Maldives Sees 9.6% Increase in Tourist Arrivals Compared to Last Year
The Maldives has recorded a 9.6% increase in tourist arrivals this year compared to the same period in 2023, according to the latest daily statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism.
From January 1 to October 1, the country welcomed 1,492,031 tourists, a significant rise from the 1,361,048 arrivals during the same timeframe last year and an increase from 1,190,629 arrivals in 2022.
Average Daily Arrivals and Peak Day
Currently, the average daily arrival for 2024 stands at 5,445, with tourists staying an average of eight days.
The peak day for arrivals occurred on February 10, when more than 10,000 tourists entered the Maldives.
Annual Arrival Targets
In 2023, the Maldives welcomed a total of 1.8 million tourists and aims to reach two million visitors this year.
Tourist Arrivals by Month
- January: 192,385
- February: 217,392
- March: 194,227
- April: 168,366
- May: 119,875
- June: 123,284
- July: 167,528
- August: 176,175
- September: 132,799
September Arrivals
The number of arrivals in September saw a 1.4% increase compared to 130,967 arrivals during the same month last year, significantly higher than the 111,986 arrivals recorded in September 2022.
During this month, an average of 4,427 tourists arrived daily, maintaining the average stay of eight days.
Daily Arrivals in September
- September 1: 4,101
- September 2: 4,516
- September 3: 3,716
- September 4: 4,104
- September 5: 3,398
- September 6: 3,805
- September 7: 3,682
- September 8: 4,045
- September 9: 4,301
- September 10: 3,807
- September 11: 4,328
- September 12: 3,700
- September 13: 4,773
- September 14: 5,202
- September 15: 5,083
- September 16: 4,904
- September 17: 4,059
- September 18: 4,516
- September 19: 4,734
- September 20: 4,870
- September 21: 4,901
- September 22: 4,808
- September 23: 4,525
- September 24: 4,397
- September 25: 4,320
- September 26: 4,313
- September 27: 4,750
- September 28: 5,167
- September 29: 5,459
- September 30: 4,512
Leading Tourist Markets
As of September, China remains the leading source of tourist arrivals, contributing 14.8% of the market share with 221,143 visitors.
Russia follows closely with 10.9% and 162,288 arrivals, while the United Kingdom ranks third, contributing 8.5% with 126,332 visitors.
Other significant markets for arrivals in 2024 include Italy (7.2%), Germany (7.2%), India (6.1%), the United States (3.4%), France (2.8%), and Spain (2.3%).
The Ministry of Tourism has expressed interest in diversifying markets to achieve the target of two million arrivals this year.
Tourism in the Maldives
Tourism in the Maldives was introduced in 1972, and the country has since attracted visitors with its stunning natural beauty.