Maldives tourism is bouncing back strong

As per statistics published by the Ministry of Tourism, total number of arrivals as of 09 May 2022 has reached 621,633. This is a 50 percent growth compared to same period last year, yet still about 9 percent below the pre-COVID 2019 level. The average daily arrivals is at 4,826 from January until 08th May 2022, which is 50 percent higher than the daily average of 3,206 in 2021.

With the Russia-Ukraine war which began in February 2022, the United Kingdom has climbed as the number one source market, with 13 percent market share, and more than 73,000 tourists by the end of April 2022. India maintains a close second place consistently with 12 percent market share, and more than 65,000 tourists by the end of April. Russia is in the third position with a 10 percent market share. Germany, Italy and United States are at the fourth, fifth and sixth position respectively. Saudi Arabia has climbed to the 9th position, from the 16th position in 2019, heralding the success of the new wave of 'halal tourism'.

In terms of tourist facilities in the country, there are 164 operational resorts, 647 guest houses, and 150 safari vessels as at 08 May 2022. The total operational bed capacity is at 54,846 out of which 71 percent comes from the resorts, 23 percent from the guest houses/hotels, and 5 percent from the safari vessels. New resorts have been scheduled to open this year, of which specific numbers deserve a closer inspection. 

As the Maldives tourism industry celebrates the 50th Golden Year of tourism this year, the Ministry of Tourism, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), together with the industry partners have been actively engaged in various marketing and promotional events both abroad and in the Maldives. This includes participation in key tourism fairs, FAM trips by writers and influencers, and advertising campaigns in partnership with international media.