Arrivals✈
While the government aims for 2.5 million annual visitors, current progress faces scrutiny amid travel disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Marketing◎
Visit Maldives and PSM have partnered to integrate PSM’s vast media archives into the Creatoll platform. This collaboration makes historical and cultural assets accessible for licensing, establishing it as the nation's largest digital marketplace for Maldivian creative content. The platform officially launches for users on June 29.
Arrivals✈
The milestone visitor, Almudena Ortuño Esparza from Spain, was celebrated at a special airport ceremony and gifted a complimentary stay for the upcoming "Visit Maldives Year 2027" campaign.
Arrivals✈
The Male’-Melbourne route – marking the first direct air link between Maldives and Australia – was launched on May 17 as part of a partnership between Maldives’ national carrier, Maldivian and top Australian travel agency, Luxury Escapes.
Outlook◔
For Visit Maldives, the nomination reflects continued efforts to position the destination as the world’s leading romantic escape through experience-led storytelling, strategic partnerships, and destination marketing that goes beyond traditional luxury narratives.
Arrivals✈
After experiencing a prolonged decline in tourist arrivals due to the conflict in the Middle East that began in February, the Maldives an increase in arrivals by two percent.
Economy₹
Manta-ray excursions are now a top-three marine activity in the Maldives, with revenue projected to reach USD 311 million annually as more guesthouses in Baa Atoll add the trip to their tours menu.
Arrivals✈
Cumulative arrivals reached 879,154 by 1 June, putting 2026 on pace to clear two million for the first time. The Ministry credits expanded air capacity from China and India for the spring acceleration.
Labour Law§
A 10% charge, distributed monthly, with admin deductions capped at 1% — and fines up to MVR 500,000 for properties that fail to distribute.
Service Charge$
Velaa Private Island distributed about USD 3,660 per employee, with Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi and Soneva Fushi also clearing MVR 50,000 each.
Marketing◎
The new campaign targets remote workers worldwide, offering special long-stay packages and highlighting the Maldives as a premier "work-from-paradise" destination.
Outlook◔
Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) and UK tour operator Gold Medal have launched a joint marketing campaign from May to July 2026 to boost luxury travel from the UK.
Arrivals✈
Resorts remain the backbone of arrivals, with guesthouses and safari vessels filling out a diversifying accommodation mix.
Outlook◔
Guesthouse occupancy rose 5.2 points year-on-year, even as overall capacity grows faster than bed-nights.
