In a momentous event for the Maldives' tourism industry, the island nation celebrated the arrival of its one-millionth tourist for 2024 on June 27. The milestone tourist, a family from Thailand making their second visit to the Maldives, was warmly received at Velana International Airport by Minister of Tourism Mr. Ibrahim Faisal and MMPRC Managing Director Mr. Ibrahim Shiury.
Their stay also highlights the growing importance of the family tourism sector to the Maldives, traditionally renowned for its honeymoon destinations. Welcoming families is a testament to the Maldives' diverse appeal beyond honeymooners,
Despite Thailand not being a primary tourism source for the Maldives, this event underscores the nation’s appeal to a broader audience. The top ten source markets for the Maldives from January to May 2024 are as follows:
China: 100,690 tourists
Russia: 90,204 tourists
United Kingdom: 85,174 tourists
Italy: 75,145 tourists
Germany: 72,321 tourists
India: 53,434 tourists
France: 32,262 tourists
U.S.A.: 31,688 tourists
Switzerland: 21,407 tourists
Poland: 17,357 tourists
Reaching one million tourists in a record time is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the Maldives' enduring allure. Maldives continues to diversify market reach and enhance the visitor experience for all types of travelers.
As the Maldives continues to draw visitors from around the globe, the focus remains on sustainable tourism practices to ensure the preservation of its pristine environment for future generations. This achievement sets a positive tone for the remainder of the year, with expectations of surpassing previous records and welcoming even more visitors to the tropical paradise.