Maldives Tourist Arrivals Surpass 1.4 Million

The Ministry of Tourism has revealed that tourist arrivals to the Maldives have exceeded 1.4 million, bringing the island nation closer to its ambitious annual target of two million visitors. 

According to the latest statistics from the Ministry, as of 18 September 2024, the Maldives had recorded 1,435,272 tourist arrivals. This represents an increase of 131,384 visitors, or a 10.1% growth compared to the same period in 2023, when the country welcomed 1,303,888 tourists.

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China remains the leading source of visitors to the Maldives, with 209,791 tourists, accounting for 14.6% of the total. Russia followed with 155,900 visitors, representing 10.9% of the total arrivals. The United Kingdom contributed 122,839 tourists, making up 8.6% of the total, while Italy sent 104,574 visitors, or 7.3%. Germany provided 101,425 tourists, which represented 7.1% of the total arrivals. 

India followed with 86,755 visitors, or 6%, while the United States accounted for 48,656 tourists, making up 3.4%. France contributed 40,358 visitors, representing 2.8% of the total, while Spain added 32,359 visitors, making up 2.3%. Switzerland sent 26,568 tourists, accounting for 1.9% of the overall figures.

The average duration of stay for tourists is currently 7.7 days. There are 79,795 tourist beds in operation across resorts, hotels, and liveaboards throughout the country.

Despite the positive growth in tourist numbers, concerns have emerged regarding revenue generation. Industry experts have pointed out that the increase in arrivals has not necessarily translated into higher revenues. At the GM Forum 2024, hosted by Hotelier Maldives, Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal urged stakeholders to focus not only on increasing tourist arrivals but also on improving occupancy rates and extending the average length of stay.