As 2022 concluded, Maldives welcomed over 1.6 million tourists for the year, surpassing its tourist arrival targets despite the challenges faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent geopolitical conflicts.
The Maldives recorded its 1 millionth tourist arrival on 12th August 2022 and 1.6 millionth tourist arrival on 20th December 2022 reaching the yearly target. Tourist arrivals in 2022 indicate a rebound of Maldives tourism to the pre-pandemic level.
In October 2022, Maldives also marked the highest number of tourist arrivals in a given month in the history of Maldivian tourism, a figure that had not been achieved even in the record-breaking year of 2019.
The tourist arrivals were recorded at 1,675,294 on 31st December 2022, and it is a 26.7% increase from the arrivals recorded in 2021. Tourist arrivals in 2022 however, show a slight decrease of 1.6% in comparison to the arrivals recorded during the same period in 2019.
Daily arrivals during the year remained over 5,016 tourists with an average stay of 8 nights.
India remained the top market for Maldives tourism in 2022 dominating over 14% with 240,000 arrivals. Russia followed closely at second contributing 12.1% with more than 198,000 tourists. Third, comes the U.K, contributing 10.7% with over 177,000 arrivals. Other top markets include Germany, Italy, the U.S.A, France, Spain, South Korea and Switzerland respectively.
According to the latest annual statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism, a total of 1,208 tourist accommodation facilities were in operation till 31st December 2022 including resorts, marinas, guesthouses, safari vessels and hotels. The total operating capacity was recorded as 59, 657 beds.
Maldives once again secured the title of the World’s Leading Destination (among several other accolades) at the 2022 World Travel Awards, globally recognised as the hallmark of industry excellence. This is the third consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title, a shining testimony of the trust placed in the ‘magic of Maldivian hospitality’ by travellers from all over the globe.
As per the growth in arrivals in 2022, Maldives is expected to welcome 2 million tourists this year. Tourism Minister Dr Abdulla Mausoom stated that the goal is to have over 2 million tourist arrivals and 14.5 million bed nights for the year 2023.
