Maldives has reached the 1 million tourist arrival in a year milestone on 24th November 2013. As of 24th November 2013, a total of 1,000,203 tourists visited the Maldives.
Maldives received 925,413 tourists at the end of October 2013 and 783,999 tourists at the end of October 2012, which is an increase of 18% compared to the same period of last year. A total 284,926 Chinese tourists visited the Maldives which is 30.8% of the total arrivals to the Maldives and is the highest arrival from a single source market. It is followed by Germany at 8.3%, United Kingdom (UK) at 7.8%, Russia at 6.6% and Italy at 5%. ?Among the other countries that received highest number of tourists include France, Japan, India, Switzerland and South Korea. Turkey, United States of America (USA), Middle East countries and Australia have a considerable increase in arrivals during the month of October. Also Ukraine, Denmark, Portugal, Spain and Taiwan also show a potential growth.
An overall growth of 1.2% was from Europe region; however, the percentage share has decreased to 46% by the end of October. Asia region now contributes to 47.2% percentage share in terms of total arrival to the Maldives.
The occupancy rate was maintained at 73.6% and averages of 6.1 days were spent by tourists by end of October. Two new resorts was registered which made the total number of registered beds to 29,198 by end of October. Also on average 26,007 beds were utilised during the above mentioned period.
In order to mark the 1 million tourist milestone, 1 week celebration starting from 25th December till 31st December will be organised at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport by Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture together with Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation and Airport Reps Association of Maldives (ARAM).