Maldives draws nearly 150,000 tourists in 3 weeks

Statistics from the Tourism Ministry indicate that Maldives has recorded nearly 150,000 tourist arrivals so far this year. 

Data publicized by the Tourism Ministry yesterday show that as of last Wednesday, 149,447 tourists arrived in the Maldives. This is a 7 percent increase compared to the same period last year. 

This month too, the highest number of arrivals are from top markets Russia, Italy, UK, China and Germany. 

Of the total arrivals, 144,226 tourists arrived through Velana International Airport. The next highest arrivals, at 540 tourists, was through Maafaru International Airport. 445 tourists arrived through Gan International Airport and another 428 tourists arrived through Hanimaadhoo International Airport. An additional 288 tourist arrivals were also recorded at the Villa Airport at Maamigili, and 183 tourist arrivals at Dhaalu Airport in Kudahuvadhoo. 

69 percent of these tourists spent their holidays at resorts. Guesthouses hosted 21.6 percent tourists, and hotels, 2.7 percent. Safari vessels account as accommodation for 2.1 percent tourists. 

At present, Maldives has 68,915 tourist beds. These include 45,893 beds at 186 resorts, 16,940 beds at 976 guesthouses, 2,598 beds at 16 hotels, and 3,484 beds on 173 safari boats. 

However, at present, 67,829 beds are operational.