Maldives Tourist Arrivals Grow 2.1 Percent in August to 197,640 Visitors

The Maldives saw a modest uptick in tourism during August, with arrivals increasing by 2.1 percent compared to the same period last year. According to data released by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, a total of 197,640 visitors arrived in the archipelago last month, up from 193,529 in August of the previous year. Leisure travel continues to drive the bulk of the industry, accounting for 195,390 of last month's arrivals. Business travelers represented a smaller segment with 2,244 visitors, while cruise ship arrivals remained minimal with only six tourists recorded. Despite the growth in August, the overall trend for the year shows a slight decline. Total arrivals for the year so far stand at 1,456,930, which is 3.7 percent lower than the 1,513,066 tourists recorded during the same window last year. Currently, the Maldives is averaging approximately 5,971 arrivals per day. China remains the primary source market for the Maldives this year, leading with 267,386 visitors. Russia follows as the second-largest market with 209,179 arrivals, while the UK, Italy, and Germany round out the top five with 110,561, 93,089, and 88,400 visitors, respectively. Accommodation preferences continue to lean heavily toward high-end luxury, with 1,049,380 tourists choosing to stay in resorts. Guesthouses remain a popular secondary option, hosting 316,267 visitors. Additionally, 33,417 tourists stayed in hotels, while 26,490 opted for the immersive experience of liveaboard vessels.