The Ministry of Tourism announces that 604 tourist establishments are currently in operation, as of January 28th this year. This includes 143 resorts and marinas, 11 hotels, 134 safari vessels, and 316 guesthouses; adding up to 43,042 beds.
From 1st January 2021 to 28th January 2021, the Ministry of Tourism records a total of 78,237 tourist arrivals to the Maldives. According to the statistics, this is a decrease in tourist arrivals compared to arrivals in 2020, by 49.6 per cent.
The top source market for tourist arrival was Russia with 17,870 visitors, followed by India with 16,155 visitors. Ukraine stood third with 6,263 tourist arrivals. Other top source markets also include Kazakhstan, France, Romania, Germany, United Kingdom, U.S.A, and Switzerland.
Notable scheduled international flights are currently in operation in the country, such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Aeroflot, Indigo, Go Air, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Etihad Airways, and Air France.
Following the closing of borders due to the global pandemic, the lack of tourist arrivals made a dent in the vulnerable Maldivian economy, and the current administration reports its efforts to restart the tourism industry once again. The government aims to bring 1.5 million tourists this year.
Maldives reopened borders to all nationalities from 15th July 2020. All visitors are granted a 30-day free on-arrival visa with a confirmed booking for a stay at any registered tourist facility in the country.
