The Maldives has recorded over 18,000 tourist arrivals within the first week of 2021. According to statistics from the Ministry of Tourism, the tropical holiday destination recorded approximately 18,086 tourist arrivals from 1st January 2021 to 6th January 2021.

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During this period, the island nation saw a daily average of 3,014 tourist arrivals. Furthermore, holidaymakers are spending an average of 10 nights in the Maldives. The figures from the Ministry of Tourism reveals Russia as the leading tourist source market during the period.

A total of 5,331 tourists arrived from Russia during the period, accounting for a 29.5% share. Meanwhile, neighbouring India came in at 2nd place with 1,816 tourist arrivals. In 2020, the Maldives witnessed a total of 62,905 tourist arrivals from India. India plays a pivotal role in the Maldives’ tourism industry for its road to recovery.

Several Indian celebrates have also ringed their new year in the Maldives. Ananya Panday, Kiara Advani, and Siddharth Malhotra welcomed 2021 in the sunny side of life. In 2020, a staggering number of Indian celebrities have chosen the Maldives as their vacation home as well.

Followed by India, Maldives recorded 1,779 tourists arrivals from Ukraine during the first week of 2021. The remaining top tourist source markets include; Kazakhstan, United Kingdom, Romania, Germany, France, the United States, and Uzbekistan.

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The arrival figure is, however, a drop by 42.9% compared to the first 6 days in January 2020. Furthermore, the island archipelago witnessed 555,399 tourist arrivals in 2020. Tourism Minister of the Maldives, Dr Abdulla Mausoom revealed 2021 looks hopeful as the country witnesses over 3000 daily tourist arrivals.

Currently, 26 airlines are operating flights to the Maldives. Major airlines including Emirates and Qatar Airways recommenced their operations to the Maldives within days of border reopening.

Feature image by Huvafen Fushi, Maldives