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Maldives tourist arrivals may see 74 per cent drop in 2020, take two years to recover: study
Tourist arrivals to the Maldives may fall as much as 74 per cent this year, with arrival numbers from many major source markets taking at least two years to recover, a study presented to the country’s lawmakers showed Monday.
In its study that surveyed 64 tourist establishments across the country, The Maldives National University presented two scenarios for tourism recovery after the reopening of borders on July 15.
The best case scenario puts the number of arrivals at 98,169 in July, 103,513 in August, 87,378 in September, 105,437 in October, 102,461 in November and 127,293 in December, with arrivals totalling 1.007 million this year. It will still be a 41 per cent year-over-year decline.
In the worst case — and the most likely — scenario, Maldives is expected to welcome only 10,595 tourists in July, 11,172 in August, 9,430 in September, 11,379 in October, 11,058 in November and 13,738 in December. Arrivals will likely total 450,134 — a 74 per cent decline from a year ago.
The most optimistic predictions for next year show arrival numbers reaching 1.2 million, but the most likely scenario sees arrivals topping at just 641,921.
The study, commissioned by the parliament, looked at top seven pre-pandemic source markets: China, India, Italy, Germany, the UK and France. China and Britain may be the slowest markets to recover, the study said, citing the sudden and deeper shock to their economies.
But the study stressed that demand in almost all major source markets will likely see a sharp uptick after the border reopening, with a positive growth outlook for the coming two years.
The coronavirus outbreak has hit the Maldivian economy hard, as travel restrictions and other preventive measures affect the country’s lucrative tourism industry, which contributes the bulk of the island nation’s state revenue and foreign reserves.
Before the pandemic, the government had been bullish about tourism prospects, targeting two million, high-spending holidaymakers this year after last year’s record 1.7 million.
However, only 382,760 tourists visited the Maldives before the country closed its borders on March 27. It was a 40.8 per cent decline over the 646,092 that visited the Maldives from January to March last year.
With arrival numbers falling, several resorts across the Maldives had been closed.
Tourism has been the bedrock of the Maldives’ economic success. The $5 billion-dollar economy grew by 6.7 per cent in 2018 with tourism generating 60 per cent of foreign income.
However, the government is at present projecting a possible 13 per cent economic contraction this year — an estimated $778 million hit.
On March 8, Maldives reported its first cases of the novel coronavirus, as two hotel employees tested positive for Covid-19 at a luxury resort in the archipelago.
Eighteen more cases — all foreigners working or staying resorts and liveaboard vessels except five Maldivians who had returned from abroad — were later identified.
A six-case cluster of locals, detected in capital Male on April 15, confirmed community transmission of the coronavirus. Several more clusters have since been identified, bringing the total number of confirmed case in the Maldives to 2,491.
Twelve deaths have been reported and 2,113 have made full recoveries.
The Maldives announced a state of public health emergency on March 12, the first such declaration under a recent public health protection law.
The public health emergency declaration allowed the government to introduce a series of unprecedented restrictive and social distancing measures, including stay-at-home orders in capital Male and its suburbs, a ban on inter-island transport and public gatherings across the country, and a nationwide closing of government offices, schools, colleges and universities.
Non-essential services and public places in the capital such as gyms, cinemas and parks were also shut.
Restaurants and cafes in the capital were asked to stop dine-in service and switch to takeaway and delivery.
A nationwide shutdown of all guesthouses, city hotels and spa facilities located on inhabited islands was also ordered.
These measures allowed authorities to contain the outbreak.
The restrictions are now being eased in phases, with the third phase measures now active.
Kuramathi Maldives is set to delight its youngest guests with a week of thrilling Halloween festivities at Bageecha Kids Club. From 27th October to 1st November 2025, children can look forward to a magical and mysterious line-up of activities designed especially for them. With haunted adventures, imaginative crafts, exciting games, and vibrant pool parties, every day promises a new and unforgettable experience.
Each Halloween-themed day will offer something unique, encouraging children to unleash their creativity through spooky arts and crafts. Activities include making pirate hats and treasure maps, crafting vampire teeth and pasta skeletons, and engaging in pool games, treasure hunts, and obstacle courses designed to entertain and challenge. Dance lovers can take part in monster dance-offs and zombie limbo, guaranteeing plenty of laughter and fun.
The centrepiece of the week’s festivities takes place on 31st October with a grand Halloween Day celebration. Youngsters will have the chance to show off their costumes in a Trick-or-Treat parade, decorate haunted cookies, and join a lively monster-themed pool party. The celebrations will culminate in a magical finale on Saturday 1st November, featuring rainbow potions, fairy wings, dragon tails, and other enchanting surprises.
With themed meals, creative workshops, and non-stop entertainment throughout the week, Bageecha Kids Club offers an unforgettable Halloween experience. Whether discovering their spooky side or diving into a whimsical world of magical creatures, young guests are sure to take home lasting memories of a truly spellbinding holiday.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is extending an exclusive invitation to travellers with a limited-time flash offer combining exceptional value with indulgent island experiences. Available for bookings made between 3rd and 17th August 2025, the promotion offers up to 85% off stays throughout September 2025, inclusive of complimentary return speedboat transfers and a selection of three curated experiences tailored to elevate each guest’s stay.
Shaped like a manta ray gliding through turquoise waters, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is one of the most picturesque islands in the Meemu Atoll. As part of this special offer, guests may personalise their getaway by selecting three of the following signature experiences:
- A four-course beachside dinner featuring premium steak or freshly caught seafood
- A 45-minute spa treatment for deep relaxation
- A scenic island-hopping excursion across neighbouring islets
- A dolphin-watching trip in their natural habitat
- USD 200 in resort credit for added flexibility
From underwater adventures to open-air dining under the stars, or simply embracing the island’s tranquil pace, the offer encourages guests to make the most of their tropical escape — for considerably less.
Ideal for those in search of an elegant end-of-summer retreat, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives provides a sophisticated setting with both overwater and beachside villas, and a variety of dining options. Among them is the acclaimed Marlin Restaurant, regarded as one of the atoll’s finest à la carte experiences, particularly renowned for its fresh seafood.
Reservations under this flash offer are open from 3rd to 17th August 2025, for stays between 1st and 30th September 2025.
COMO Maalifushi has announced the launch of its new freediving programme, developed in collaboration with Fahd Faiz, the first Maldivian freediving instructor and a prominent advocate for marine conservation in the country. This initiative reflects the resort’s ongoing commitment to delivering transformative guest experiences while promoting sustainability, education, and professional development within its team.
Running from 27 July to 10 August 2025, Fahd Faiz’s residency marks the official introduction of freediving training at COMO Maalifushi. The programme centres on equipping the resort’s marine team with advanced skills in breath-hold diving, safety protocols, and heightened underwater awareness. These freediving techniques are set to be incorporated into the resort’s PADI offerings, providing guests with an opportunity to engage with the ocean in a more mindful and unrestricted manner.
Fahd Faiz is the founder of Freedive Maldives, the country’s first locally owned freediving centre, established in 2015. A world record holder in static apnea, he has trained more than 1,000 students and currently serves as President of the Maldives Freediving Association. As the country’s sole PADI Instructor Trainer, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the freediving landscape both in the Maldives and internationally.
Peter Nilsson, Managing Director of COMO Maldives, remarked, “Having Fahd with us at COMO Maalifushi has been an inspiring experience for the team. His passion for the ocean, combined with his exceptional expertise and dedication to education, aligns perfectly with our brand’s ethos of holistic wellness, sustainability, and authentic connection to place. This new freediving initiative not only strengthens our internal capabilities but also enriches the experience we offer our guests, allowing them to encounter the marine world in a deeper and more tranquil way. We are proud to support Fahd’s mission and delighted to introduce freediving at COMO Maalifushi.”
During his residency, Fahd is leading immersive training sessions with the resort’s marine team, focusing on breath control, rescue techniques, equalisation, and mental conditioning—skills essential to freediving and valuable in ensuring guest safety and engagement.
This new freediving experience at COMO Maalifushi is poised to become a signature offering, inviting guests to explore the depths of the Indian Ocean on a single breath, amidst vibrant coral gardens, tropical reef fish, and the meditative silence of the sea.
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