Russia has dethroned China, last year’s top tourist market to the Maldives, recording the highest ever arrivals from a single country so far this year.
According to statistics publicized by the Tourism Ministry, Maldives has recorded 149,447 tourist arrivals as of January 21st, up from 139,682 tourist arrivals during the same period last year, marking a seven percent increase.
Russia leads as the Maldives’ top tourist market with 21,798 arrivals, while Italy and the UK rank second and third with 16,261 and 13,147 arrivals.
China, which was a top source market to the Maldives last year, is currently ranked fourth with 10,924 arrivals.
Germany and India, which topped tourist arrivals to the Maldives after COVID-19 pandemic, ranks fifth and sixth respectively.
At present, Maldives has 68,915 operational beds in 186 resorts, 976 guesthouses, 16 hotels and 173 tourist vessels.
Maldives recorded 2.25 million tourist arrivals last year, falling short of the government’s target of 2.3 million. However, the government is targeting to welcome 2.4 million tourists in 2026.