Have A Look Into The Peak Season Statistics For The Maldives
Wednesday 28th of December 2022
As per the statistics published yesterday by the Ministry of Tourism of the Maldives, the Maldives has welcomed 1,641,104 visitors to the country, surpassing its arrival target for the year. The arrival numbers are a significant incrementation from the number of visitors seen in both 2020 and 2021 and are slowly inching closer to the arrival record of 2019. This is the first time such a major increase in arrivals is seen post the Covid-19 pandemic.
The average arrival number for December is 5,764, the highest recorded average throughout the year. The statistics also reveal that tourists usually spend a week in the Maldives with the average duration of stay ranked at 8 days. December is always a busy period for the tourism industry, and daily arrivals have remained high every day of the month, with rises more significant during weekends. The highest recorded daily arrival has been noted on Monday, 26th December which saw 7,621 visitors gracing our shores.
The highest number of tourists are sourced to the Maldives from the Indian market which has taken a large proportion of the market share at 14.5%. Closing behind Indian is Russia with a 12% share whereas the United Kingdom is ranked in the third position with a 10.7% market share. Other traditional markets for the Maldives also find spots in the charts including Italy, Germany, France and the United States. The South Korean market has soared to the charts this month, taking 9th place in the list.
Maldives offers tourists a plethora of choices in accommodation ranging from resorts, hotels, guesthouses, liveaboards and homestays. Undoubtedly, resorts are the more popular choice among affluent and luxury travellers and host the largest bed capacity among all the other accommodations. Guesthouses take 24% of bed capacity while safari vessels and hotels share the remaining percentage.
Guesthouses are scattered all across the country on 20 atolls and 114 islands. The most famous areas for local tourism are Kaafu, Alifu Alifu and Alifu Dhaalu with Baa and Vaavu Atoll slowly gaining momentum. All these atolls are renowned for their pristinely natural reservoirs and dive spots with Baa atoll having a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve within the atoll.
The main hub of the Maldives, Velana International Airport is also making new records this peak season. On 22nd December 2022, the airport reported the highest recorded number of runway movements with a total of 228 confirmed on the day. This includes 104 international flights, 104 domestic movements and 20 general aviation movements. VIA has been using its new code-F runway for operations this peak season.
With peak season statistics showing a positive image, it is firmly believed that Maldives is on route to recovery from the disastrous effects of the pandemic and ready to shine as the World’s Leading Destination, welcoming visitors to the Sunny Side of Life.