Russia Tops Maldives Tourist Markets With Over 14,600 Arrivals This Year

Russia has remained the Maldives’ largest tourist source market so far this year, with 14,638 arrivals recorded as of Sunday, according to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism yesterday.

The Maldives welcomed a total of 79,004 tourists between January 1 and 11, representing a 13.6 per cent increase compared to the 69,553 arrivals recorded during the same period last year.

Russia topped the market rankings, maintaining the lead it held at the beginning of 2025. During the corresponding period last year, 11,367 tourists arrived from Russia.

Italy ranked as the second-largest source market with 10,298 arrivals, followed by the United Kingdom with 5,959 arrivals. Germany placed fourth with 4,799 arrivals, while China, which was the leading market last year, ranked fifth with 3,637 arrivals. India followed with 2,566 arrivals.

The government has set a target of 2.4 million tourist arrivals for 2026. The target for last year was 2.3 million, and the Maldives concluded 2025 with a total of 2.25 million arrivals.

Arrivals from India declined early last year amid diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Relations have since improved, with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu making two visits to India and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the Maldives to attend Independence Day celebrations. Both governments have since taken steps to stabilise and strengthen bilateral ties.