Chinese and Russian Tourist Arrivals to Maldives Rise Despite Overall Decline

Tourist arrivals from China and Russia to the Maldives have increased significantly this year despite an overall decline in visitor numbers, according to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.

As of 18 July, the Maldives had welcomed 1,173,922 tourists, representing a 4.7 per cent decrease compared with the same period last year.

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China remained the Maldives’ largest source market for visitors, followed by Russia in second place. Both countries also held the top two positions last year.

A total of 195,363 visitors arrived from China by 18 July, compared with 170,210 during the corresponding period in 2025, marking an increase of 14.7 per cent.

Russia also recorded strong growth, with 167,314 visitors arriving during the same period, up from 142,899 a year earlier. This represents a 17 per cent increase in Russian tourist arrivals.

The ministry’s statistics show that resorts remained the preferred accommodation choice, hosting 834,816 tourists so far this year. Guesthouses accommodated 262,171 visitors, while hotels welcomed 27,523 tourists and 22,381 stayed on safari vessels.

Despite the decline in overall arrivals, the continued growth in visitors from China and Russia has helped maintain the two countries as the Maldives’ largest tourism source markets.