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Top Emerging Markets Driving Tourism Growth in the Maldives

Maldives Tourism Emerging Markets Driving Global Growth

The Maldives has long been a dream destination, known for its breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear waters. However, the tourism scene is evolving, with a new wave of emerging markets fueling its growth. While traditional markets like China, Russia, and the UK continue to play a significant role, it’s the rising influence of countries from Eastern Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East that is reshaping the tourism landscape. This shift signals a diversification in the Maldives’ visitor base, attracting a new generation of travelers from dynamic, fast-growing regions. Let’s explore the top emerging markets that are driving this exciting transformation in Maldives tourism.

Emerging Tourist Markets in Maldives as of February 2025

  • Poland: Poland entered the top 10 in February 2025 with 5,354 arrivals, a notable increase of 681 from the previous year.
  • Kazakhstan: With 2,385 arrivals in February, Kazakhstan maintained steady numbers, reflecting its growing interest in Maldives tourism.
  • Romania: February 2025 saw 2,857 arrivals from Romania, continuing the trend of increased engagement with the Maldives.
  • South Korea: South Korea’s arrivals reached 3,141, marking an increase of 410 compared to February 2024, signaling growing interest from this market.
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE saw 747 arrivals, up from 676 in the previous year, continuing its steady growth.
  • Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka contributed 714 arrivals in February, reflecting the rising interest from the region.
  • Bangladesh: Bangladesh registered 2,490 arrivals, indicating a consistent presence in the Maldives market.
  • Serbia: Serbia showed positive growth with 904 arrivals, continuing its upward trend.
  • Turkey: Turkey had 1,096 arrivals in February, marking a modest increase of 66 from the previous year.
  • Egypt: Egypt showed a slight increase in arrivals, reaching 536 in February 2025, compared to 530 in February 2024.

The Maldives’ Expanding Global Reach

The rise of emerging markets is reshaping the Maldives’ tourism sector, with countries from Eastern Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East driving this shift. As a result, the Maldives is increasingly attracting visitors from regions that were once less prominent. This expansion reflects broader diversification, with new markets such as Poland, Kazakhstan, and Romania showing steady growth. Moreover, these countries are not only adding to the tourism numbers but are becoming integral in redefining the Maldives as a sought-after destination for travelers seeking luxury and exclusivity.

This transformation is supported by the Maldives’ strategic efforts to enhance accessibility, particularly through expanded direct flight routes and targeted marketing in fast-growing economies. Thus, these initiatives have allowed the Maldives to position itself as a top destination for an emerging generation of affluent travelers. With sustained growth from these new markets, the Maldives is solidifying its appeal to a broader global audience, ensuring that its tourism sector remains dynamic and poised for continued success.

Top 5 Markets for the Maldives (as of March 2025)

As of March 2025, the Maldives continues to see strong contributions from its traditional markets, with the top five markets based on arrivals being:

  • China – 69,010 arrivals
  • Russia – 59,636 arrivals
  • United Kingdom – 57,944 arrivals
  • Italy – 53,252 arrivals
  • Germany – 39,856 arrivals

These markets have long been key players in the Maldives tourism sector, consistently delivering high numbers of visitors and maintaining a dominant position. Nevertheless, the influence of emerging markets is steadily gaining momentum, further diversifying the destination’s visitor base. While the top markets remain strong, the growth of new regions highlights the Maldives’ evolving appeal and its ability to attract a more global audience, ensuring the tourism sector’s ongoing development.

A Diverse Future for Maldives Tourism

As the Maldives continues to attract a diverse range of travelers, the rise of emerging markets signals a bright future for the country’s tourism industry. With steady growth and the continued strength of traditional markets, the destination’s visitor base is becoming more diverse than ever before. Ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and target new audiences ensure the Maldives will remain a leading global destination. As new markets continue to gain ground, the future of Maldives tourism looks increasingly dynamic and promising.

Feature Image: OBLU Select Sangeli

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Celebrate Eid Al-Adha with Authentic Maldivian Traditions at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Hosts Fun Cultural Eid Festivities

This June, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites travelers to experience Eid Al-Adha in a way that goes beyond the usual holiday. The adult-only resort has created a special two-day celebration that offers a hands-on look at Maldivian culture through storytelling, traditional crafts, and local flavors. It forms part of their ongoing ‘Discover Local’ program, designed to help guests truly connect with island life.

Learning the Ancient Art of Joali Weaving

One of the standout moments takes place on Saturday, June 7, when guests join a Joali weaving workshop. This craft involves weaving coconut rope into practical items and has been quietly passed down through island families for generations. Since resorts rarely showcase this tradition, this becomes a rare chance for guests to experience a living cultural art.

Mohamed Irshad, the Front Office Manager of Mercue Maldives Kooddoo, shares why it matters:

“We don’t want to just show our guests the Maldives, we want them to feel it through our traditions. Joali weaving is one of those rare crafts that tells the story of resourcefulness, connection to nature, and island life”

Eid Buffet and the Colorful Maali Parade

The celebration starts on the evening of June 6 with an Eid buffet featuring refined takes on local festive dishes. Here, the resort prepares everything using fresh ingredients sourced nearby, celebrating the Maldives’ rich culinary heritage.

Then, the following night, the resort comes alive with the Maali Parade, a lively procession inspired by traditional Maldivian folklore. Masked performers bring ancient stories to life right on the island.

Dining Under the Sun: The Sandbank Picnic Experience

No trip to the Maldives feels complete without a sandbank picnic, and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers a particularly memorable version. Set on a tiny, untouched island surrounded by crystal-clear water, guests enjoy an authentic meal served on tropical leaves. This picnic offers a tasting journey into Maldivian flavors, featuring local specialties like:

  • Gulha: Coconut and tuna fritters
  • Kulhi Kaajaa: Spicy tuna bites
  • Bajiya: Pastries filled with sweet and spicy mixes
  • Rihaakuru Kaajaa: Fritters made from rich fish paste
  • Dry Fish: Smoked tuna strips
  • Bodi: Sweet coconut treats with toddy syrup

Along with fresh coconut water, the food makes the meal both refreshing and deeply connected to the island’s culinary traditions.

Year-Round Cultural Experiences with ‘Discover Local’

Although Eid brings special energy to the resort, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s cultural offerings continue throughout the year. For instance, the ‘Discover Local’ program invites guests to try their hand at traditional sunset fishing, palm leaf art, and sampling cultural cocktails inspired by island ingredients.

The cocktail menu features creations such as:

  • Maldivian Green: A blend of gin, curry leaf syrup, lemon, and soda water
  • Ocean Breeze: Vodka infused with butterfly pea flower, peach schnapps, pineapple, and coconut syrup
  • Green Kooddoo: Rum mixed with Malibu, pandan leaf juice, pineapple, and coconut syrup
  • Mirus Rita: A spicy twist on the classic margarita using chili-infused Maldivian tequila
  • Coco Kurumba: Whisky combined with tamarind juice, coconut milk, and passion fruit syrup

These drinks add an extra layer to the island experience and let guests taste Maldivian flavors in a completely new way.

More Than a Vacation: A Cultural Journey

If you visit for Eid or explore Maldivian culture at any time, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers more than a stay. In fact, the resort invites guests to experience the Maldives as a vibrant, living culture, full of stories, flavors, and traditions that stay with you long after the trip ends.

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