Nearly 500,000 tourists have visited the Maldives this year despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the Tourism Ministry’s latest statistics, a total of 493,349 tourists visited the Maldives by June 21. 38,966 tourist arrivals were recorded from 1 – 21 June.

92,103 arrivals were recorded in January, 96,882 in February, 109,585 in March, 91,200 in April, and 64,613 in May.

As per the ministry’s report, Russia is the top source market for tourism so far this year with India in second and Germany taking the third spot. Other nations in the top ten visitors list include Ukraine, United States, Kazakhstan, United Kingdom, Romania, France and Czech Republic.

While the island nation has seen 493,349 tourist arrivals so far this year, this is a 28.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year and a 40.4 decrease from 2019.

There are currently 731 tourist facilities in operation including 154 resorts, 428 guesthouses1 139 safari vessels and 10 hotels.

30 international airlines are operating flights to the Maldives, with 10 providing charter flight offers.

The tourism industry, Maldives’ most lucrative industry, took a toll last year as authorities were forced to close its borders from 27th March to 15th July following the Covid-19 outbreak.

The country still welcomed a total of 555,399 visitors in 2020 –exceeding its target of 545,000– a drastic decline from the previous year’s record breaking 1.7 million tourist arrivals.

While the year started with strong arrivals’ number with nearly 100,000 recorded the first two months, arrivals exceeded this in March. It fell to 91,000 in April and has been decreasing since possibly due to suspension on travelers from South Asia imposed after cases spiked in April.

Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom said that they are still certain of meeting this year’s target; 1.5 million tourist arrivals.