The Maldives surpassed 400,000 tourist arrivals by 4th May 2021. According to the statistics from the Maldives’ ministry of tourism, the island archipelago recorded 401,361 tourist arrivals by 4th May.
While the island nation surpassed 400,000 tourist arrivals, Russia has overtaken India and became the Maldives’ leading tourist source market of 2021 in terms of arrivals. Since the tropical holiday destination reopened in borders in 2020, Russia played a key role in the Maldives’ road to recovery.
According to the latest statistics from the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism, Russia is the no.1 market with a market share of 22.5% as of 4th May 2021. Arrivals from India has gradually decreased due to the COIVD-19 crisis in the country. Likewise, the Maldives has temporarily banned Indian tourists from holidaying on inhabited islands (they can still vacation at resorts and liveaboards).
From 1st January 2021 to 4th May 2021, an average of 3,237 tourists arrived in the Maldives per day. Likewise, compared to this period last year, arrivals have increased by 4.9%. However, compared to the same period of 2019 (before the pandemic), this is a decrease of 39.5%.
Also read: 99% of Resort Employees in the Maldives Received the First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine
A total of 722 tourist accommodation facilities are operational in the Maldives, as of 4th May 2021. This includes; 154 resorts, 421 guesthouses, 137 safari vessels, and 10 hotels.
The Maldives aims to welcome 1.5 million tourists in 2021. At the current rate, the island nation is on track to achieve this goal. World Bank projects that Maldives’ GDP will grow by 17.1% this year, thanks to tourism.
However, despite the positive outlook, World Bank projects Maldives’ recovery from the pandemic depends on the uncertain recovery of global tourism and aviation industries. As the industry suffered immeasurable losses in 2020, tourism and aviation aren’t predicted to recover to the pre-pandemic levels until at least 2023 (or beyond).
