The Maldives Welcomes its One Millionth Tourist of 2026
The Maldives reached a significant milestone on 21 June 2026, welcoming its one millionth tourist of the year at Velana International Airport. The milestone visitor, Ms. Almudena Ortuño Esparza from Spain, arrived aboard a Qatar Airways flight. It is her first visit to the Maldives, and she will be spending her holiday at Vaavu Atoll Fulidhoo.
The milestone was commemorated at a special ceremony held at Velana International Airport, jointly hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Visit Maldives Corporation, Maldives Airports Company Limited, and Maldives Immigration. Ms. Esparza was welcomed with a traditional cultural reception and a series of gifts from tourism stakeholders and event partners.
As part of the ceremony, the first official invitation to visit the Maldives during Visit Maldives Year 2027 was presented to Ms. Esparza by Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honourable Mohamed Ameen. She was also presented with a complimentary six-night stay at Coco Bodu Hithi, offering her the opportunity to return and experience the Maldives during the landmark tourism campaign year.
Reaching one million tourists within the same period as last year is a noteworthy achievement, particularly against the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties and major disruptions to global air travel in 2026. The Middle East conflict placed real strain on air corridors that are critical to the Maldives, yet the industry held its ground through coordinated efforts across the sector.
This milestone belongs to everyone who made it possible, the resorts, guesthouses, island communities, tour operators, travel partners, airline partners, and the teams at Visit Maldives Corporation, MACL, Maldives Immigration, and Maldives Customs. The Ministry extends its sincere thanks to all of them.
With the government targeting 2.5 million tourist arrivals for 2026, this milestone is an encouraging sign for the remainder of the year. The Ministry remains committed to working with all partners to keep the momentum going and to build toward a landmark Visit Maldives Year 2027.