Diving Schools Record Fastest Growth in Maldives Tourism Sector

Diving schools recorded the fastest growth within the Maldives’ tourism industry during the first quarter of the year, according to the latest statistics released by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).

MIRA’s first-quarter report showed that the tourism sector generated USD 447 million in output tax, representing a 20.5 per cent increase from the USD 371 million collected during the same period last year.

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Among all tourism-related businesses, diving schools posted the strongest growth. Revenue from diving schools reached USD 32.03 million during the first quarter, up 47.7 per cent from USD 21.68 million recorded a year earlier.

The report also showed that Goods and Services Tax (GST) collected from tourism businesses increased by 39.5 per cent to USD 269.26 million, outpacing the overall growth of the tourism sector.

Other marine tourism activities also recorded strong performance. Water sports centres generated USD 12.37 million in revenue, marking a 49.2 per cent increase from USD 8.2 million in the corresponding period last year.

Homestay guesthouses recorded the highest percentage increase in revenue, growing by 60.8 per cent, although their overall contribution to the tourism market remained relatively small.

Resorts, which continue to account for the largest share of the tourism industry’s revenue, recorded a more moderate increase of 21 per cent during the reporting period.

According to MIRA, the results cover the period from December 2025 to February 2026 and were supported by an 11.6 per cent increase in tourist arrivals compared with the same period a year earlier.