Maldives welcomes German first-timer as first tourist of 2026

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), on Thursday, has welcomed the first tourist of 2026.

The first tourist of 2026 is a German national, Thomas Andreas HellWeger, who traveled to the Maldives via Etihad Airways.

The 54-year-old traveled to the Maldives along with his wife. The trip marked their first to the Maldives.

A special ceremony was held at Velana International Airport (VIA)’s arrival area to welcome HellWeger. In this regard, HellWeger was received by MACL’s Deputy Chief Officer, Passenger Services Ali Musthaq.

A new year, a new beginning. We welcome our first tourist of 2026, Thomas Andreas HellWeger, to the Sunny Side of Life as another year of remarkable Maldivian experiences begins.#VisitMaldives #SunnySideOfLife #WorldsLeadingDestination2025 pic.twitter.com/EjLlnyk51A

— Maldives Airports Company Ltd (@MACLmedia) January 1, 2026

MACL presented HellWeger with a special gift to commemorate the occasion.

MACL reiterated its commitment to provide the highest quality of services to all airlines and passengers traveling to and from the Maldives.

According to Tourism Ministry’s statistics, Maldives recorded 2.24 million tourist arrivals as of December 30^th, with China topping the tourist market to the country.