MATATO projects 2 million tourist arrivals for next year

Maldives Association for Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has projected 2.01 million tourist arrivals to the Maldives for 2024.

This marks a 7.9 percent increase in the number of arrivals projected for this year.

The details of some of the projections made by MATATO for next year are as follows;

• Asia – 1.2 million arrivals (60 percent)
• Europe – 400,000 arrivals (20 percent)
• America – 200,000 arrivals (10 percent)
• Other nations 210,000 arrivals (10 percent)

Key factors highlighted by the association that will drive the projected surge of arrivals include the resurgence of the Chinese market, the completion of Maldives’ main airport, Velana International Airport (VIA)’s new terminal which will significantly enhance the airport’s capacity, allowing the accommodation of more tourists.

MATATO also noted that the Maldives was expanding its offerings, with new resorts, attractions, and experiences emerging to cater to a wider range of tourists.

This year's initial tourist arrival target had been set at 1.8 million before being revised by former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to 1.9 million.

As per the latest stats from the Tourism Ministry, Maldives has recorded 1.75 million tourist arrivals as of December 13^th.