The Maldives has welcomed 1,229,419 tourists so far this year, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. During the corresponding period last year, the country recorded 1,287,850 tourist arrivals, marking a 4.5 per cent decline year-on-year.
The figures also show that 159,537 tourists visited the Maldives so far in July, compared with 161,766 during the same period last year, representing a 1.3 per cent decrease.
The ministry attributed the decline in tourist arrivals compared with last year to the temporary suspension of flights by several airlines operating to the Maldives following the conflict in the Middle East, which limited travel to the country. However, tourist arrivals have begun to recover as airlines that had suspended operations resumed their services.
According to the statistics, the Maldives is currently receiving an average of 5,911 tourists per day.
The top five source markets for tourist arrivals this year are:
- China: 210,109
- Russia: 175,814
- United Kingdom: 96,179
- Italy: 78,982
- Germany: 75,550
Of the total tourist arrivals recorded so far this year, 1,213,842 visitors arrived by air. Of those, 1,199,442 entered the country through Velana International Airport, while Gan International Airport recorded the second-highest number of arrivals, receiving 4,475 tourists.
The Government is continuing efforts to sustain the growth of the tourism sector in the coming months. The Maldives welcomed 2.2 million tourists last year, and the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation has expressed confidence that tourist arrivals this year will not fall below last year's total.