Maldives Tourism Soars: Over 117,000 Visitors in Just 18 Days

The Maldives has kicked off 2024 with an impressive surge in tourism, welcoming more than 117,500 international visitors in just the first 18 days of the year, according to recent data released by Maldives Immigration.

The tropical paradise has witnessed a remarkable 9.9% growth compared to the same period last year, when the nation attracted 106,936 tourists. This significant increase underscores the Maldives' growing appeal as a premier tourist destination.

Russian tourists lead the arrival statistics, with 15,077 visitors making it the top source market. Italy follows closely with 12,560 tourists, while the United Kingdom rounds out the top three with 10,621 visitors.

The immigration statistics reveal a robust daily influx of tourists, with arrivals ranging between 5,000 to 8,000 visitors per day. This steady stream of visitors highlights the destination's consistent popularity among international travelers.

In terms of accommodation preferences, luxury resorts dominate the market, hosting over 60% of visitors. Guesthouses have emerged as a popular alternative, attracting 25% of tourists, while safari vessels account for 2.4% of visitor stays, according to the Ministry of Tourism's latest figures.

This strong start to the year indicates a healthy tourism sector in the Maldives, building upon the previous year's success and suggesting a promising outlook for the country's primary economic driver.