Over 700,000 People Enters The Maldives with Tourist Visas

Over 700,000 tourists have arrived in the Maldives so far this year.

Data published by the Ministry of Tourism show that 700,594 tourists have visited the Maldives by August 18, 2021. This is a dramatic increase in comparison to the previous year’s 555,494 tourist arrivals.

Most inbound tourists so far this year were from Russia, with 154,380 arrivals. India ranks second with 132,745 arrivals using tourist visas. Many of the arrivals from India are expatriates who work in Gulf countries, or “quarantine tourists”, stopping by the Maldives to complete their mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

The Indian tourists have also been renting daily rooms in Male’ homes. Each person expends no more than about USD 1,000 while in the Maldives. It is noteworthy that Indian tourists who stay in Maldivian resorts do not spend much either.

Although tourist arrivals have increased compared to last year, state revenue has increased by only 13 percent.