Tourism Numbers in 2021
Monday 3rd of January 2022
2021 was the year of breaking records with resilience and solidarity in the Maldivian Tourism and Hospitality industry. For a country heavily dependent on visitors arriving to its shores from all corners of the world, the biggest challenge remained in its battle with curbing the effects of the global pandemic. Many key markets remained restricted on its border regulations whilst more were showing signs of changing travel trends in the new normal.
Maldives remains a blissful island destination and with numerous strategically planned marketing efforts by stakeholders, the message was well received by awaiting travellers. An enthusiastic 1.3 million tourists spent their well-deserved holidays in the Maldives in 2021. Top source market was not surprisingly, India closely followed by Russia. European countries dominated the top ten in varying trends throughout the year, with new additions such as Ukraine and Saudi Arabia emerging as promising markets to tap into.
More than 53,000 tourist beds were brought to operation across various accommodation providers – 72% in resorts and 20% in guesthouses. Travel rules and regulations under constant scrutiny ensured that guest stays were safe for limitless getaway fun, activities and memories to be made.
More than 30 chartered and schedules airlines made flights to the Maldives from across prominent hubs and private jets flocked the airports in competition too. Emirates and Qatar airways carried the most number of passengers to the Maldives, exceeding 254,000 and 213,000 respectively. International airports dotted in the archipelago remained vigilant and accessible in catering for the influx demand that rose during the peak season especially.
As we look forward to 2022, the Maldives has begun celebrations of the Golden Year of Tourism in the destination. Stakeholders are lining up eventful surprises and gifts for tourists who are choosing Maldives for their dream holidays, making it an even more exciting year to visit Maldives.