Industry
Maldives targets 2.5 million visitors in 2027 under Visit Maldives Year
The 2027 budget assumes about 2.28 million arrivals and adds more than 200,000 through a year-long promotion launched at WTM London.
Industry · 2026-11-11 · Drafted with AI assistance and edited by the newsroom
Finance Minister Hassan Zareer told Parliament on 29 October, presenting the proposed 2027 budget, that the government is aiming for 2.5 million tourist arrivals and 14.5 million bed nights in 2027. Existing forecasts point to about 2.28 million visitors; the government hopes Visit Maldives Year activities will bring more than 200,000 more. The tourism ministry, Visit Maldives Corporation, airlines and service providers are working to promote off-peak travel and add flights.
The target for 2026 was also 2.5 million, but arrivals slowed after conflict broke out in the Middle East earlier this year, and the government now expects 2026 arrivals to be no lower than 2025's, when about 2.2 million visited.
The campaign, Visit Maldives Year 2027: Celebrate the Sunny Side, was unveiled to international media and trade at WTM London on 3 November. It will include resort celebrations, local island festivals, and cultural, culinary and wellness events and marine excursions.