China, Russia and Italy Lead Maldives’ Top Source Markets in Early 2026

China remains the Maldives’ largest source market for tourist arrivals in early 2026, followed by Russia and Italy, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment’s latest daily update.

As of 10 February 2026, China accounted for 41,092 arrivals, representing 13.2 percent of the market share. Russia ranked second with 37,067 visitors (11.9 percent), while Italy placed third with 31,372 arrivals (10.0 percent).

The United Kingdom followed closely with 28,594 arrivals (9.2 percent), while Germany ranked fifth with 19,341 visitors (6.2 percent). India recorded 11,489 arrivals (3.7 percent), ahead of France with 10,951 (3.5 percent).

The United States, Poland and Austria completed the top ten source markets, recording 8,402 (2.7 percent), 8,193 (2.6 percent), and 6,656 (2.1 percent) arrivals respectively Daily Update – 11 February 2026.

Overall tourist arrivals reached 312,343 as of 10 February, reflecting a 5.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year Daily Update – 11 February 2026.

Velana International Airport handled the vast majority of arrivals, accounting for 98.8 percent of inbound visitors, while resorts continued to dominate accommodation preferences, representing 68 percent of total arrivals Daily Update – 11 February 2026.

Tourist Arrivals by Airport

Velana International Airport continued to handle the overwhelming majority of inbound tourists, accounting for 308,443 arrivals, or 98.8 percent of the total recorded as of 10 February 2026 Daily Update – 11 February 2026.

Regional airports handled comparatively smaller volumes. Gan International Airport recorded 1,058 arrivals (0.3 percent), Maafaru International Airport received 1,047 (0.3 percent), and Hanimaadhoo International Airport registered 852 arrivals (0.3 percent). Dhaalu Airport accounted for 334 arrivals (0.1 percent), while Villa International Airport in Maamigili handled 609 arrivals (0.2 percent) Daily Update – 11 February 2026.

The figures indicate that international traffic remains heavily concentrated through Velana International Airport, with regional airports contributing a limited but steady share of arrivals.

Tourist Arrivals to Facilities

Resorts continued to dominate tourist accommodation preferences, accounting for 212,446 arrivals, representing 68.0 percent of total visitors Daily Update – 11 February 2026.

Guesthouses received 84,570 tourists, or 27.1 percent of arrivals, reflecting the continued growth of the guesthouse sector. Hotels accounted for 8,592 arrivals (2.8 percent), while safari vessels recorded 6,429 arrivals (2.1 percent). A small number of visitors were categorised under other facility types, accounting for 306 arrivals (0.1 percent) Daily Update – 11 February 2026.

Overall, total tourist arrivals stood at 312,343 as of 10 February 2026.