Tourist arrivals fall by 2 percent as peak season begins, total arrivals increase

Tourist arrivals to the Maldives experienced a slight decline at the start of December, the beginning of the peak tourism season, despite an increase in airport taxes and fees for foreign passengers.

Statistics from the Ministry of Tourism reveal a 2 percent drop in arrivals during the first 11 days of the month compared to the same period last year.

This year, 62,249 tourists visited during the same period, compared to 63,523 last year.

Daily arrivals also decreased slightly, from an average of 5,766 tourists per day in November to 5,659 per day in early December.

China remains the leading source market for tourist arrivals to Maldives, with 256,197 visitors so far this year.

This marks a significant rise for China, which ranked third in arrivals last year. Russia holds the second spot, followed by the UK and Germany.

India, which had been the top source market last year, has now dropped to sixth.

Despite the drop in December, overall tourist arrivals in 2024 have increased. As of December 11, a total of 1,899,884 tourists have visited the Maldives this year, marking an 8.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, which saw 1,747,370 arrivals.

Amendments to the laws raising the Airport Development Fee (ADF) and Departure Tax for passengers departing from airports in the Maldives have come into effect from December 1.

As per the new changes, although the Airport Development Fee and departure tax on economy class passengers will remain unchanged for Maldivian passengers departing the country, the previous tax of USD 30 will be increased to USD 50.

Both locals and foreigners travelling on business class will see an increase from USD 60 to USD 120, while first class passengers will have to pay USD 240 instead of the previous USD 90.

Additionally, those travelling via private jets will have to pay USD 480, which is a 300 percent increase from the previous charge of USD 120.