The Maldives' tourist arrival numbers have crossed the budget forecast for tourist arrivals in a worst-case scenario.
According to the statistics released by the Tourism Ministry, 1,524,265 tourists visited the Maldives as of December 6. The budget forecast for this year estimated 1,520,060 tourist arrivals in a worst-case scenario. The Maldives' tourism increased by 28.2 percent compared to the same period last year.
The budget estimates that 1,632,432 tourists will visit the Maldives this year in moderate conditions and 1,835,047 in best conditions.
While China and Ukraine are the two main tourist source markets for Maldives tourism, China has yet to resume direct flights to the Maldives since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Russian-Ukrainian war has had a negative impact on Ukrainian tourist numbers.
India is now the largest source market for Maldives tourism. Indian tourists accounted for 14.1 percent of the total number of tourists visiting Maldives this year. Russia follows behind, accounting for 12.2 percent of total arrivals.
There are currently 40,835 beds operational in 167 resorts and marinas in the Maldives. While there are 14,108 beds in 860 guesthouses and 2,884 beds in 156 safaris, 1,616 beds are operational in 13 hotels. Sixteen beds are also available in three homestay properties.
