The Maldives is poised to achieve its annual tourism target of 2 million visitors, with the milestone expected to be reached this Thursday. Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal announced that as of December 21, the country had welcomed 1.96 million tourists.
According to recent statistics from the Ministry of Tourism, an average of 6,259 tourists have been arriving daily this month, representing a 7.2% increase compared to the same period last year. Over the year, the Maldives has maintained a daily average of 5,531 arrivals, reaffirming its status as a highly sought-after travel destination.
In 2024, China has emerged as the leading tourist market, contributing 260,940 visitors. Other major markets include Russia, with 216,092 arrivals; the United Kingdom, with 173,939; Germany, with 151,298; and Italy, with 133,736 visitors. Meanwhile, the Indian market, which held the top spot for the past three years, has experienced a decline, recording 126,055 visitors this year.
Despite increases in departure taxes and airport development fees, along with the implementation of a higher green tax and a rise in the TGST on tourism services from 16% to 17% earlier this year, the Maldives has continued to attract a record number of tourists. On average, visitors spend 7.7 nights in the Maldives, underscoring the enduring allure of the country’s luxury resorts and pristine natural beauty.
As the year draws to a close, these record-breaking figures highlight the ongoing success of the Maldives’ tourism industry and its ability to captivate travelers from around the world.
