Maldives nears 1 millionth tourist arrival target

Tourist arrivals in the Maldives have surpassed 900,000 so far this year, putting the country on course to reach the one million mark ahead of last year’s timeline, according to figures from the Ministry of Tourism.

The total represents an 8 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 833,000 tourists had visited by mid May. This year’s daily average stands at around 6,700 arrivals.

April saw over 198,000 tourist arrivals, while more than 200,000 visited Maldives during the first three months of the year.

To reach the one million milestone by the end of May, the country would need 170,000 arrivals this month. So far this month, 70,000 tourists have visited the country, with the daily average currently at around 5,000, the lowest monthly average recorded this year due to the seasonal slowdown typically seen from May until the end of the year.

The one millionth tourist arrival milestone was reached in the last week of June last year, but current trends suggest the country may hit the target by the end of this month or during the first week of June.

China remains the top source market, with 103,000 visitors so far in 2024. Russia follows closely with 97,000 tourists, and the UK ranks third with 93,000 arrivals.

Resorts remain the most popular accommodation choice, hosting 70 percent of tourists, while 23 percent of tourists opt for guesthouses.