War in the Middle East Hits Maldives Tourism

Up to 15% Discounts Offered to Russian Travelers

The crisis in the Middle East has led to the cancellation of low-cost connecting flights through Persian Gulf hubs and a significant reduction in international tourist traffic to the Maldives. In March 2026, the number of foreign visitors decreased by 20.7% compared to the same period in 2025, reaching 161,259 people, according to ATOR. The decline affected most Western markets and India, while Russian and Chinese tourist flows continued to grow.

March Decline and Market Dynamics

In March 2026, there were 18,181 visits from China (+15%), with the first-quarter total reaching 94,823 (+28.7%). From Russia, 25,299 tourists arrived in one month (+3.5%), and 79,326 over three months (+18.5%).

Meanwhile, most Western markets showed declines. The largest monthly drop was in Poland — down 65% to 1,152 visitors. However, for the quarter, the decrease was minor — 1.9% to 12,992. France ranked second in the negative list, with a 43.7% monthly decline (to 4,277) and 14.7% quarterly decline (to 21,757). The United States came third, with only 4,223 tourists visiting the Maldives in March, 43.6% fewer than a year ago. The quarterly decline was also significant — 18.9%, down to 16,616.

Visits from Italy fell by 42.2% for the month (11,032) and 1.3% for the quarter (57,289). Declines were also observed in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and other countries.

Thus, in March and for the first quarter, only two markets remained positive: China and Russia. Russian growth was partially supported by direct flights operated by Aeroflot.

Russian Tourist Flow and Additional Flights

Before the Middle East crisis, about 35% of Russian tourists traveled to the Maldives via Persian Gulf hubs. In March, the cancellation of connecting flights was partially offset by new direct flights by Aeroflot. Initially, on March 9, the airline added seven flights to the Maldives with a total capacity of nearly 5,400 seats, and on the 17th, additional flights from Moscow to Malé were launched.

Ticket prices started from 101,000 rubles or $1,253. Some tourists rebooked canceled connecting flights through other hubs — from Istanbul to CIS countries and India. As a result, the Russian tourist flow to the Maldives increased by 3.5% in March, although growth rates were lower than in January (34.5%) and February (19.4%).

Demand Structure and Tourist Segments

Analysts note that the connecting logistics crisis led to a reduction in the budget tourist segment, including guests opting for inexpensive guesthouses and four-star resorts. Data for April bookings show that 55% of tourists travel with children, and the share of five-star hotels increased from 46.9% in April 2025 to 58.5% in the same month of 2026.

ATAR Vice President and CEO of the Russian Express Holding, Taras Kobishchanov, explained that demand in European markets fell across many destinations — from the Maldives to Turkey and Egypt. As a result, quotas in popular hotels, previously occupied by these guests, became available, making Maldives vacations more accessible to Russian tourists.

Tour and Accommodation Discounts

The average package price with flights to the Maldives in April decreased by 24%, from 418,100 rubles in 2025 to 317,900 in 2026 ($5,000 – $3,900) — based on 2.4 people. The decline is partly due to a reduction in the average trip duration from eight to seven nights, but the main impact on the average check came from discounts offered by Maldivian hotels.

According to ATOR’s analytics service, villa prices with all-inclusive meals fell by up to 15% compared to late February–early March levels.

Tour operators’ forecasts for the Russian tourist flow to the Maldives in April range from slightly below last year’s levels to moderate growth. Overall, there is a trend of an increasing share of premium tourists and a reduction of the budget segment, while tour and hotel prices remain below last year’s level.

International Investment analysts note that the Middle East war has had a negative impact on tourism in many countries, including Thailand. At the same time, international arrivals to Georgia continue to grow, with Russians remaining the top market.