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With over 100 per cent growth, India becomes second biggest market in Maldives tourism
India has become the second largest source market for the Maldives tourism industry, overtaking traditional European markets with over 100 per cent growth during the first half of the year.
Growth in South Asia, which has become one of the fastest growing source markets, accelerated by an impressive 89.4 per cent in June, thanks to a 116 per cent increase in arrivals from India. A total of 15,875 tourists visited the Maldives in June from its closest neighbour compared to the 7,348 a year ago, representing a 10 per cent market share.
The visitor numbers from India in June is close to the total number of Indian holidaymakers that visited the Maldives during the whole of 2018. A total of 90,474 Indian tourists visited the Maldives in 2018 — up from fewer than 16,000 a decade ago.
The popularity of the Maldives as a holiday destination has been increasing in India thanks to a boost in air connectivity between the two nations. In addition to the flagship carriers of the two countries, several Indian budget carriers such as GoAir, Spice Jet and Indigo have launched direct connections between Male and important Indian cities such as New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai.
High profile trips of Bollywood celebrities that draw media attention have also helped boost the Maldives’ popularity amongst Indian holidaymakers. Most recently, superstar Shah Rukh Khan and actress Malaika Arora were in the Maldives.
Official figures show that total arrivals for the first six months of the year increased by 18.7 per cent to reach 862,589 compared to the 726,515 in the same period last year.
Tourist demographics remained largely unchanged in the January-June period, as Europe dominated with a marketshare of 50 per cent of the total tourist arrivals, followed by Asia Pacific with 40 per cent marketshare. Americas secured the third position with five per cent marketshare, whilst Middle East slid to the fourth with three per cent marketshare. African countries also contributed one per cent to the total tourist arrivals to the Maldives.
All the top 10 source markets posted positive growth in arrivals by the end of June.
China maintained its position as the top contributor to Maldives tourism with a marketshare of 16.3 per cent, as arrivals from China increased by 10.1 per cent during the January-June period to reach 140,265.
India overtook Italy, which is now placed third with a market share of 8.7 per cent, to claim the second spot, as the Maldives’ closest neighbour increased its marketshare to 9.5 per cent with a 99.9 per cent growth in tourist arrivals during the first six months of the year.
Germany and the UK, which slid to fourth and fifth position in May, maintained their positions with a marketshare of eight per cent and 7.5 per cent, respectively. Arrivals from Germany grew by 19.7 per cent to reach 69,237 during the first six months of the year, whilst visitor numbers from the UK saw an increase of 12.6 per cent to reach 64,792 during the period.
France, which saw its marketshare fall again to 4.3 per cent by the end of June, maintained its position as the seventh biggest source market, as Russia retained the sixth position with a marketshare of five per cent. Arrivals from Russia increased by 11.9 per cent to reach 42,949 by the end of June, whilst the number of French tourists visiting the Maldives in the same period grew by 23.1 per cent to reach 37,383.
The US and Japan also maintained their respective rankings as the eighth and ninth biggest contributor to Maldives tourism. Arrivals from the US increased by 34.5 per cent to reach 27,684 in the first six months of the year, whilst the number of Japanese tourists visiting the Maldives in the same period increased by 17.9 per cent to reach 22,624.
Meanwhile, both Sweden and Switzerland were pushed out of the list of the top 10 source markets, as Australia claimed the 10th position with a marketshare of 2.3 per cent by the end June. Arrivals from the emerging market grew by 14.3 per cent in the January-June period to reach 20,084.
Maldives welcomed a record 1.4 million tourists in 2018. It was a 6.8 per cent increase from the 1,389,542 tourists that chose to holiday in the Maldives in 2017.
Meanwhile, government has revised its forecast for the number of tourists visiting the island nation this year, increasing the estimate to a record 1.6 million from 1.5 million.
This positive growth in the tourism industry comes amidst concerns by private organisations representing industry stakeholders such as the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) over the lack of effort and budget to promote the Maldives as a destination.
These concerns come as the world-famous holiday destination struggles to match an increased bed capacity.
Over the past few years, dozens of uninhabited islands have been leased to local and foreign resort developers. Several international brands have entered into the market, increasing the number of resorts to more than 130. That number is set to increase as another 20 resorts are expected to open over the next two years.
Along with the new resort openings come the challenge of increasing demand from budget travellers who choose guesthouses over luxury resorts that the Maldives is known for. The guesthouse sector has rapidly expanded with over 500 guesthouses in operation today.
The previous government announced steps to maintain a structured growth in tourism, including a slowdown in leasing islands for resort development and increased marketing efforts in key markets such as China and the Middle East in order to reach an ambitious target of a record 1.5 million tourist arrivals this year.
Meanwhile, the new government has pledged to ramp up tourism promotion.
Reflecting the new government’s pledge, the state budget for 2019 includes MVR 104,200,000 (USD 6.7 million) for tourism promotion, up from MVR 34,733,333 (USD 2.2 million) this year and the previous year.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been ranked among the Best Resort Pools in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025. This prestigious accolade, determined by votes from discerning travellers across the region, comes at a time of dual celebration for the resort as it marks its fourth anniversary.
Located in the picturesque North Malé Atoll, just 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili has garnered a reputation for its seamless blend of design, immersive experiences, and strong sense of community. Central to the resort’s appeal is its iconic 150-metre swimming pool—the largest in the Maldives. This architectural masterpiece redefines leisure and stands as a social and visual centrepiece of the island.
Encircled by swaying palms, luxurious daybeds, and jacuzzis, the pool connects effortlessly to the resort’s trio of lively bars and eight globally inspired restaurants. It is more than a swimming area; it is a meticulously designed space offering distinct zones to cater to diverse guest preferences. These include a 50-metre Olympic-sized lap pool for fitness enthusiasts, dedicated areas for daily aqua fitness and yoga sessions, jacuzzis tucked beneath tropical greenery, and shallow zones tailored for children. The pool also transforms into a romantic setting for candlelit dinners beneath the stars, offering couples a unique dining experience under the Milky Way.
Deepa Manuel, General Manager of Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, commented on the recognition, “This award is a testament to our commitment to creating unforgettable, design-led experiences with heartfelt Maldivian hospitality. The pool was designed to bring people together—from families and fitness lovers to couples and solo travellers. It’s where our guests laugh, connect, and relax. To be ranked among the top three Best Resort Pools by Travel + Leisure readers just as we celebrate our fourth anniversary is a beautiful affirmation of what we have created here.”
Further affirming its status, Kuda Villingili also recently received the Reader’s Favourite Overseas Hotel award at the Travel + Leisure China Travel Awards 2024, underscoring its growing popularity across key Asian markets.
Kuda Villingili continues to push the boundaries of luxury island living, rooted in wellness, connection, and authenticity. The resort boasts eight exceptional dining venues offering 11 global cuisines, including the signature beachfront Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Mar-Umi and Earth, which celebrates Maldivian and vegetarian dishes. Guests also enjoy access to a wellness-focused private island spa, an active surf culture with proximity to the famed Chickens Break, and 75 luxurious villas and residences—many featuring private infinity pools and offering spaces for both solitude and meaningful connection.
Whether guests are swimming laps at sunrise, soaking in a jacuzzi beneath the stars, or toasting during a floating dinner at dusk, the pool at Kuda Villingili offers more than just a recreational space—it embodies an experience. This recognition from the Travel + Leisure Awards reflects the heartfelt appreciation of guests who consistently celebrate not only the beauty of the resort but the soulful experiences it provides.
Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has been honoured in the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, securing top rankings in two highly sought-after categories:
- #2 Best Resort Pools in the Maldives
- #4 Best Resort for Families in the Maldives
These accolades underscore the resort’s unwavering commitment to providing immersive, meaningful, and luxurious experiences for guests of all ages.
Celebrated for its expansive villas tailored with families in mind, Sirru Fen Fushi offers serene sanctuaries in beach, jungle, and overwater settings. Accommodations include the unique Safari Tented Villas, Sirru Residences, and spacious two- and three-bedroom villas, along with deluxe family lodgings—each offering privacy, ample space, and direct access to either the lagoon or beach.
Beyond its thoughtfully designed accommodations, the resort presents a range of family-friendly experiences. Guests can enjoy an interactive Kids’ Club, curated cultural and nature-based activities, hands-on art and sustainability workshops, and unforgettable marine adventures such as turtle discovery, snorkelling safaris, guided dolphin cruises, and stargazing. Each offering is crafted to inspire connection, learning, and joy across generations.
Ranked as the #2 Best Resort Pools in the Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi features an awe-inspiring 200-meter infinity pool that spans from the island’s eastern to western shores, symbolically linking sunrise to sunset. Framed by soft white sands and boundless ocean views, the pool has become an iconic centerpiece of the resort—captivating photographers, influencers, and leisure seekers from around the world.
Nestled on a pristine, untouched island, Sirru Fen Fushi seamlessly blends the quintessential Maldivian experience with sustainability, artistic expression, and cultural immersion. With this latest recognition, the resort continues to set new standards for modern luxury through meaningful travel and exceptional hospitality.
Villa Nautica’s signature infinity pool has been awarded the title of Best Resort Pool in the Maldives by readers of the Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Luxury Awards 2025. More than just an architectural feature, the pool serves as the heart of the resort—a tranquil expanse of water that seamlessly mirrors the sea beyond and transforms swimming into a meditative experience. Here, thoughtful design blends effortlessly with the natural environment, creating a space where the boundaries between land, water, and sky dissolve into serenity.
Located in the North Malé Atoll, only a short speedboat ride from the capital, Villa Nautica’s 1,350-square-meter pool is both a focal point and a design statement. It does not clamor for attention but draws it gently, extending confidently toward the horizon and creating the illusion of merging with the open ocean—while still offering the comfort and stability of land.
What distinguishes this pool is not merely its size or the flawless infinity illusion, but the way it quietly becomes part of the guest’s daily rhythm. Sun loungers are thoughtfully spaced and positioned, offering just the right amount of shade and always seeming to face the light at its most flattering angle. From morning sunbathing to lazy midday naps and sunset refreshments, the space is designed for lingering.
Adjacent to the pool is Press & Pot, a favoured spot among guests who enjoy pairing their swim with an artisanal coffee. The scent of freshly brewed espresso mingles with the sea breeze and the subtle aroma of sunscreen. Here, pastries come warm from the oven, tropical fruits are sliced to order, and coffee is served to a standard that rivals any urban café—with the added luxury of an uninterrupted ocean view.
Villa Nautica’s approach is not one of ostentation but of elegance. Its luxury lies in the details: the coolness of the stone underfoot, the soft rustle of palm leaves, and the way the water reflects the sky like glass as dusk approaches. It is an environment where nature and design exist in perfect, understated harmony.
This is what set Villa Nautica apart and earned it top honors. Among a competitive field of exceptional Maldivian resorts, the Travel + Leisure panel identified a timeless quality here. This is not simply a pool to swim in—it is one to experience. A space that encourages guests to pause, disconnect, and simply be.
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