The Maldives has officially welcomed its one millionth tourist of 2025, reaching the significant milestone earlier than in any previous year. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment via social media on Saturday, celebrating the achievement as “an incredible milestone” for the country’s tourism sector.

Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim was present at Velana International Airport to personally welcome the one millionth visitor, marking the occasion with a ceremonial greeting and gift presentation. Senior officials from the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Maldives Immigration, and other key stakeholders were also in attendance.

The one millionth arrival comes at a time when the Maldives continues to strengthen its position as a leading global travel destination. The faster-than-usual pace in reaching this benchmark is seen as a positive indicator of sustained demand and successful destination promotion efforts.

According to data from the Ministry, the Maldives reached the one million mark more than a week ahead of the same milestone in 2024. The majority of arrivals continue to come from key source markets including China, Russia, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany.

Tourism remains the largest contributor to the Maldives’ economy, with the sector playing a central role in employment, investment, and foreign exchange earnings. The government continues to expand infrastructure and diversify tourism offerings — from luxury resorts and guesthouses to cultural and experiential tourism — to support continued growth.

The government has set a target of 2.5 million tourist arrivals for 2025.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Hedley Studios, the makers of hand-built classic sports cars that seamlessly fuse performance with collectible art. This exclusive partnership brings a rare Ferrari Testa Rossa J, one of only 299 models in existence, to the resort’s Ithaafushi Private Island as a living, breathing work of art, ready to be experienced by those who seek the exceptional.

Imagine waking up in your beachfront villa, stepping into a Silver Ferrari Testa Rossa J, and driving along the palm-fringed paths of the island to breakfast. Here, on the lush, sun-drenched shores of Ithaafushi Private Island, guests are invited not just to admire it, but to drive it.

This is more than an installation. It’s a journey into craftsmanship and design; a bespoke automotive art experience reserved for guests staying on the private island and will be invited to test drive the Ferrari Testa Rossa J during their stay, and may even custom-order their own, beginning at USD 150,000.

Throughout the year, the Ferrari Testa Rossa J will be showcased during key island celebrations and exclusive events. From “The Ultimate Island Experience” to “Festive Gifting”, the Ferrari Testa Rossa J will take center stage in stories that celebrate craftsmanship, timeless beauty, and the spirit of escape.

“At Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, we believe in crafting experiences that awaken the senses and stir the soul,” says TJ Joulak, General Manager of the resort. “Welcoming a piece of living history like the Ferrari Testa Rossa J is not only a celebration of beauty and legacy, it’s a gift to those who appreciate the extraordinary.”

Guests will see the Ferrari displayed during key seasonal moments and private events, further enhancing the resort’s status as a sanctuary for collectors, connoisseurs, and the creatively curious.

A masterpiece in motion. A statement in stillness. The ultimate island adventure awaits.

Cradled between infinite blue skies and the opalescent waters of the Indian Ocean, JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort invites guests to discover a new chapter in its evolving story of cultural immersion and sensory indulgence. Every Wednesday, the resort debuts Indian Ocean Night—a weekly celebration designed to honor the culinary heritage and artistic traditions of the Maldives and its coastal neighbors. Hosted at Veyo, the resort’s international dining venue where panoramic ocean views awaken the senses, this new offering brings together flavors, rhythms, and craftsmanship in a richly layered experience that deepens the connection between guest and destination.

At the heart of Indian Ocean Night is “Whispers of the Indian Ocean,” a specially curated menu that takes guests on a culinary journey across the region’s coastal cultures. From local small bites like Bis Keemiya—a Maldivian take on the classic samosa—and Havaadhulee Bis, delicate steamed tuna dumplings, to deeply spiced favorites such as Maldivian Chicken Curry and Alleppey Prawn Curry, the experience is a visual feast and a celebration of culinary delights, prepared with thoughtfully sourced ingredients that honor the island’s rich culinary traditions. Live grill stations fill the air with the aroma of open-fire cooking, while Maldivian Bodu Beru performances and live singing create a festive, soulful ambiance under the stars.

Cultural discovery continues beyond the plate, as the resort brings guests closer to one of the Maldives’ oldest and most revered art forms: Liyelaa Jehun, or traditional lacquer work. In partnership with a local artisan from Thulhaadhoo Island—one of the few islands where this intricate craft still thrives—guests are invited to witness a living tradition. With each brushstroke and carved detail, the artisan showcases a time-honored practice passed down through generations. Guests can also take part in guided workshops, trying their hand at the meditative and meticulous process, gaining a newfound appreciation for the skill and symbolism behind every piece.

For those inspired by the flavors of the evening, the resort’s culinary immersion continues with a hands-on cooking workshop led by a Maldivian chef. Guests learn how to recreate beloved dishes such as Mas Huni—a traditional tuna and coconut breakfast staple—and Fiyala Curry, known for its fragrant spice blend and coastal warmth. Held at Pure, the resort’s beachfront open kitchen and destination dining venue, the setting is as inspiring as the flavors themselves—where ocean views, warm island breezes, and interactive culinary moments come together in perfect harmony. Through storytelling and shared preparation, this cooking workshop presents a taste of local cuisine alongside a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind each recipe.

At JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, these experiences serve as invitations to connect, to learn, and to savor. Whether through the rhythm of a drum, the intricacy of handcrafted Maldivian lacquer art, or the first bite of a dish passed down through generations, guests are immersed in a journey that celebrates the richness of Maldivian life—infused with the warmth, wonder, and soul that define the island spirit.

Just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the resort is designed for indulgence and reconnection. Its 80 thoughtfully crafted private pool villas blend eco-conscious design with uninterrupted ocean views, expansive terraces, and direct lagoon access—offering the perfect setting to unwind, reflect, and savor the beauty of the Maldives at every turn.