Male’, Maldives, 19 August 2024 – The Maldives is witnessing an unprecedented boom in tourism, with recent figures revealing that over 100,000 visitors arrived in the country within just 17 days. According to the Ministry of Tourism, by August 17, the total number of tourist arrivals had reached 109,415, marking a striking 14.9% increase compared to the same period last year when 95,196 arrivals were recorded.
This surge contributes to an impressive year-to-date total of 1.2 million tourists, a 10.3% increase from the 1.1 million visitors seen at the same point in 2023. The influx of tourists is largely driven by arrivals from China, which leads with 184,632 visitors. Russia, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany follow as significant source markets.
August has seen a notable peak in tourist activity, with arrivals surpassing 78,000 by the 12th. The month is poised to be the second-highest for daily arrivals this year, closely trailing February’s peak of 7,400 daily visitors. August’s average daily arrivals have surged to 6,500, reflecting a 10% increase from the previous year.
Tourists are also extending their stays, with the average duration rising to 7.8 days, up from 7.2 days in June. This extended stay period is providing a substantial boost to the local economy.
The Ministry of Tourism is optimistic about reaching its goal of attracting two million visitors by the end of 2024, having achieved 61.4% of this target within the first seven months of the year. Efforts are underway to increase tourist numbers from India, which now ranks sixth in arrivals, through specialized marketing campaigns.
With strong visitor numbers and an increase in the average length of stay, the Maldives is set for a record-breaking year in tourism, showcasing its enduring appeal as a top global travel destination.
