Russia top tourist source market last month

Russia emerged as the leading source market for tourists to the Maldives this past January.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Tourism, 30,000 tourists arrived from Russia, the highest number from any single country. This marks an increase of 7,000 visitors compared to January of last year, when 23,000 Russian tourists visited the Maldives.

Over the past five years, Russia has consistently ranked among the top five countries for tourist arrivals and remains one of the primary source markets during the peak season.

China, which was the top source market last year, contributed 24,000 tourists last month, making it the second-largest market.

However, this figure is a decrease of 15,000 visitors compared to January of last year, when approximately 39,000 Chinese tourists arrived. Italy followed in third place, also contributing 24,000 tourists last month.

While Italy maintained its position as the third-largest market compared to January last year, the number of Italian visitors increased by 2,000 compared to the same period last year.

The majority of tourists visiting the Maldives last month originated from Europe. Furthermore, last month set a historical record for the highest number of tourist arrivals in a single month, with a total of 224,000 visitors. This represents a 4.6 percent increase compared to the arrival figures recorded in January of last year.