The Maldives marked World Tourism Day 2025 under the global theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, reaffirming its commitment to developing a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible tourism sector.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Minister Thoriq Ibrahim highlighted the significance of the theme for the Maldives, where tourism contributes 28% of GDP and over 60% of foreign exchange earnings. He emphasised that the sector must evolve beyond growth metrics to embrace sustainability, equity, and long-term resilience.
The Minister noted that tourism in the Maldives has continued its post-pandemic recovery, with over 1.55 million visitors recorded by the third quarter of 2025. Infrastructure developments, including the expansion of Velana International Airport and upgrades to Hanimaadhoo and Addu airports, are expected to further enhance connectivity and visitor experience.
Government initiatives over the past year have focused on diversifying tourism offerings, including the introduction of halal tourism and incentives for resort development in underrepresented atolls. These efforts aim to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism reach a broader segment of the population.
Industry leaders echoed the importance of sustainability. Hussain Afeef, Vice Chairman of the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), noted that nearly half of all resorts have invested in solar infrastructure, supporting the national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. The Maldives has also implemented regulatory frameworks for marine conservation and launched the Ecotourism Framework and Roadmap to guide future development.
Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO of Visit Maldives Corporation, announced that 2026 will be celebrated as the Landmark Year of the Ocean Nation, a nationwide campaign to honour the ocean’s role in Maldivian culture, economy, and tourism. The initiative will spotlight themes such as ocean healing, seafaring heritage, and biodiversity protection.
The supplement also paid tribute to tourism pioneers Mr Mohamed Umar Maniku and H.E. Hassan Sobir, whose contributions were instrumental in shaping the Maldives into a globally recognised destination.
As global travel trends shift towards wellness, authenticity, and sustainability, the Maldives continues to adapt. Data-driven approaches, nature-based solutions, and community engagement are being integrated into tourism planning and operations. Projects such as the Growing Islands initiative, which combines ecological engineering with AI-powered monitoring, exemplify the country’s commitment to regenerative tourism.
World Tourism Day 2025 served as a reminder that tourism, when guided by sustainability and shared values, can be a powerful force for transformation—uplifting communities, preserving the environment, and shaping a better future for generations to come.
