By Tourist arrivals in the Maldives have exceeded 1.4 million, edging the island nation nearer to its annual target of a record two million visitors.
The most recent statistics from the Tourism Ministry indicate that the Maldives welcomed 1,435,272 tourists up to September 18. This represents a growth of 10.1 percent or an increase of 131,384 visitors compared to the same period last year, which saw 1,303,888 tourists. China remains the leading source of tourist arrivals, contributing over 200,000 visitors.
Leading Source Markets:
- China: 209,791 visitors (14.6 percent)
- Russia: 155,900 visitors (10.9 percent)
- UK: 122,839 visitors (8.6 percent)
- Italy: 104,574 visitors (7.3 percent)
- Germany: 101,425 visitors (7.1 percent)
- India: 86,755 visitors (6 percent)
- USA: 48,656 visitors (3.4 percent)
- France: 40,358 visitors (2.8 percent)
- Spain: 32,359 visitors (2.3 percent)
- Switzerland: 26,568 visitors (1.9 percent)
The average stay duration is 7.7 days, with 79,795 tourist beds available in resorts, hotels, and liveaboards nationwide. While statistics indicate an increase in arrivals, concerns have been noted. The data suggests the Maldives is on course to reach its target of two million arrivals for the year. Nonetheless, industry experts are concerned about the stagnant revenue growth despite the higher number of tourist arrivals.