Maldives Sees Tourist Arrivals Increase by 118% on the Fourth Month Since Border Re-opening
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in Maldives, government authorities had come to decision of closing our borders for international arrivals in order to contain the rapid spread of the virus. With significant recovery, borders were reopened on 15th July. It is not just locals that were eager to see how the Maldivian tourism industry would function post COVID-19, but the world as well. For your curious minds, here is the details of some of the latest statistics published by the Maldives Immigration and the Ministry of Tourism.
(Photo Credit: Maldives Immigration)
Maldives Immigration statistics will be accounting for the period of 15th July to 15th November, whereas the Ministry of Tourism statistics will account for the period of 15th July to 19th November. Hence, the numbers detailed hereon will be as of 19th November.
During the first half of this month, tourist arrivals had increased by 118%. As of 19th November, a total number of 59,105 tourists were recorded to have arrived to the country since border reopening. Out of this, 18,723 tourists came this month.
The most number of tourist arrivals were from Russia, as usual, counting 12,961 people. During this month, the number of tourist arrivals from India has significantly increased and remains as the second top market at present. The third top market is the United Kingdom counting 4745 arrivals.
As the winter holidays is a peak season in the Maldivian tourism industry, tourist arrivals are expected to increase even further. In this regard, a total of 25 airlines is scheduled to operate by the end of December. It is also expected that 354 tourist facilities will be in operation at the end of December.