Chinese tourist market which resumed to the Maldives earlier in 2023 after a near three-year hiatus is the fastest growing market so far this year.
After China reopened its borders for outbound travel earlier this year, tourists from the country began arriving in the Maldives marking the first time Chinese tourists visited the island nation following the 2020 border closure.
While China debuted at the 10th spot of the Top 10 Markets of 2023, it quickly rose through the ranks and is currently the third strongest market with 133,962 annual arrivals as of September 20.
The market is gaining momentum strongly and is inching close to grab second spot and replace India, which is currently ahead of the Chinese market with 144,041 arrivals (though with comparably slower momentum).
Russia leads the top-10 list with 152,967 arrivals so far, which is an 11.7% market share while India holds an 11.0% market and China is comfortable in third spot with 10.2% market share.