The Ministry of Tourism has reported that more than 80,000 tourists visited the Maldives by the 16th of this month, marking a positive growth in the country's tourism sector. According to the ministry, a total of 81,964 tourists arrived, compared to 76,172 during the same period last year.

Tourist numbers for the year have reached 1.57 million, showing a 9.5 percent increase over the same period in 2023, when 1.4 million tourists visited. The ministry remains optimistic about achieving its target for the year.

China tops the list of countries sending the highest number of tourists, with 233,300 visitors. Russia follows with 172,142 tourists, while the UK ranks third with 132,338 arrivals.

The daily average of tourist arrivals in the Maldives currently stands at 5,557. The government aims to attract 2.3 million visitors by the end of the year, a target that appears increasingly achievable given the recent surge in arrivals.

Tourism is a crucial pillar of the Maldivian economy, and this steady growth offers optimism for continued recovery and development following recent challenges.