The Ministry of Tourism has announced that over 200,000 tourists have visited the Maldives from Russia so far this year, making it the second-largest source market for tourist arrivals.
Russian tourists account for 11.2% of the total arrivals, with 201,491 visitors recorded as of now, according to the latest statistics. This marks a 6% increase compared to the same period last year, which saw 189,541 Russian arrivals. By December last year, the total figure stood at 209,146, suggesting this year’s numbers may surpass previous records.
China remains the largest source market for the Maldives, contributing 248,141 tourists so far this year.
The Maldives has now entered its peak tourism season, with an increase in airline flights boosting visitor numbers. Apart from Russia and China, arrivals from Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom have also improved compared to last year.
India, which experienced a significant slowdown in arrivals earlier this year, has also seen recovery, with 109,651 Indian tourists visiting the Maldives so far.
Overall, the tourism ministry reports that 1,797,028 tourists have arrived in the Maldives in 2024, a 9.2% increase compared to the 1,646,327 arrivals recorded during the same period last year.
The government aims to attract a total of two million tourists by the end of the year. With 353,673 additional arrivals needed to meet this target, the Maldives is currently receiving an average of 5,756 tourists daily, keeping the goal within reach by December.