on average in the first 5 months of this year. Furthermore, by the end of May 2021, Russia was the Maldives’ leading tourist source market with a market share of 23.3%. The Russian Federation highly contributed to the Maldives’ road to recovery.
Followed by Russia, India ranked in at 2nd place with a market share of 19.7%. For most of the year, neighbouring India was the biggest contributor in terms of tourist arrivals. Other top markets include Germany, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, the United States, United Kingdom, Romania, France and the Czech Republic.
The Maldives aims to welcome 1.5 million tourists in 2021. With arrivals exceeding 450,000, over 30% of this goal has been achieved.
The Maldives has officially hit a remarkable tourism milestone by welcoming its one millionth visitor for 2025 earlier than ever before. This historic achievement highlights the island nation’s growing popularity as a top luxury travel destination and its rising appeal for honeymooners, adventure seekers, and eco-conscious travelers alike. Minister for Tourism and Environment, Hon. Thoriq Ibrahim, expressed that this milestone fills the nation with immense pride, reflecting the success of destination marketing efforts that truly capture the Maldivian experience. He also recognized the dedication of everyone in the tourism sector who contributed to this achievement.
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According to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the one million mark arrived on June 7, nearly two weeks earlier than in 2024, when the milestone occurred on June 27. This is the fastest the Maldives has ever welcomed one million tourists within a single calendar year. The rapid pace of arrivals shows the country is on track to meet its ambitious target of 2.2 million tourist arrivals by the end of 2025.
A Milestone Visitor and a Commitment to Sustainability
The traveler who marked this significant milestone was Kajal Singh, visiting from India, who came with her husband to celebrate their honeymoon. Their chosen destination was Bandos Maldives, a legendary resort and a cornerstone of Maldivian hospitality that continues to attract travelers from all corners of the globe.
To mark this special occasion, Visit Maldives, alongside the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), hosted a commemorative event at Velana International Airport. Demonstrating the nation’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability, Kajal was invited to take part in the “Five Million Trees Planting Program” initiated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. As part of this meaningful gesture, she planted a tree on Hulhulé Island, contributing to a nationwide effort to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and nurture a greener Maldives for generations to come.
Bandos Maldives: A Historic Icon in Maldivian Tourism
Kajal Singh and her husband checked into Bandos Maldives, the country’s second resort to open and a cherished landmark in the Maldives tourism industry. Situated just a 10-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Bandos perfectly balances island tranquility with easy access, making it a preferred choice for honeymooners, families, and returning visitors.
Having completed 52 years of continuous operation, Bandos Maldives stands as a testament to the enduring charm and evolving excellence of the Maldives as a travel hotspot. The resort offers 220 well-appointed rooms, diverse dining options, a tranquil spa, a professional dive center, and comprehensive leisure facilities. Its commitment to sustainable tourism practices, ongoing renovations, and guest-first approach ensure that Bandos remains relevant and beloved in a market filled with new luxury resorts.
Hosting the one millionth tourist at Bandos Maldives highlights the resort’s lasting popularity and its crucial role in the country’s tourism landscape. For Kajal Singh and her husband, their honeymoon at Bandos represents not only a personal celebration but also a memorable moment intertwined with the Maldives’ tourism success story.
Tourism Growth Fueled by Strategic Marketing and Enhanced Connectivity
In 2025 so far, the Maldives has experienced an 8 percent increase in overall tourist arrivals compared to the previous year, with June alone seeing an impressive 18 percent growth. Leading source markets contributing to this surge include China and Russia, followed by Germany, the Middle East, and a resurgent India, which shows strong recovery after a slight dip in 2024.
Key drivers behind this impressive growth include:
Well-coordinated international marketing campaigns by Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), including partnerships with Liverpool FC, Mumbai Indians, and prominent tour operators across Europe and Asia
Expanded flight connectivity through enhanced collaborations with Emirates, Qatar Airways, and other regional airlines
Sustainability-focused initiatives such as the government’s ‘Five Million Trees’ campaign and eco-friendly resort developments
Innovative digital marketing strategies, including influencer collaborations and engaging social media events like “The World’s Biggest Giveaway 2025”
Significant infrastructure upgrades, notably the ongoing expansion of Velana International Airport, ensuring the Maldives can support continued tourism growth
Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of MMPRC, highlighted this achievement as a testament to the ongoing commitment of all stakeholders, emphasizing that efforts to enhance the Maldives’ tourism industry remain steadfast to keep the country a dream destination for travelers worldwide.
Maldives’ Ambitious Target of 2.2 Million Tourists
Following a record-breaking 2024, when the Maldives welcomed 2 million tourists and secured its fifth consecutive title as the World’s Leading Destination, the country aims even higher for 2025. The early arrival of the one millionth tourist sends a clear message that the Maldives remains well on course for another historic tourism year.
With strong momentum across all major source markets, the Maldives continues to strengthen its position as a premier luxury island destination. This success comes from preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
For travelers like Kajal Singh, becoming part of this milestone while enjoying the warm hospitality and timeless charm of Bandos Maldives creates a lasting memory. It offers a perfect blend of personal celebration and witnessing the rise of one of the world’s most sought-after tropical destinations.
