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Top 10 Tourist Markets Since Border Reopening

tourist couple at Maldives resort kanuhura
The Maldives has recorded 16,405 tourist arrivals since the border reopening from 15th July 2020 to 23rd September 2020.

The Maldives has recorded 16,405 tourist arrivals since the border reopening from 15th July 2020 to 23rd September 2020. According to the World Tourism Day Supplement 2020 by the Ministry of Tourism, United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the leading source market in terms of tourist arrivals with a market share of 15.9%, since the border reopening.

The island nation welcomed an average of 4,206 tourists daily prior to the border closure. However, since the border reopening Maldives has been welcoming an average of 238 visitors per day. Statistics reveal 2607, 1745, and 1597 arrivals from UAE, Russia, and the USA respectively, as the top 3 leading tourist markets from 15th July to 23rd September 2020.

The United Kingdom came in at 4th place with 1445 arrivals, a market share of 8.8%. Followed by, 955 arrivals from Spain with a market share of 5.8%. Meanwhile, Germany was ranked as the top 6th top source market with 720 arrivals and a market share of 4.4%. France followed with 562 arrivals and a market share of 3.4%. Furthermore, with 546, 443 and 397 arrivals, Brazil, Ukraine, and Egypt came in as the 8th, 9th, and 10th highest performing markets since the border reopening.

Figures from the Ministry of Tourism indicate that a total of 223 tourist facilities are in operation as of 23rd September 2020. This includes 82 resorts, 03 hotels (in uninhabited islands), 106 Safari vessels, and 32 transit facilities (Greater Male’ Region).

Also read: Minister of Tourism Inaugurates “Maldives Border Miles” Program

prior to the border closure, the Maldives has welcomed a total of 382,760 tourists from around the globe. Since the border reopening the island nation welcomed 1,752 tourists in July 2020. Meanwhile, in August, the Maldives welcomed a total of 7628 tourists and 7,076 tourists from 1st September to 23rd September 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic which brought the worldwide travel industry to an abrupt halt from February 2020 took its toll on Maldives tourism as arrivals saw a decline of -11% in February. However, Arrivals have started increasing slowly since the border reopening.

Feature image by Kanuhura Maldives
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Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Unveils Vibrant House Reef and Celebrates with Aqua Week 2025

Maamutaa House Reef unveiled at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa warmly invites guests to discover an extraordinary underwater world just meters from its shore. Recently, the resort unveiled the Maamutaa House Reef, a thriving marine ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity and easy accessibility. In fact, it’s one of the Maldives’ finest snorkeling and diving spots, just a short swim away.

To celebrate this exciting milestone, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is gearing up to host Aqua Week 2025 from 13 to 20 July. During this week-long event, the resort brings together underwater exploration, environmental care, and creative marine experiences designed to inspire and engage guests of all ages.

What to Expect During Aqua Week 2025

Aqua Week also marks the official launch of the resort’s Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project and offers guests unique chances to connect with the ocean like never before:

  • First, guided snorkeling tours invite guests to collect visual data on seagrass habitats while learning about their important role in the marine ecosystem.
  • Then, there are underwater content workshops led by Insta360, where guests get hands-on experience capturing vivid 360-degree marine footage.
  • Plus, underwater scooter rides powered by Edge K5 add a fun and thrilling twist to reef exploration.
  • On top of that, certified mermaid Gloria Xue hosts mermaid classes and performances, including fantasy-themed photoshoots and live shows at the Aqua Villa.

Altogether, this vibrant week blends sustainability, storytelling, and technology, encouraging guests to explore and protect the ocean in fresh and immersive ways.

Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project: Protecting Marine Life

At the core of Pullman Maldives Maamutaa’s environmental efforts is its three-phase Seagrass Mapping & Awareness Project, which forms part of the resort’s commitment to sustainability under the Green Globe program. Seagrass meadows play a vital role in supporting young marine species and soaking up carbon, making their conservation absolutely crucial.

The project timeline is as follows:

  • Phase 1 (July) focuses on seagrass identification and mapping alongside resort staff and guests.
  • Then, in Phase 2 (August and September), guest-led snorkeling excursions help gather images and raise awareness.
  • Finally, Phase 3 (October) will feature the premiere of a short documentary highlighting the project’s findings and impact.

Throughout this process, guests are invited to actively take part in this meaningful conservation initiative, turning their vacation into a valuable contribution toward ocean health.

Maamutaa House Reef: A Living Marine Wonderland

Just 100 meters from the resort’s beach lies the newly revealed Maamutaa House Reef, a vibrant underwater habitat bursting with life and color. This reef stands out as a rare gem in the Maldives, offering exceptional biodiversity along with easy access. Visitors can spot green and hawksbill turtles, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, colorful schools of parrotfish and angelfish, and sometimes eagle rays and octopuses, all within easy reach of the resort.

“This reef is not only accessible, it’s alive,” shares the resort’s marine biologist. “Guests don’t need to travel far to witness marine wonders. It’s an ecosystem that inspires awe and action.”

The journey to the reef is part of the adventure itself. Guests glide through flourishing seagrass meadows, essential habitats for marine life before reaching the reef’s drop-off. Here, hard and soft coral formations flourish, nurtured by the atoll’s natural geography and nutrient-rich ocean currents.

Signature Reef Experiences for Every Guest

The Maamutaa House Reef forms the foundation for a variety of engaging activities that suit all ages and experience levels, including:

  • Marine biologist-led guided snorkeling tours
  • Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) sessions launched right from the beach
  • Night snorkeling under UV lights, revealing stunning biofluorescent marine life
  • Citizen science programs focused on seasonal seagrass research
  • Kids’ Ocean Explorers, a fun and educational program designed for young marine enthusiasts

Whether guests are first-time snorkelers or seasoned divers interested in marine research, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa offers effortless access to unforgettable ocean adventures, with no boat rides or long transfers needed.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is clearly setting a new standard for reef access, sustainability, and immersive marine experiences. For travelers eager to explore the Maldives through education, conservation, and discovery, this house reef, along with everything it inspires, offers a journey truly worth taking.

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