Tourism Industry Highlights for June 2021

We have rounded up the tourism industry highlights for June 2021. In terms of tourist arrivals, Maldives recorded the least number of tourist arrivals in June this year.

However, the tropical holiday destination maintained its status as a globally preferred holiday destination, welcoming over 55,000 tourists in the month.

Towards the end of June 2021, the COVID-19 situation in the capital of the Maldives has eased. Likewise, the government lifted several restrictions in the capital region, alongside the announcement to welcome tourists from South Asian countries once again.

Check out the top tourism industry highlights for June 2021.

Opening of 02 New Resorts

June 2021 saw two new resorts making their debut in the Maldives. On 1st June 2021, the legendary Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C made its debut in the Maldives, with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Located on the Fari Islands, an archipelago on the north-eastern tip of North Malé Atoll The Ritz-Carlton Maldives will revolutionize the luxury landscape of the Maldives.

Tourism Industry Highlights for June 2021 — *Image: Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives*

On 6th June 2021, Kochi-based firm, MFAR Hotels & Resorts Pvt Ltd opened Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, also a luxury resort. This new resort features an experience-driven concept and is home to a diverse collection of gourmet dining options.

Hilton Announces Plans to Open a Fourth Property in the Maldives

Hilton Maldives Amingiri — *Image: Hilton Hotels & Resorts*

Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a management agreement with Amingiri Holdings Pvt Ltd to launch its 4th property in the Maldives; the 109 all-villa Hilton Maldives Amingiri.

Amingiri Holdings Pvt Ltd is a subsidiary of Maldivian construction and real estate development company, Amin Construction Pvt Ltd. Currently, Hilton operates Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton in the Maldives.

05 General Manager Appointments

Ibrahim Nahid: Villa Hotels & Resorts announced the appointment of established leader, Nahid as the general manager of Paradise Island Resort & Spa. According to Villa Hotels, Nahid will lead the activation of the new concept on the property and instigate several sustainable initiatives in keeping with Villa Hotels & Resorts mission to preserve and protect the natural environment.

Kanruethai Roongruang: Kan takes the helm of two resorts, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Angsana Ihuru in the Maldives. She brings over 20 years of experience in the Banyan Tree Group to the Maldives.

Amila Jeewantha Handunwala: Raffles Maldives Meradhoo announced the appointment of Amila Jeewantha Handunwala as the new General Manager of the property. He brings over 25 years of experience in the industry to the luxury resort. According to Raffles, Amila has previously led hotel operations, sales, marketing, revenue management and distribution strategies in the Middle East, South Asia and Europe.

Nicolas Khairallah: After working as the Resort Manager for Gili Lankanfushi, Nicholas took the helm of the resort as the General Manager from 1st June 2021 onwards.

Patrice Aira: With an extensive career across the globe — United States, Canada, Egypt and the Indian Ocean, Patrice brings 25 years of expertise in the industry to LUX* South Ari Atoll.

The Maldives Surpasses 500,000 Tourist Arrivals

The Maldives passed the half a million tourist arrivals mark in June 2021. The island nation also has an ambitious goal to welcome 1.5 million tourists this year.

Tourism Ministry Announces Plans to Welcome Travellers from South Asia Once Again

The Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism announced plans to resume issuing on-arrival tourist visas to visitors from South Asia. From 15th July 2021 onwards travellers from South Asian countries (including India) can visit the Maldives with a negative PCR test. The ministry said further details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Emirates Carries over 100,000 Passengers to the Maldives

By 23rd June 2021, Emirates carried over 100,000 passengers to the Maldives. Likewise, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates made over 1,218 movements to the Maldives between 1st January and 23rd June 2021.

With the resumption of issuing visas to travellers from South Asia, tourist arrivals to the Maldives will likely increase in July 2021 compared to June 2021. To keep up with the latest travel trends and news, follow us on Twitter and join our travel community on Facebook.

Feature image by The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

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.

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.