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Maldives’ 2022 tourist arrivals cross 1 million
Maldives on Friday welcomed the one millionth visitor of 2022.
At an event held at Velana International Airport Friday morning, officials from the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and the tourism ministry welcomed Daniela Kilnarova from Czech Republic.
The event commenced with the stamping of the one millionth visitor by the Maldives immigration. The one millionth visitor was then escorted with a traditional Maldivian Bodu Beru performance to the VIP lounge where they were welcomed by top officials from the tourism ministry, MMPRC, Maldives Border Miles and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

Speaking about this decisive achievement, MMPRC CEO Thoyyib Mohamed commended all involved in realising this achievement despite numerous challenges faced due to global issues.
“This is a joyous occasion, to be able to welcome 1 million tourists to our shores despite the hurdles we are facing. This is a combined effort of government authorities, policymakers, tourism sector employees, and stakeholders who are working hard, day and night, to get here. And while we celebrate this milestone, it hardly means our work is over- in fact we have to strengthen our efforts, with renewed dedication to defend our position as the World’s Leading Destination and achieve our targets. MMPRC has been and will continue our efforts to market the Sunny Side of Life globally,” he said.

Earlier this year, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced that the nation aims to welcome 1.6 million tourist visitors to the Maldives in 2022.
Arrivals for this year, as of 31st July 2022, see India as the top source market to the Maldives with 136,828 visitors, followed closely by the United Kingdom with 109,926 visitors. Other top markets include Russia, with 101,409 visitors, Germany, with 76,224 visitors, and Italy with 53,588.
The remainder of the top 10 source markets so far this year comprises the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Spain.
India has maintained its spot in the top 3 source markets to the Maldives since the onset of the pandemic, especially as China closed their borders for international travel. As of today, Chinese borders remain closed.
MMPRC has been steadfast in their efforts to promote the Maldives and maintain destination presence across our key markets. MMPRC has conducted 16 campaigns in India so far, including participation in leading fairs such as OTM, SATTE, TTF Travel and Tourism Fair, and MILT Congress. Additionally, MMPRC conducted a roadshow, several familiarisation trips, webinars, and campaigns with leading publications and tourism companies. These efforts have played an instrumental role in positioning India as the top source market for the Maldives this year.
Maldives’ second top market this year, the UK market, has remained a top source market for the Maldives since 2020. MMPRC has conducted 7 high-level campaigns in the UK, among which were joint campaigns with; media organisations such as News UK; airlines such as British Airways; and leading tourism firms such as Kuoni, Destination 2, IF Only, and Blue Bay Travel. In addition to a familiarisation trip, MMPRC was also a sponsor of the British National Film Awards.
The Maldives has long remained a dream destination amongst Russians. To maintain Russia’s position as a top source market, MMPRC conducted 10 campaigns so far this year. MMPRC’s diverse activities in Russia include social media marketing campaigns, workshops, and joint campaigns. MMPRC has also taken part in the Moscow Dive Show and LTM Moscow – two incredibly successful fairs.
Germany has been steadily growing as a vibrant and rewarding market for the Maldives throughout the past years. MMPRC conducted 8 activities for the German market so far this year. Alongside a familiarisation trip, MMPRC conducted several successful joint campaigns with leading publications. Connoisseur Circle, a leading luxury publication in Germany, awarded the Maldives with the title ‘Best Luxury Destination of The Year’. MMPRC also took part in IMEX Frankfurt – a leading travel and tourism fair held in Germany.
The Italian market, one of the traditional top source markets to the Maldives, has returned this year. The first tourist visitors to the Maldives in 1972 were a group from Italy. Since then, the market has held strong for 50 years, with an immense potential to hold its position as a top market in the Maldives in the years to come. MMPRC conducted 8 activities for the market. These include E-learning programs, joint marketing campaigns with major tour operators in the market, and a campaign with Green Me aimed at utilising the emerging trend of sustainable travel from the Italian market. MMPRC also took part in BIT Milan this year to great success.
MMPRC carried out 260 different marketing activities in 22 global markets last year, including fairs, roadshows, familiarisation trips, marketing campaigns, webinars, and interviews. The greatest testament to the success of these activities came late last year, as the Maldives secured the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ (among several other accolades) at the 2021 World Travel Awards, globally recognised as the hallmark of industry excellence. This is the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travellers from all over the globe.
Featured
Westin Maldives Miriandhoo introduces Family Fun Summer package
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has introduced its Family Fun Summer offer, aimed at families seeking longer island stays built around shared activities and rest. The offer is available for booking from 15 April to 15 June 2026, with a minimum stay of four nights for travel through to 20 December 2026.
Located within Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is positioning the offer around family wellness, marine experiences and time spent together in a natural island setting. Seasonal snorkelling with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay remains one of the area’s key attractions, while the resort’s collection of beach and overwater villas is designed to accommodate families looking for space and flexibility during their stay.
For larger families and groups, the resort also offers the two-bedroom Heavenly Beach Residence, which includes a living room, kitchen and dining area intended to support longer and more relaxed island stays.
The resort says the guest experience can be shaped around both activity and downtime, supported by Westin’s Sleep Well concept and Heavenly Bed. Children have access to the Westin Family Kids Club, which includes a children’s pool and pirate ship, while parents can make use of Heavenly Spa by Westin.
Away from the villa, the resort is also promoting shared family experiences through Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy activities focused on the culture and environment of Baa Atoll. These include traditional lacquer craft workshops, visits to local islands and guided marine activities in surrounding waters.
The Family Fun Summer package includes three meals per day, with children under 12 dining free of charge. It also includes a one-time dolphin cruise for two adults and two children, a 30-minute photography session with one printed photo, and a USD 150 resort credit.
Awards
Reethi Faru Resort recognised in four categories at 2026 Haute Grandeur Awards
Reethi Faru Resort has been recognised at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, receiving honours in four categories: Best Beach Villa in Indian Ocean, Best Pool Villa in Indian Ocean, Best Eco-Friendly Resort in Maldives, and Best Sustainable Hotel in Maldives.
The awards recognise performance across villa accommodation and environmentally focused hospitality, reflecting the resort’s emphasis on guest experience alongside sustainability and environmental stewardship.
According to the resort, the recognition supports its positioning within the Maldives market as a property that combines natural surroundings, accommodation standards and responsible hospitality practices.
Located on Filaidhoo in Raa Atoll, Reethi Faru Resort features 145 villas, including beachfront and overwater accommodation designed in a style that combines Maldivian elements with contemporary comfort.
The resort’s food and beverage offering includes six restaurants and six bars, while its leisure facilities cover watersports, diving, yoga, spa treatments and fitness activities. Surrounded by coral reefs, the resort also offers guests access to marine-based experiences in the Indian Ocean.
Sustainability remains a central part of the resort’s operations, with initiatives that include coral reef restoration and guest experiences linked to environmental awareness.
Through its recognition at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, Reethi Faru Resort has added to its profile as a Maldives resort with a focus on both accommodation standards and sustainability.
Featured
Sun Siyam Olhuveli launches Coral Frame Adoption programme on Earth Day
To mark Earth Day, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, part of the Lifestyle Collection within the House of Siyam, launched its new marine conservation initiative, the Adopt A Coral Frame experience, during a morning event held on 22 April at Milano Beach on Dream Island.
The initiative forms part of the resort’s wider marine conservation efforts and is designed to give guests a direct way to engage with coral restoration while supporting the protection of the surrounding reef ecosystem.
During the launch, guests were introduced to the coral restoration process through a hands-on experience that explained how new coral growth can be supported through frame-based planting. Under the programme, guests are invited to select and adopt a coral frame, attach healthy coral fragments to it, and take part in placing it within the lagoon to help form a new reef structure.
The process begins with the collection of healthy coral fragments under the guidance of the resort’s marine biologist. These fragments are then secured to specially designed coral frames and placed in selected areas within the resort’s coral garden, where conditions are intended to support growth and marine biodiversity. Guests who adopt a frame will also receive updates on its progress, including photographs shared every six months.
The resort said the programme is intended to make coral conservation more accessible to guests while also highlighting the role of reefs in supporting marine life, protecting coastlines and maintaining ocean ecosystems.
Chaminda Upul, Group Sustainability Manager for Sun Siyam, said the initiative was designed to give guests an opportunity to contribute in a direct way.
“Earth Day is a reminder that even the smallest actions can shape something far greater,” he said. “With Adopt-A-Coral Frame, we wanted to create an experience where our guests can leave a positive mark on the ocean. It’s simple, it’s meaningful, and it stays with you.”
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, said the resort wanted to create an experience that combines guest participation with long-term environmental value.
“At Olhuveli, we believe the best experiences are the ones that stay with you long after you leave. Adopt-A-Coral is our way of inviting guests to be part of something lasting, while caring for the natural beauty that makes this place so special,” he said.
Part of the proceeds from each coral adoption will go towards Sun Siyam Care, the group’s sustainability platform, supporting marine conservation and reef restoration efforts.
Through the launch of Adopt A Coral Frame, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is combining guest experience with reef restoration, reflecting a wider focus on environmental engagement within its island operations.
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