The Maldives recorded 96,411 tourist arrivals in December 2020. This figure is an increase of 170% compared to November 2020.
According to the statistics from the Maldives Immigration, an average of 3110 tourists arrived per day in December 2020. Furthermore, the minimum number of tourists that arrived in December per day was 114, 569 and 1,585 respectively.
Neighbouring India overtook the Russian Federation, becoming the biggest tourist source market to the Maldives. India was also the fastest-growing tourist source market in 2019. Maldives recorded A total of 18,637 tourists arrivals from India in December 2020. Meanwhile, 15,323 tourists arrived in the Maldives from the Russian Federation during the month.
The United Kingdom took third place with 14,431 arrivals during December 2020. 4,363, 3998 and 3,010 tourists arrived from Germany, France and Ukraine respectively. The United States ranked in the 7th place with 3,005 tourist arrivals. And 2,839, 2,210, and 2,088 tourists arrived from Kazakhstan, Switzerland and Romania respectively.
While the average daily tourist arrivals increased by 161% in December 2020, it increased by 72% in November 2020 and 118% in October 2020.
Also read: Maldives Records 35,759 Tourist Arrivals in November 2020
Before the Maldives closed its borders, 383,760 tourists visited the tropical holiday destination. Meanwhile, during the border closure period, 87 tourists visited the Maldives. According to the statistics from the Maldives immigration, 172,552 tourists arrived in the Maldives after the country reopened its border. Hence, surpassing the target of the Maldives’ tourism ministry to welcome 500,000 tourists in 2020.
In 2021, the Maldives has already welcomed over 10,000 tourist arrivals during the first 3 days. According to Tourism Minister, Dr Abdulla Mausoom, the island archipelago welcomed an average of 3,456 tourists during the first 3 days of 2020. Minister further stated 2021 looks promising to the Tourism industry of the Maldives. Tourism Ministry also forecasts a 1.5 million tourist arrivals in 2020.
Feature image by Huvafen Fushi Maldives
