More than 200,000 tourists have visited the Maldives so far this month, the highest number of tourists in a single month in the half-century since the beginning of the tourism industry in the country, the Tourism Ministry has said.
According to the latest arrivals report published by the Tourism Ministry, 329,389 tourists have visited the Maldives so far this year, up 15.7 percent compared to the same period last year.
As of Monday, 200,004 tourist arrivals were recorded in February. A total of 166,762 tourists visited in February last year.
The statistics show that China is the top source market for tourists to the Maldives with 52,709 arrivals from the country alone by February 26.
Top markets
- China - 52,709
- Russia - 37,877
- Italy - 37,393
- UK - 34,798
- India - 25,751
- Germany - 24,253
- France - 15,506
- America - 12,615
- Poland - 9,938
- Switzerland - 8,718
Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal's target is to reach 2.3 million tourists this year. Faisal said last month that 2.3 million tourists were expected if arrivals from top markets China and India continue at the current rate.
China and India were among the top source markets in recent years. China has climbed to first place now as arrivals have somewhat declined from India.
The Maldives has 1,160 tourism properties at present, including 175 resorts, 830 guesthouses, 140 safari vessels and 10 hotels, representing a combined bed capacity of 61,381.
