The Daily spoke with Mr Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & Managing Director, Visit Maldives Corporation, about the destination’s continued tourism growth and sustainable strategies for the future.
How has tourism been performing in the Maldives in 2024–2025? Can you share some of the latest figures?
Tourism performance in the Maldives has remained strong and continues to grow steadily. As of 8 October 2025, the Maldives has welcomed 1,679,288 visitors this year, marking a 10% increase compared to the same period last year. The market distribution remains diverse, with China leading at 276,343 arrivals, followed by Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. The Asia-Pacific market accounts for 16.5% of total arrivals, underscoring its importance to our tourism landscape.
In terms of accommodation, 73.6% of visitors stayed at resorts, while 21.7% chose guesthouses, showing continued growth in local tourism and community-based travel. This momentum reflects the Maldives’ success in diversifying beyond its traditional luxury segment and appealing to a wider traveller base.
What are some of your upcoming plans and projects to continue this positive trend?
We are expanding the Maldives’ tourism narrative beyond sun, sand, and sea to embrace sports tourism, cultural tourism, adventure travel, and wellness experiences. Last week’s launch of the Maldives Book of Records has opened up new opportunities to celebrate the nation’s unique natural and cultural assets, while our Ocean Nation 2026 campaign will position the Maldives as a leader in sustainable marine-based experiences.
We are also enhancing digital marketing, trade partnerships, and destination training for agents across key Asian markets. In addition, new route development with airline partners remains a top priority to maintain and expand our connectivity across Asia and beyond.
How important is tourism for the Maldives?
Tourism is the cornerstone of the Maldivian economy. It contributes over 70% of foreign exchange earnings, supports thousands of jobs, and stimulates growth across small businesses, from guesthouses and dive schools to transport, agriculture, and handicrafts.
Beyond the economic impact, tourism plays a vital role in preserving our natural environment and heritage. The industry’s evolution towards sustainable, inclusive, and community-based tourism ensures that benefits reach more Maldivians while maintaining our environmental integrity.
“The Maldives has welcomed 1,679,288 visitors this year, marking a 10% increase compared to the same period last year”
What can visitors to your stand at ITB Asia 2025 discover?
Visitors can experience the Maldives through a 99-square-metre stand designed to reflect our islands’ natural beauty and culture. The stand showcases a full range of tourism products, from luxury resorts to guesthouses, liveaboards, and eco-retreats.
We are highlighting experiences for families, solo travellers, budget-conscious tourists, halal travellers, and honeymooners—showing that the Maldives is for everyone. Sustainability is a central message, along with the country’s visa-free entry, strong air connectivity, and unique marine biodiversity.
Interactive elements such as a “Pin Your Dream Spot” map and visitor surveys with giveaways encourage engagement while offering insights into traveller preferences.
What are your main goals for the show and for tourism in general?
Our objective at ITB Asia is to strengthen partnerships across the region and attract new markets. We aim to expand the Maldives’ reach within Asia, particularly among emerging traveller segments who value authentic, responsible, and experience-driven holidays.
In the long term, our goal is to sustain steady growth while promoting quality tourism, environmental stewardship, and inclusive development—ensuring that tourism continues to empower Maldivian communities and preserve our island ecosystems.
