Maldives Sees 10% Surge in Tourist Arrivals as China Takes Lead in Source Markets

Tourist arrivals to the Maldives have surged 10.1% this year, underscoring the archipelago’s enduring appeal. As of August 27, the Ministry of Tourism reported that 1,343,911 visitors had set foot on the nation’s shores, with 160,854 arrivals recorded in the first 27 days of August alone.

This represents a notable uptick from the 1,216,815 tourists welcomed during the same timeframe in 2023, translating to a 10.4% year-over-year growth. February emerged as a particularly strong month, drawing 217,392 travelers.

A shift in the top source markets has been observed, with China climbing to the forefront, contributing 195,689 tourists—a sharp rise from its third place standing last year. India, which previously held the top spot, has seen a significant decline, now ranking sixth with 80,363 arrivals. Russia has maintained its strong presence, holding the second position with 144,950 visitors.

The Maldives’ tourism infrastructure continues to expand, with 1,231 operational facilities as of late August. These include 182 resorts, 14 hotels, 881 guesthouses, and 154 safari vessels, collectively offering 64,142 beds. Notably, 172 resorts contribute a substantial portion of this capacity, with 62,778 beds in operation.

The Ministry’s figures underscore the Maldives’ resilience and adaptability in a competitive global tourism landscape.