New Source Markets to the Maldives Show Promising Rebound as Much as a Whopping 600% Growth

Saturday 8th of May 2021

Resilient and committed, the Maldivian tourism industry has been determined in its goal to achieve industry revival to pre-pandemic times since the nation opened its borders in July 2020, in the face of the global pandemic Covid19.

Blessed with geographical isolation and a one-island-one-resort concept, the destination has been selling like hot cake in the international market with numerous marketing efforts by industry stakeholders. Various other tourism products available in the country, such as liveaboard and safari holidays, greatly diversified the activities adventure-hungry thrill seekers can indulge in while on vacation in the Maldives. In addition to year-round pleasant weather and world-renown hospitality, stringent safety and hygiene protocols have made the Maldives one of the most desirable getaways amid the pandemic, topped with minimal entry restrictions to travelers from all corners of the world.

Despite the numerous travel restrictions that have continued to stay in place in different parts of the world, the Maldives has managed to pull outstanding numbers of escapers to its pristine shores. Not surprisingly, new source markets have taken the advantage of the border opening much greater than the traditional source markets, which till date remain under strict travel restrictions.

Some of the most promising markets have emerged from the Central and Eastern Europe this year, showing growth as much 600% as of May 5, 2021 compared to total arrival figures in 2019. They include the nations of Kazakhstan – 679%, Ukraine – 294%, Romania – 144% and Bulgaria – 70%. In overall comparison, the region has unlocked a total of 137% potential of growth over 2019.

A soaring climber on the chart for the past few years, India topped the arrivals list yet again with nearly 70% increase in tourist arrivals, contributing majorly to the rise in South Asian growth rate to 227% in comparison to that of 2019.

However, since the travel restrictions imposed to arrivals from South Asia in light of the threatening Covid19 situation, the traditional source market of Russia has given tough competition to India, and overtaken the top position on the chart. As of May 5, 2021, the highest number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives this year is from Russia (91,031 arrivals). This is a positive boost of 161% from 2019.  

Cover: Veligandu Island Resort