Chinese tourist arrivals to the Maldives is now almost less than 2,000 short of reaching 100,000 in annual terms, according to Ministry of Tourism.
As per the updates from the ministry dated May 27, 2024, Chinese arrivals to the Maldives is currently at a total of 98,908. Russia, which earlier showed to be in stiff competition, and closely following behind, appears to be losing traction but has maintained second-strongest position nonetheless.
Arrivals from the UK, is still the third-strongest in terms of numbers, though the momentum appears to have weakened slightly.
Italy, which had briefly taken top spot earlier in 2024, is at fourth place while Germany, a consistent market as always, remains in fifth position without moving.
The year’s biggest surprise; India, which had maintained top rank for the previous three years, is the sixth strongest rank, thanks to an earlier spat between the two South Asian allies originating from offhanded and derogatory remarks made by high-ranking Maldivian government officials against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Tensions between the two countries have considerably dissipated over the recent weeks with ardent efforts made on either sides to ensure the diplomatic ties between the old allies remain strong.