Sunday
22nd Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
MALE, MALDIVES — Russia has once again taken the lead in tourist arrivals to the Maldives, surpassing India which held the top spot earlier this year, according to data released yesterday by the Maldives Ministry of Tourism.
As of May 19, a total of 119,405 Russian tourists had visited the Maldives, reaffirming Russia's position as a crucial source of tourist revenue for the island nation. On the other hand, India, the country that briefly dethroned Russia at the beginning of the year, has now fallen to the bottom of the list, with a total of 118,638 tourists so far.
The overall tourist arrivals in the Maldives as of May 19 reached 1,016,719, marking a significant milestone for the Maldives' tourism industry as it recovers from the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Russia and India were not the only countries contributing to this surge in tourism. The Maldives saw a total of 85,884 tourists arriving from other countries, further illustrating the diversity and global appeal of the tropical paradise.
The Ministry of Tourism’s data also revealed that there are currently 1,253 tourist destinations in operation across the Maldives. This includes 174 resorts, 908 guesthouses, 161 safaris, and 13 hotels, all of which offer a combined total of 61,116 beds to accommodate the influx of visitors.
The surge in arrivals from Russia and other countries is seen as a positive sign for the Maldivian tourism sector, which plays a pivotal role in the nation's economy. The increase in numbers indicates a strong recovery and holds promise for the rest of the year.
The tourism industry stakeholders continue to work on innovative strategies to maintain this growth trajectory and appeal to an even wider range of global tourists. With its pristine beaches, clear waters, and abundant marine life, the Maldives continues to solidify its reputation as a leading global tourism destination.
Despite the shift in leading source markets, the constant remains the Maldives' commitment to providing an unforgettable and safe vacation experience for all its visitors, regardless of their country of origin.