Tourist influx increased in Maldives with its free visa to the world

The island nation, Maldives, which consists of 26 atolls and is a top travel destination in the world, has revealed that most numbers of the tourists visiting the Indian Ocean archipelago this year are from China, followed by Russia, the UK, Germany, Italy and India.

The data released by the Maldivian Ministry of Tourism in May this year said that a total of 772,370 tourists arrived in the period from January to April 2024 as compared to,285 in 2023 during the same period.

A total of 65,882 tourists visited the perfect getaway for honeymooners from China in April followed by Russia which had 65,655 tourists. A total of 60,384 tourists came from the UK, while from Germany it was 49,302.

The lowest number of tourists was from UAE at 18,987 while from India it was 34, 763 tourists. Russia and the UK followed closely, adding to the robust start of the year with an average stay of 7.8 days per visitor.

Maldives, famous for its high-end resorts on private islands offering exclusive amenities plays a crucial role in the tourism industry as the country's economy is greatly dependent on it.

Many activities such as snorkeling, diving, and various water sports allow visitors to explore the diverse marine life and coral formations.

In recent times, the number of Indian tourists has significantly declined because of strained bilateral relations. Tourist arrivals from India have dropped by 42% in the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year.

In March this year, the Maldives welcomed over 600,000 tourists highlighting the island nation's continued appeal among travelers. Its strong resurgence in global tourism shows the Maldives’ enduring charm and its capacity to draw tourists even amid global uncertainties.

To enter the Maldives, travelers must possess a valid passport and will get a free 30-day visa on arrival. Male Velana International Airport, located on Hulhule Island in the North Male Atoll, is the only international flight connection within the country.