Diving schools recorded the strongest growth in the Maldives' tourism industry during the first quarter of the year, according to the latest figures released by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA).

MIRA's first-quarter report shows that the tourism sector generated USD 447 million in output tax during the period, representing a 20.5 percent increase from the USD 371 million collected in the same quarter last year.

Among all tourism-related businesses, diving schools posted the highest rate of growth.

Revenue from the sector reached USD 32.03 million during the first quarter, up 47.7 percent from USD 21.68 million a year earlier.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) collected from diving schools also rose significantly, increasing by 39.5 percent to USD 269.26 million, reflecting growth well above the overall tourism industry.

Other marine-based tourism businesses also reported strong performances.

Water sports centers generated USD 12.37 million in revenue during the quarter, a 49.2 percent increase compared with USD 8.2 million in the corresponding period last year.

The homestay guesthouse segment experienced the highest percentage increase, with revenue rising 60.8 percent year over year.

Despite the rapid growth, the segment continues to account for a relatively small share of the country's tourism market.

Resorts, which remain the largest contributor to tourism revenue, posted a 21 percent increase in earnings during the reporting period, indicating steady growth across the industry's largest segment.

According to MIRA, the figures cover the period from December 2025 through February 2026.