The Maldives tourism sector expanded significantly in 2024, adding 1,598 new beds across its hospitality establishments, according to the Ministry of Tourism. This brought the total bed capacity to 63,248 by the end of the year, compared to 61,650 in 2023.
Guesthouses led the growth, increasing their capacity from 13,657 to 15,621 beds, reflecting the sector’s pivotal role in catering to diverse traveler preferences. The country’s bed capacity is distributed across 1,271 registered establishments, including 172 resorts (42,547 beds), 929 guesthouses (15,621 beds), 155 safari vessels (3,052 beds), and 15 tourist hotels (2,028 beds).
2024 also marked a historic achievement for the Maldives, with over 2 million tourists visiting the nation for the first time. A total of 2,047,435 arrivals were recorded, a 9% increase from 2023's 1,878,543 visitors. The surge underscores the Maldives' enduring appeal as a top global travel destination.
The government has set ambitious goals for 2025, aiming to increase arrivals by 15% and generate USD 5 billion in tourism revenue. These efforts are bolstered by infrastructure developments and the strategic expansion of bed capacity across various hospitality segments.
As the Maldives continues to enhance its offerings, it reaffirms its status as a premier destination blending natural beauty with exceptional hospitality.