Russia continues to be the top source market for Maldives tourism this year.
Statistics go on to reveal that although India topped the tourist markets for Maldives halfway through the year, it has since been replaced by Russia once more.
Russia contributes 11.5 percent of the market share with 156,905 arrivals recorded from the country as of September 30, while India has toppled to the second spot with 149,587 arrivals, which makes up 11 percent of the arrivals.
China comes third contributing 10.7 percent with 145,982 arrivals.
Other top tourism markets so far in 2023 are:
- United Kingdom contributing 8 percent with 108,608 arrivals
- Germany contributing 6.7 percent with 91,059 arrivals
- Italy contributing 6.2 percent with 84,093 arrivals
- United States contributing 3.9 percent with 53,497 arrivals
- France contributing 2.8 percent with 37,446 arrivals
- Spain contributing 2.1 percent with 28,544 arrivals
- Switzerland contributing 1.9 percent with 25,297 arrivals
Maldives is expected to record 1.9 million tourist arrivals by year-end.
The government launched its fifth tourism master plan which places high priority in achieving the target noted including increasing bed nights. The tourism master plan carries the purpose of developing the tourism sector and increasing services provided to tourists by the country.
The government also plans to expand tourism across the scatter of islands comprising the Maldives.
In his presidential address this year, President Solih stated that the Maldives will be welcoming 3.5 million tourists annually, by 2028.
Tourism was introduced in the Maldives in 1972. It has been 50 years since zealous travelers have been visiting the Maldives which has been drawing in visitors with its picturesque beauty for years.