Maldives Hits 1.6 Million Tourist Arrivals, Aiming for 2 Million by Year-End
The Maldives has witnessed remarkable growth in its tourism sector this year, surpassing the 1.6 million mark in tourist arrivals as of October 23, 2024. According to the Ministry of Tourism, this milestone reflects a 9.4% increase compared to the same period last year, when 1.47 million tourists visited. With high hopes of reaching two million arrivals by year-end, the Maldives’ tourism industry shows no signs of slowing down.
2024 Arrival Trends: Strong Growth in Visitor Numbers
From January 1 to October 23, 2024, the Maldives welcomed 1,614,676 tourists, averaging 5,437 visitors per day. With travellers staying for around eight days on average, the Maldives is able to offer them a unique experience across its islands, blending natural beauty with renowned Maldivian hospitality.
In particular, February 10 marked a peak day with over 10,000 tourists arriving, a daily record for 2024. As the Maldives works to top last year’s total of 1.8 million arrivals, this year’s growth reflects the industry’s steady rebound and growing global demand.
Monthly Breakdown of Arrivals in 2024
Tourist numbers have remained strong across all months, with certain periods showing particularly high visitation rates. Below are the monthly arrival figures up to October:
- January: 192,385 visitors
- February: 217,392 visitors
- March: 194,227 visitors
- April: 168,366 visitors
- May: 119,875 visitors
- June: 123,284 visitors
- July: 167,528 visitors
- August: 176,175 visitors
- September: 132,795 visitors
- October (1-23): 122,649 visitors
October alone has seen a notable rise, with a 6.2% increase over last year, averaging around 5,333 visitors daily. These numbers suggest a strong close to the year, supporting the government’s goal of hitting two million arrivals.
Leading Source Markets: China Takes the Lead
This year has also highlighted shifts in source markets for Maldives tourism. China now leads as the top source, accounting for 14.7% of arrivals with 236,822 visitors. Russia follows at 11%, contributing 177,788 tourists, while the United Kingdom ranks third at 8.5%, with 137,288 visitors.
Other significant contributors include:
- Germany: 7.5% of arrivals
- Italy: 6.9% of arrivals
- India: 6% of arrivals
The surge in Chinese tourists marks a significant shift, likely attributed to the easing of travel restrictions in China and the Maldives’ appeal as a favoured beach destination.
The Journey to Two Million Arrivals
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal shared his optimism about the Maldives reaching its ambitious goal of two million arrivals by the end of the year. This vision aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to tap into emerging markets while enhancing the visitor experience across established ones.
Minister Faisal emphasized the Maldives’ focus on sustainable tourism, aiming to preserve the islands’ natural beauty while welcoming a diverse range of travellers. “The Maldives is committed to expanding its tourism reach while keeping our unique environment and culture at the forefront,” he stated, highlighting new initiatives to diversify the nation’s appeal across different tourist segments.