The Maldives achieved a historic milestone in 2024, recording over two million tourist arrivals for the first time in its 52-year tourism history. The Ministry of Tourism reported a 9% increase in arrivals compared to 2023, underscoring the nation’s growing appeal as a premier travel destination.
Key Highlights
- Record-Breaking Tourist Numbers:
- A total of 2,047,435 tourists visited the Maldives in 2024, surpassing the 2023 figure of 1,878,543.
- The two-million-tourist milestone was reached in December, setting several new records for the country.
- Peak Travel Periods:
- February was the busiest month, with 217,392 arrivals, the highest monthly total for the year.
- The Maldives also recorded its busiest single day for arrivals in 2024.
- Top Source Markets:
- Leading contributors were China, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy.
- Over 200,000 tourists came from China and Russia, while more than 100,000 visitors arrived from the UK, Germany, and Italy.
- Ambitious Targets for 2025:
- The Government aims for a 15% increase in tourist arrivals, targeting USD 5 billion in tourism revenue.
- Promotional initiatives include MMPRC’s “The World’s Biggest Giveaway”, offering 52 all-expenses-paid holidays to showcase the Maldives globally.
- Enhanced Accessibility:
- The introduction of wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft by Maldivian Airlines will allow for an estimated 60,000 additional tourists annually.
- The A330’s range of up to 10 hours facilitates direct connections to Europe, Africa, and Australia, expanding access to new markets.
The surge in arrivals and innovative promotional strategies position the Maldives for continued success, reinforcing its status as a top-tier destination for global travelers.
