The Maldives has welcomed over 1.6 million tourists so far this year, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Tourism.

Data shows that as of September 22, a total of 1,594,616 tourists had visited the Maldives, with an average of 6,017 arrivals per day throughout the year. However, the pace slowed in September, with daily arrivals averaging 4,895 tourists.

Based on these figures, the Ministry estimates that the total number of arrivals has now crossed the 1.6 million mark.

China remains the largest source market, contributing 253,177 tourists, followed by Russia (193,109) and the United Kingdom (142,270).

While arrivals are expected to surpass last year’s total of 2,046,615, industry projections suggest that the government’s target of 2.3 million tourists for 2025 may be difficult to achieve.

Even with the upcoming peak season, the current arrival trends indicate that the remaining months may not generate the additional 700,000 visitors required to meet the target.

Tourist arrivals were strongest in the first quarter of the year, with an average of 6,892 arrivals per day recorded between January and April.

Officials and industry stakeholders, however, remain optimistic that the peak season could boost numbers beyond last year’s record.