Maldives again records highest daily tourist arrivals as China tops source markets

The Maldives recorded its highest number of tourist arrivals in a single day on Sunday, as China became the largest source market for visitors this year.

According to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism on Monday, a total of 10,462 tourists arrived in the Maldives on Sunday. This surpassed the previous daily record of 10,253 arrivals, recorded on 1 February.

The ministry said tourist arrivals so far this year have reached 295,589, representing an increase of 5.6 per cent compared to the same period last year. The data shows an average daily arrival figure of more than 7,500 tourists.

China ranked as the leading source market, with 37,304 visitors recorded so far this year, accounting for 12 per cent of total arrivals. Russia followed with 35,963 tourists, while Italy ranked third with 30,045 visitors.

Other major source markets included the United Kingdom with 27,107 tourists, Germany with 18,213, India with 10,896, France with 10,210, the United States with 7,958, Poland with 7,753, and Austria with 6,329.

The government has set a target of attracting 2.5 million tourists to the Maldives this year.