Ministry of Tourism has revealed over 250,000 tourist arrivals have been recorded in the Maldives so far this year.
As per the statistics of the tourism ministry, 251,286 tourists visited the Maldives between January 1 and March 19 this year. This is a 34.2% decrease compared to the same period last year.
As per the monthly statistics, the Maldives recorded 92,103 tourist arrivals in January and another 96,882 arrivals in February. As of March 19, the total number of tourists who have visited the Maldives this month is 62,301. Although the figures for January and February were lower than those for the respective months last year, the figure for the first 19 days of March represent a 6.3% increase compared to the same period last year.
The tourism ministry revealed an average of 3,222 tourist arrivals are currently recorded in the Maldives per day. Tourists are spending an average of 8 days in the Maldives.
The statistics further revealed the largest number of tourist arrivals were recorded from India, which accounts for 23.8% of all arrivals recorded this year. Russia is second on the list with 21.7% of arrivals.
Maldives reopened its borders for tourists on July 15 last year, more than three months after borders were closed due to COVID-19. Since the reopening of borders, 682 tourist facilities have resumed operations in the Maldives, including 149 resorts, 385 guesthouses, 137 safaris and 11 hotels. A total of 45,527 tourist beds have been brought into operation since the reopening of borders.