Visitor Arrivals 

• Growth Rate (2008-2018): The Maldives saw an average annual growth rate of 8.1% in foreign tourist arrivals. 

• Total Arrivals in 2018: 1.48 million, a 6.8% increase from 2017. The highest growth was recorded in 2010 at 20.7%. 

• Impact of External Factors: The 2018 state of emergency declaration and competition from other resort destinations in the region slowed growth. 

Key Source Markets: 

• Europe: 49% of total arrivals, with significant increases from Italy (+18.5%), Germany (+4.8%), and the UK (+10.2%). 

• Asia: 40% of total arrivals, with a notable decline from China (-7.6%).

Top 10 Source Countries (2018): 

China: 283,116 arrivals (19.1%)

Germany: 117,532 arrivals (7.9%)

UK: 114,602 arrivals (7.7%)

Italy: 105,297 arrivals (7.1%)

India: 90,474 arrivals (6.1%)

Russia: 82,020 arrivals (5.5%)

France: 50,476 arrivals (3.4%)

USA: 42,901 arrivals (2.9%)

Japan: 42,304 arrivals (2.9%)

Australia: 37,254 arrivals (2.5%)

Accommodation Statistics 

• Total Registered Facilities (2018): 787, including 139 resorts/marinas, 12 hotels, 491 guesthouses, and 145 safari vessels.

• Total Bed Capacity: 43,025 beds, with resorts/marinas accounting for 71% of total bed capacity.

• Geographic Distribution:

• Kaafu (Male) Atoll: 40% of total bed capacity

• Alifu Dhaalu (South Ari) Atoll: 12%

• Alifu Alifu (North Ari) Atoll: 8%

• Baa Atoll: 8%

• Lhaviyani Atoll: 6%

• Others: 26%

Resort Market Performance 

Occupancy and ADR: 

• Ultra-Luxury Resorts (>$1,000):

• Male Atoll: Lower occupancy, higher ADR

• Other Atolls: Higher ADR, lower occupancy

• Mid-Luxury Resorts ($600 – $1,000):

• Male Atoll: Historically higher occupancy, recent declines

• Other Atolls: Stable occupancy, lower ADR

• Budget Resorts (<$600):

• Male Atoll: Higher occupancy, lower ADR

• Other Atolls: Higher ADR, lower occupancy due to competition from guesthouses

RevPAR: 

• Ultra-Luxury: Highest RevPAR achieved by resorts in Other Atolls.

• Budget: Lowest RevPAR for Male Atoll resorts due to lower ADR despite higher occupancy.

Market Dynamics 

• Seasonality: Peak occupancy from November to April (dry season), lower occupancy during May to October (monsoon season). Different markets fill resorts at various times, balancing overall occupancy rates.

• Average Length of Stay: Increased to 6.4 days in 2018, driven by European arrivals. The government aims to increase this to 7.5 days by 2021.

Future Supply 

New Developments: 

• 2019: 17 new resorts (2,175 keys), including:

• Male Atoll: 581 keys (e.g., Waldorf Astoria, Hard Rock Maldives)

• Other Atolls: 1,594 keys (e.g., Raffles Meradhoo, JW Marriott, InterContinental) 

Market Outlook
Despite challenges such as the decrease in Chinese arrivals and increased regional competition, the Maldives is expected to remain a high-yield market. Short to mid-term pressures from new supply and competitive destinations may impact occupancy and ADR growth. Long-term prospects remain positive due to the Maldives’ unique geographic appeal and high demand for luxury experiences. 

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