As per the latest statistical updates from the Ministry of Tourism, Chinese arrivals to the Maldives is now less than 4,000 shy of hitting the 100,000-arrival-mark.
Statistics show Chinese arrivals, as of May 21, 2024, had reached 95,952 – an 11.2% market share, and currently dominating the arrival rankings. Russia is a close second with 86,356 arrivals, while the UK is in third place with 81,292 arrivals.
India is still sixth ranked, now close to hitting 50,000 arrivals, while top 10 markets remain unchanged in their positions.
So far, the Maldives has attracted 858,203 arrivals in 2024 which is an 11.1% increment compared to the corresponding period in 2023, during which arrivals reached 772,615.
Overall, tourist arrivals on a monthly basis has observed notable growth except for April where the arrivals saw the least amount of growth albeit it still being positive. Arrivals in fourth month of the year had grown just 2.4% compared to the same month last year.
The island nation is observing a boost in tourist arrival numbers, however, budget category travelers that largely originate from the Indian market, is at a comparative low, increasing woes of industry experts and stakeholders as they forecast lower tourism receipts during low season.
In a bid to resuscitate the flailing Indian market arrivals, the Maldives tourism board has recently organized an influencer-backed promotion of the island nation’s tourism offerings.