Current estimates show tourism will not be lower than 2025

Maldives’ tourism outlook for 2026 is expected not to fall below 2025 levels despite major losses in early 2026 linked to the Middle East war. Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen told parliament during the day’s sitting that arrivals were severely affected in March and April 2026 because Maldivian tourism relies heavily on Middle Eastern airlines. He said tourism dropped by about 24% to 25% in those two months. The minister added that government and industry coordinated to help airlines mitigate losses, with progress reported during the current month. While losses were recorded over the first three months, Ameen said current projections suggest higher figures than 2025 by the third or fourth quarter. He also cited 2025 as the Maldives’ most successful tourism year, with January and February 2026 improving versus the previous year.