Maldives targets 2.5 million tourists and 14.5 million bed nights in 2027

The Maldives has set a target of attracting 2.5 million tourists and recording 14.5 million bed nights in 2027, with the Government planning additional promotional activities under Visit Maldives Year to strengthen international arrivals and tourism revenue.

Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Hassan Zareer announced the targets while presenting the proposed 2027 State Budget to Parliament on 29 October.

Under existing projections, the Maldives is expected to welcome approximately 2.28 million tourists in 2027. The Government aims to attract more than 200,000 additional visitors through initiatives organised under Visit Maldives Year, bringing the overall target to 2.5 million arrivals.

The campaign will focus on strengthening destination marketing, expanding international flight connectivity and encouraging more visitors during the traditionally quieter tourism months.

Zareer said the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Visit Maldives Corporation, airlines and tourism service providers would work together to achieve the targets.

The Government also aims to increase tourism revenue while ensuring that the economic benefits of the industry reach a wider section of the population.

The announcement follows a challenging year for the tourism sector, with disruptions to international aviation and rising travel costs affecting visitor arrivals.

The Minister said tourist arrivals declined by 23% during March and April compared with the corresponding period in 2025. As of 27 October, cumulative arrivals were 3.7% lower than a year earlier.

The Maldives is now projected to welcome approximately 2.17 million tourists and record 13.9 million bed nights by the end of 2026, falling short of the original annual arrivals target of 2.5 million.

The 2027 targets therefore represent a renewed effort to increase arrivals and overnight stays, supported by coordinated marketing activities and improved air connectivity.

Visit Maldives Corporation previously unveiled Islands Are Us as the official theme for Visit Maldives Year 2027, positioning the country's islands, communities, culture and natural environment at the centre of its destination promotion strategy.