India has emerged as the leading source of tourist arrivals in the Maldives for the year 2023, according to the latest data released by the Maldives Ministry of Tourism. With an impressive count of 209,198 tourists, India has maintained its position as the largest contributor to the Maldives’ booming tourism industry.
This marks a slight decrease from the previous year, when India also held the top spot, with 241,369 Indian tourists visiting the Maldives in 2022. Despite the marginal drop, the consistent flow of Indian tourists highlights the enduring allure of the Maldives for travellers from the subcontinent.
Russia secured the second position in the rankings, sending 209,146 tourists to the Maldives in 2023. China closely followed, contributing 187,118 visitors to the tropical paradise. The United Kingdom and Germany rounded out the top five source countries, with 155,730 and 135,090 tourists, respectively.
In total, the Maldives welcomed a record-breaking 1.87 million tourists in the past year, underscoring its status as a premier global travel destination. The Tourism Ministry noted that December 2023 witnessed the highest influx of tourists, with 194,690 arrivals during the month. Notably, on December 23, the Maldives experienced the peak of tourist arrivals, hosting an impressive 8,054 visitors on that particular day.
Looking ahead, the government has ambitious plans to attract two million tourists in the current year. At the close of 2023, the country boasted 61,650 operational tourist beds, distributed across various accommodation types. This includes 43,279 beds in resorts, 1,940 in hotels, 13,657 in guesthouses, and 2,774 in safari accommodations, reflecting the diverse options available for visitors seeking an unforgettable Maldivian experience.
As the Maldives continues to captivate travellers with its stunning landscapes and world-class hospitality, the tourism industry remains a cornerstone of the nation’s economic growth and cultural exchange.
