In a landmark moment for the tourism industry, Maldives reached one million tourist arrivals for the year, the fastest it has ever done so in recorded history.

The one millionth visitor, Kajal Singh, an Indian national on her honeymoon, was welcomed at Velana International Airport (VIA) with a grand ceremony organized by Visit Maldives in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

Kajal and her partner are spending their honeymoon at Malahini Kuda Bandos, a tropical resort known for its serene surroundings and proximity to Malé.

Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim personally welcomed the couple upon their arrival, presenting them with traditional gifts and offering his congratulations. 

He hailed the milestone as a powerful testament to the Maldives' enduring appeal on the global tourism map.

As part of that sustainable vision, Kajal was invited to plant a tree at Hulhulé under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s ‘Five Million Trees’ campaign, a national initiative aimed at boosting environmental resilience and offsetting carbon emissions associated with tourism.

The Minister noted that the speed at which the country reached this milestone within the first half of the year reflects a surge in tourism demand from key markets, including India, Russia, China, and Europe.

This year’s success also underscores the Maldives’ strategic efforts in improving tourism infrastructure.