Maldives Sees Decline in Tourist Arrivals in May Despite Year-Over-Year Growth

According to the Tourism Ministry, 113,720 tourists visited by May 29, marking the off-season for the Maldives tourism industry.

Tourist arrivals increased by 11.5 percent in January, 22.2 percent in February, 11.9 percent in March, and 2.4 percent in April. However, May saw a slight decline of 0.3 percent. The daily average of tourists dropped from 6,400 in the first four months to 3,900 in May.

The lower tourist arrivals in May and June have also impacted occupancy rates of tourist facilities. Typically, May occupancy rates range between 40-50 percent. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, occupancy was 48 percent in May 2022 and 43 percent in May 2023. June occupancy rates were 45 percent in 2022 and 43 percent in 2023.

Statistics suggest that the occupancy rates for resorts, guesthouses, and other tourist facilities may be even lower in May and June this year, though May 2024 figures are yet to be released. So far in 2024, 886,090 tourists have visited the Maldives, with the majority arriving in the first four months.