# Maldives tourism and economic performance

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maldives-tourism-and-economic-performance
> Updated: 2026-09-20T09:13:57.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The Maldives tourism sector reported 1.52 million arrivals for the year, a 3.6 percent decrease compared to the same period in the previous year. China and Russia were identified as the largest tourist markets. To support the industry, a large delegation of Maldivian companies prepared to participate in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai to sign agreements with major airlines and tour operators.

Despite these promotional efforts, the Maldivian economy experienced a 12.3 percent quarter-on-quarter contraction in the second quarter of 2026. This downturn was largely attributed to significant declines in the fisheries sector and the accommodation and food services sector, which saw a 34.1 percent sequential contraction due to a drop in tourist bed-nights. Conversely, the construction and financial services sectors showed annual growth during this period.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-20: Maldives economy contracts 12.3% in Q2 2026

The Maldives' economy contracted 12.3% in Q2 2026 due to significant declines in tourism and fisheries, despite annual growth remaining nearly flat at 0.03%.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maldives-economy-contracts-123-in-q2-2026

### 2026-09-13: Maldives tourism reaches 1.52 million arrivals amid ATM preparations

Maldives tourism arrivals have reached 1.52 million this year. The nation is now preparing for the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai to promote its industry and sign agreements with major airlines.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maldives-tourism-reaches-152-million-arrivals-amid-atm-preparations

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Cite as: Maldives tourism and economic performance. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maldives-tourism-and-economic-performance