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Tourists to Maldives increase by 10.5% in 2018

Tourism Ministry has revealed the number of holidaymakers visiting Maldives in 2018 so far has increased by 10.5 percent.

Based on statistical data collected from Maldives Immigration Department and tourism related ventures, the ministry compiled statistics indicate a total of 93,786 tourists visiting Maldives in June.

According to the ministry a total of 726,515 holidaymakers have visited the island nation since the beginning of 2018 until last month; January through June.

Statistics also reflect on the increase in tourists flying from the European continent. The European tourist market contributes to 51.3% of total holidaymakers visiting Maldives so far. This meant a total of 372,388 tourists visited during the first six months of 2018 from the said region.

This marks a 16.3% bump from the number of tourists visiting last year from European continent.

Second largest tourist market originates from Asia-Pacific with a market share of 37.6% contributed to local tourism. The total number of guests originating from the said region from January til June of 2018 has reached 290,542 marking a 3.3% bump from last year's figures.

US originated tourists visiting Maldives have gone up as well with a total of 34,234, marking a 4.7% market share. Middle-Eastern tourist market contributed to 3.2% in local tourist figures, which translates to 23,130 holidaymakers. Africa originated tourists contributed a 0.6% with just 6,127 tourists visiting Maldives so far.

Tourism Ministry's statistics also confirm the number of registered hospitality venues or outlets in Maldives have increased to 42,806 by end of June 2018. The average nights spent by guests increased by 13.5% during the first six months of the year.