Australia has strengthened its position as a key source market for Maldivian tourism, climbing to seventh place in tourist arrivals after ranking 11th at the end of last year, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
A total of 39,487 Australian visitors travelled to the Maldives so far this year, marking a 20.2 per cent increase compared with the 32,843 arrivals recorded during the corresponding period last year.
Australian tourists now account for 2.4 per cent of all visitor arrivals to the Maldives, highlighting the market’s growing contribution to the country’s tourism industry.
The increase has been particularly notable in recent months. While 17,737 Australians visited the Maldives during the first six months of the year, arrivals more than doubled over the subsequent months, helping Australia move up the rankings among the country’s major tourism markets.
In response to the growing demand, national carrier Maldivian launched direct flights to Melbourne on 18 May this year. The airline has since decided to introduce scheduled weekly services from next year, using Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft to operate the route.
The direct connection is expected to further strengthen travel links between Australia and the Maldives, providing greater convenience for visitors and supporting continued growth in arrivals from the Australian market.
Meanwhile, China remains one of the Maldives’ largest tourism markets, having contributed more than 300,000 visitors. Russia has also recorded over 200,000 arrivals, while the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy have each sent more than 100,000 tourists to the island nation.
India, a neighbouring market, has likewise recorded more than 95,000 arrivals.
Australia’s rise in the rankings reflects the continued diversification of the Maldives’ tourism source markets as the country seeks to sustain visitor growth and strengthen international air connectivity.
