News Desk
MALE’ — Tourist arrivals from China and Russia have registered strong year-on-year growth, reinforcing their positions as the Maldives’ top two source markets, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Tourism.
Data released by the ministry shows that a total of 1,173,922 tourists visited the Maldives up to 18 July. While this represents a slight 4.7 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year, individual key markets have shown substantial resilience and growth.
China firmly retains its position as the number one tourist source market for the Maldives, followed closely by Russia in second place. Both countries have comfortably outperformed their arrival numbers from the previous year.
Up to 18 July, arrivals from China reached 195,363, marking a significant 14.7 per cent increase compared to the 170,210 visitors recorded during the same timeframe last year.
The second-ranked Russian market charted even higher growth, with arrivals jumping 17 per cent to hit 167,314. During the identical period last year, the Maldives welcomed 142,899 tourists from Russia.
In terms of accommodation preferences, the vast majority of visitors opted for the country’s signature luxury properties, with resorts hosting 834,816 tourists so far this year. Local tourism also maintained a steady share, with guesthouses accommodating 262,171 visitors and hotels welcoming 27,523. Meanwhile, safari vessels and liveaboards accounted for 22,381 tourists, according to the ministry’s statistical breakdown.
