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Tourist arrivals decrease by 41% in first 4 months of 2020

Ministry of Tourism has revealed tourist arrivals in the Maldives decreased by 41% in the first four months of 2020, compared to the same period of last year.

The statistics publicised by the tourism ministry revealed 382,760 tourists visited the Maldives by the end of April, which was the figure recorded by March 27 when borders were closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first 4 months of 2019, tourist arrivals were recorded at 646,092.

The government has launched efforts to reopen borders and resume tourism operations in July. Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed said the target is to reach the 1-million mark in tourist arrivals for the year, once borders reopen.

Travel surveys conducted across different countries indicate the Maldives remains a popular destination among tourists looking to travel when borders reopen. The tourism ministry revealed several tourists have also placed prior bookings to visit the Maldives.

Last year was the most successful year for the tourism sector in the Maldives, with 1.7 million tourist arrivals recorded for the year. This was a 15% increase compared to 2018.