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Tourist Arrivals Increase by 15% Compared to 2020

tourist arrivals increase compared to 2020
Tourist arrivals to the Maldives increased by 15% in 2021 compared to 2020 while arrivals decreased by 39% compared to 2019.

Tourist arrivals to the Maldives increased by 15% this year compared to 2020. However, arrivals have decreased by 39% compared to 2019.

According to the statistics from the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism, 440,295 tourists arrived in the tropical holiday destination between 1st January 2021 and 22nd May 2021. During the same period in 2020, 382,775 tourists arrived in the Maldives. Furthermore, during this period in 2019, 722,253 tourists visited the island archipelago.

The statistics reveal tourists spent an average of 9 days in the Maldives this year. Compared to the early months of this year, the duration tourists spend in the Maldives has significantly increased. Likewise, the island nation witnessed an average of 3,101 tourist arrivals per day until 22nd May 2021.

It should be noted that the Maldives’ borders were closed from 27th March 2020 to 15th July 2020.

During the first few months after the tropical holiday destination reopened its borders, a high number of tourists visited the Maldives from the United Arab Emirates.

Also read: Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa is the Most Picture-Perfect Hotel in the World

Then, arrivals from Russia spiked after Aeroflot started operations to the Maldives. For the rest of the year, Russia continued to retain its position as one of the leading tourist source markets. In 2021, Russia is currently the leading tourist source market.

The successful recovery of the Maldives’ tourism industry would be incomplete without India. In 2020, Maldives became the most trendy holiday destination for Indians. Moreover, since the Maldives reopened the borders, India was the biggest tourist source market until the COVID-19 crisis in the neighbouring nation.

This year, Maldives expects to welcome over 1.5 million tourists. Other reports from industry experts suggest the island nation will witness at least 1.2 million tourist arrivals in 2021. A recent report from the World Bank reveals that Maldives’ GDP will grow by 17.1% in 2021 and 11.5% in 2022 thanks to tourism.

Feature image by Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
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Kuda Villingili Resort Welcomes India’s Aqua Fitness Expert Rajni Maker for Global Wellness Day 2025

Aqua Fitness Expert

From June 14 to 18, 2025, the luxury resort in the Maldives, Kuda Villingili will host an exclusive wellness program celebrating Global Wellness Day, inviting guests to reconnect with themselves, nature, and community through the transformative power of water. Rajni Maker, a trailblazer in India’s aqua fitness scene known for her innovative and inclusive water-based workouts, will lead the five-day event.

Aqua fitness expert Rajni Maker brings over 16 years of experience in Pilates, mindful movement, and water-based training to the Maldives, where she will lead guests through a fun and energizing mix of low-impact exercises suited for all fitness levels. Her signature programs, including Aqua Tabata, Kickboxing, Circuits, Pilates, Aerobics, and Zumba, blend science with flow to deliver joyful, joint-friendly workouts that boost overall vitality. Recognized by NATCOM and ATNI for her contributions to the field, Rajni also holds an Aqua Specialisation from the Federation of International Sports Aerobics and Fitness in Singapore.

She shared her excitement about the upcoming program

“I am thrilled to bring my expertise to Kuda Villingili. The resort’s serene setting and expansive aquatic spaces offer the ideal canvas for meaningful, water-based wellness experiences. My goal is to help every participant reconnect with their body and mind, while also leaving them with simple, sustainable practices they can continue at home—whether they are just beginning their wellness journey or are seasoned fitness enthusiasts.”

Wellness Experiences Set in Paradise

Kuda Villingili Resort already welcomes wellness lovers with a variety of experiences that promote balance, vitality, and inner peace. Its private island spa features eight treatment villas specializing in holistic therapies with organic, island-inspired ingredients. On top of that, guests who prefer active pursuits will find the Maldives’ largest pool, a cutting-edge gym overlooking the ocean, and a jungle yoga pavilion perfectly positioned for sunrise and sunset practice.

Now, with Global Wellness Day approaching, the resort has pulled together an experience that goes beyond the usual. Throughout the five days, guests can enjoy a thoughtfully curated lineup of activities designed to nourish both body and soul:

  • Start with a guided nature walk through the island’s lush landscape, ending with a mindful beachside body scrub using traditional Maldivian ingredients.
  • Then, wake up your core with sunrise Pilates sessions using the Magic Circle, focusing on strength and flexibility.
  • After that, join Rajni for high-intensity aqua kickboxing classes—a joint-friendly but seriously energizing cardio workout.
  • Families can also get moving together during fun and active beach HIIT sessions.
  • For something playful, join a friendly padel tennis match and compete for wellness-themed prizes.
  • Later, tap into your creative side with a nature-inspired painting session.
  • And finally, take time for yourself with a one-on-one wellness consultation with one of the resort’s expert practitioners.

As the schedule flows from movement to mindfulness, the entire program ties beautifully into this year’s Global Wellness Day theme, #ReconnectMagenta. It’s all about slowing down, recharging, and reconnecting, whether that means bonding with loved ones, finding inner calm, or just being present in nature.

About Rajni Maker and Flow & Fit

Rajni Maker is more than just an aqua fitness expert, she’s reshaped the way people in India experience movement in water. Her Flow & Fit program brings her vision of fitness to life: fluid, empowering, and deeply restorative. Not to mention, she blends elements of yoga, functional training, and rehab into every session, creating something that feels both powerful and healing.

With certifications from respected institutions like ACSM, the Pilates Institute of America, and the Evidence-Based Fitness Academy, Rajni backs her passion with real knowledge. What makes her stand out, though, is how she turns fitness into something fun, approachable, and doable—whether you’re brand new or a long-time wellness enthusiast.

You can check out the brochure here

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