Tourist source markets to Maldives that were leading the figures in February 2021, according to the Maldives Immigration.
Wondering which tourist source markets contributed to the Maldives’ highest number of tourists arrivals in February 2021? According to the statistics from Maldives Immigration, India was the leading tourist source market in February 2021. But, here are Maldives’ top 10 tourist source markets in February 2021.
Russia ranked in 2nd place with 19,724 tourist arrivals. The Russian Federation played a pivotal role in Maldives’ road to recovery. Likewise, until last month, Russia consistently remained the leading tourist source market after the Maldives reopened its borders.
5,339 tourists arrived in the Maldives from Ukraine while 3,996 tourists arrived from Germany. As the 5th biggest tourist source market of February 2021, 3,732 tourists arrived in the Maldives from Kazakstan. Meanwhile, 3,231 tourists arrived in the Maldives from Switzerland and 3,204 tourists arrived from the Czech Republic.
A growing source market, 3,190 tourists arrived in the Maldives from Romania. And as the 9th leading individual market, 2,237 tourists arrived from the United States. Ranking the 10th place, Maldives recorded 2,052 tourist arrivals from the United Kingdom in February 2021. For further statistics and information go to https://immigration.gov.mv/
Statistics from the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism reveals that 96,881 tourists arrived in February 2021. Moreover, tourists spent an average of 8.8 days in the tropical holiday destination. With the 96,881 tourist arrivals, Maldives welcomed 188,984 tourists by the end of February 2021.
Arrivals during the first 2 months of 2020 is a decrease of 40.7% compared to the first 2 months of 2020. However, Maldives aims to welcome 1.5 million tourists in 2021 as opposed to the 555,494 tourists the island archipelago welcomed in 2020.
Nestled at the southern edge of the Maldives, where the turquoise waters of Addu Atoll stretch deep into the Indian Ocean, Canareef Resort Maldives quietly evolves. This change doesn’t come from flashy renovations or new facilities. It’s driven by people. Those shaping the resort from the inside out. Meet Deepak Kannan and Shirhaan Sodig. Deepak, focusing on people and culture, and Shirhaan, managing technology and systems, play key roles in defining what it means to run a modern resort in the Maldives.
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Deepak Kannan: The People-First Leader Building Culture from the Inside Out
He began his hospitality career in 2000 at the front desk of Radisson Hotels. Over 25 years, he built an impressive resume across the Middle East, including the iconic Burj Al Arab by Jumeirah and several IHG Crowne Plaza properties in the UAE and Oman.
He rose from Front Office Shift Leader to Front Office Manager with IHG, sharpening his skills in operations and guest relations. Later, Deepak stepped into leadership roles as Hotel Manager and General Manager at well-known hotels such as Bin Majid Hotels and Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, Excelsior Downtown Dubai, and Platinum Coast Hotel in Fujairah.
Moreover, In 2021, Deepak expanded his expertise by consulting for a major convention center in Chennai, India, where he set up their rooms division and operational systems. This experience highlights his versatile and strategic approach.
At Canareef, where he serves as Assistant General Manager, Deepak focuses on more than management. He builds a culture centered on teamwork and empowerment. He explains it simply: “To achieve a one vision, one team spirit and a strong people-centric culture that will empower the talent we have into shaping Canareef to be the most desired resort destination in the region.“
His leadership already makes a difference. The team works closely together, supporting each other to deliver guest experiences that linger long after the stay. For Deepak, hospitality means focusing on people first.
Shirhaan Sodig: The Tech Expert Keeping Things Running Smoothly
Behind the scenes at Canareef, few guests know the name Shirhaan Sodig, but his work touches nearly every part of their stay. From reliable Wi-Fi to IPTV entertainment, Shirhaan’s IT expertise ensures the resort’s technology runs flawlessly.
With over 15 years in IT, Shirhaan’s background includes fiber optic networks, IPTV, CCTV, telephone systems, and vital hospitality software like Opera PMS and Micros POS. He started his career as an Assistant Computer Technician at the Secretariat of Addu City Council, where he built a solid foundation managing complex networks.
For Shirhaan, technology goes beyond hardware — it reflects a mindset. He shares: “I believe there’s no such thing as impossible when you combine the right mindset with the right technology. In hospitality, every challenge is an opportunity to innovate, and that’s what drives me —using technology to quietly enhance guest experiences and empower teams to perform at their best.”
Before joining Canareef as IT Manager, Shirhaan developed his skills at South Palm Resort Maldives, serving as Assistant IT Manager and IT Manager. At Canareef, he led a major upgrade by implementing a resort-wide Fiber To The Home (FTTH) network, dramatically improving internet speed and reliability. He also created a custom IPTV app to enhance guest entertainment options.
Beyond Canareef, Shirhaan contributes as a visiting lecturer at Maldives National University, training future IT professionals. His qualifications include certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, CCENT, and a degree in Information Technology, blending academic knowledge with practical expertise.
Where Vision Meets Technology and Hospitality Flourishes
Canareef Resort Maldives offers a picture-perfect destination, but in today’s competitive market, beauty alone does not suffice. Travelers expect more: seamless technology, thoughtful service, and genuine hospitality.
That is exactly what Deepak and Shirhaan provide. Deepak shapes the resort’s culture and people, while Shirhaan ensures the technology supports that vision behind the scenes. Their combined efforts might not look flashy, but they build a foundation designed to last.
So when guests visit Canareef Resort, they get more than just palm trees and ocean views. They experience a resort powered by purpose, a team committed to making every stay truly memorable.
