Maldives set to welcome first Chinese cruise ship arrival

A Chinese cruise ship is scheduled to visit the Maldives for the first time later this month, according to the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA).

MAYA said the vessel is expected to arrive on 23 June at 7:00 a.m. and depart at 6:00 p.m. on the same day.

Special events are being planned to welcome the ship during its visit.

MAYA said the arrival marks the first visit by a Chinese cruise ship to the Maldives and noted that preparations are underway to showcase the country to visitors arriving on board.

The association also highlighted the growing role of cruise tourism in the Maldives.

According to statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism, more than 14,000 tourists have arrived in the Maldives on cruise ships so far this year.

China continues to be the largest source market for Maldivian tourism. Ministry figures show that 149,207 visitors from China had arrived in the Maldives as of last Monday.

The scheduled visit comes as the Maldives continues efforts to diversify visitor arrivals and expand opportunities within the tourism sector.