Tourist arrivals in the first half of August was down -1.6% compared to the same period in 2021, the first decline registered in a 2022 month after 48% growth on average this year.
A total of 81,695 holidaymakers visited between 1 and 17 August, down -4.3% from the corresponding pre-pandemic period of August 2019.
The dip comes after robust growth in previous months compared to last year, including record-breaking arrivals in May, a nearly 100% increase in June and arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels in July.
But the government is optimistic of meeting its target of 1.6 million visitors for 2022 after the Maldives welcomed the one millionth tourist of the year on 12 August.
As of 17 August, total arrivals stood at 1,028,67 tourists. The average duration of stay is up from 6.3 days in 2019 to 8.2 days this year.
India remains the top market with 146,923 tourists as of 17 August, representing a 14.3% market share, followed by the UK (118,734 tourists), Russia (114,577 tourists), Germany (81,600 tourists) and Italy (61,221 tourists).
There are 164 resorts, 156 safari vessels and 856 hotels and guesthouses in operation across the country with a combined bed capacity of 58,317.
