The Maldives has experienced a notable increase in Chinese tourists, making China the largest source market for the island nation. According to the Maldives Ministry of Tourism, over 200,000 visitors have arrived from China, representing an impressive 45% rise compared to the same period last year.
China had been the leading source market for tourist arrivals to the Maldives before direct flights were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic led to the suspension of direct flights to the Maldives, China held the position of the leading source market for tourist arrivals to the Maldives. With the reopening of China’s borders in 2023 and the introduction of direct flights from China and Hong Kong over the past two years, it has reclaimed its status as the leading market for tourism. Direct flights from airlines like Xiamen Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines have made travel more convenient and accessible for travellers from these regions, resulting in an increased volume of visitors.
The Maldives has actively participated in major fairs and tradeshows, such as ITB China and the China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market. This year, the Maldives have been the official destination partner for ITB China 2024, enhancing the Maldives’ presence within the Chinese tourism sector. In an effort to further market the destination for Chinese Travellers, the Maldives government has partnered with Fliggy, China’s leading online travel platform under Alibaba, aiming to leverage Fliggy’s wide-vast audience and digital expertise.
As a result, the Maldives has become an increasingly popular destination for Chinese tourists, contributing to the country’s growing tourism sector. The surge in Chinese tourists enhances the expanding economy while also strengthening cultural ties between the Maldives and China.
To date, Maldives has welcomed more than 150,000 tourists this year, showing a 9.5% growth compared to last year’s figures for the same period. With the current marketing initiatives and the addition of direct flights, The Ministry of Tourism anticipates that the government will successfully attain its target of two million tourists by the end of December this year.
