The Ministry of Tourism has reported that over 100,000 tourists from Italy have visited the Maldives this year, positioning Italy as the fourth-largest source market for the country. As of 27 August, a total of 100,367 arrivals from Italy were recorded, a significant improvement from 2023, when Italy was the sixth-largest market with 118,412 visitors by year-end.
Italy’s relationship with the Maldives has deep historical roots, dating back to the 1970s when the country became one of the first Western nations to discover the Maldivian islands as a holiday destination. Italian tour operators played a crucial role in opening up the Maldives to the world, with the first chartered flights and travel packages specifically aimed at bringing Italian tourists to the islands. Since then, Italians have continued to view the Maldives as a premier destination for sun, sea, and sand, fostering a long-standing connection that has been beneficial to both countries.
Italian tourists have been particularly drawn to the Maldives for its unique combination of natural beauty and luxury. Additionally, Italian travellers have found Maldivian resorts to be ideal for their preferences, with many establishments providing services and cuisine tailored specifically to Italian tastes. This includes Italian-speaking staff, Italian cuisine, and exclusive packages aimed at the Italian market.
The Ministry of Tourism has taken note of this long-standing relationship and has been actively promoting the Maldives across various platforms in Italy. As part of these efforts, the ministry has announced plans to host a roadshow in Italy, targeting key cities to further enhance the Maldives’ visibility and attractiveness to Italian holidaymakers. This initiative aims to strengthen the Maldives’ position in the Italian market, which remains vital for the country’s tourism sector.
The recent increase in Italian arrivals is part of a broader trend that has seen overall tourist numbers to the Maldives rise by 10% this year. To date, the Maldives has welcomed 1.3 million tourists, with Chinese visitors making up the largest share, at 194,907. On average, the Maldives attracts 6,298 tourists per day, with an average stay of 7.7 days. The government has set an ambitious target of welcoming two million tourists by the end of the year, requiring an additional 659,804 visitors to meet this goal.
The historical significance of Italian tourists to the Maldives’ tourism industry cannot be understated. Since the inception of tourism in the Maldives, Italy has consistently been one of the top markets, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth. The resurgence in Italian visitor numbers this year reflects not just a recovery from the global downturn caused by the pandemic, but also a reaffirmation of the Maldives as a preferred destination for Italian travellers.
By focusing on Italy and other key markets, the Maldives is strategically positioning itself to achieve its goal of two million visitors by year-end, bolstering its reputation as a leading global tourist destination.
