The Maldives has seen 1.16 million tourist arrivals this year, reflecting a 4.8 percent drop compared to the same timeframe last year, as per the latest weekly report from the Ministry of Tourism.

In the corresponding period of 2023, the Maldives received 1.21 million visitors. The total for this year encompasses 15,577 cruise-ship travelers.

Daily arrivals have also decreased. This year, an average of 5,893 tourists arrived in the country daily, in contrast to 6,192 the previous year.

China continues to be the leading source market, with Russia and the UK following. The top markets to date are:

China: 190,016 visitors

Russia: 164,067 visitors

UK: 91,574 people arrived

Italy: 76,549 entrate

Germany: 71,238 visitors

India: 67,687 visitors

Tourists from India at Velana International Airport. (Sun Image/Fayaz Moosa)

The majority of tourists, 72.6 percent, opted for resorts, while 22.9 percent selected guesthouses.

Velana International Airport (VIA) had a significant influx of guests, welcoming 1.13 million arrivals. In contrast, 4,304 visitors arrived via Gan International Airport in Addu City.

The drop occurs during the Maldives' customary low-season time. Moreover, authorities and industry players indicate that the conflict in the Middle East, which started on February 28, has led to decreased travel demand and diminished dollar inflows.

The effect has been apparent in trends of monthly arrivals. In March, tourist arrivals decreased by 20.7 percent, dropped by 24.4 percent in April, saw a minor rise of 1.7 percent in May, and fell again by 12 percent in June.

The sector remains under strain as worldwide travel interruptions and reduced local demand impact the number of visitors.