China ranks 2nd in top source markets for tourist arrivals

Statistics released by the Tourism Ministry shows China is ranked second in the list of top source markets for tourist arrivals to Maldives this year.

Tourism updates released by the authorities show that as of October 11, China made for 11 percent of the market share – just 0.5 percent behind the top source market – Russia.

China had been the top source market for tourist arrivals to China up until 2019.

In 2019 – before the Covid-19 pandemic – Maldives registered 284,029 arrivals from China – which made for 16.7 percent of the market share.

Tourist arrivals suffered an unprecedented blow when China closed its borders due to the pandemic in March 2020. The situation prevailed, until the country reopened its borders, three years later.

China resumed direct flights to Maldives on January 18.

154,927 tourists have arrived from China, since then.

Maldives has recorded over 1.4 million tourist arrivals so far this year. Russia is leading the arrivals with 162,441 visitors – making for 11.5 percent of the market share.

China is closely behind at 11 percent, with India ranked third, with 154,016 arrivals.

India had ranked first, last year.

Tourism Ministry expects that with the influx of Chinese tourists, Maldives will reach pre-pandemic levels, soon.

In 2019, Maldives had registered a record 1.7 million tourist arrivals.