Statistics reveal that the tourist arrivals registered in May 2024, is the lowest for the month in comparison to the corresponding months in the last three years.
According to the updates from the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives attracted 119,875 arrivals in May 2024 which is a drop of 1,084 arrivals compared to May last year – registering 120,959 arrivals.
The arrival total in May this year is also a decline of 2,022 arrivals compared to May 2022; during which arrivals stood at 125,528.
Despite this decline in May, the preceding months in 2024 showed growth in arrivals compared to previous years.
As such, in January 2024 total arrivals stood at 192,385 whereas in the same month last year, arrivals stood at 172,499. In January 2022, arrivals had reached a total of 131,765.
Arrivals in February 2024 stood at 217, 392 compared to a total of 177,915 arrivals in February 2023, and an arrival total of 149,011 in the same month in the year before that.
Tourist arrivals in March 2024 stood at 194,227, which is an increment of 20,713 arrivals compared the corresponding month last year, during which arrivals stood at 173,514. In March 2022, arrivals stood at 150,748.
Tourism peak season winds down by March, and generally observes comparatively lower arrivals in April every year – in comparison to preceding months. As such, arrivals in April 2024 stood at 168,366 – lower than preceding months of the year – which is a modest growth compared to April last year, during which arrivals stood at 164,357.
In April 2022, tourist arrivals had maxed at 145,282.
On average, daily arrivals for May this year stood at 3,867 – the lowest so far in 2024, while the average duration of stay was 7.3 days.
According to an informal survey conducted by Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), occupancy in many resorts, guesthouses, and liveaboards are projected at concerning levels for June and July as well.
The association further noted that the upcoming Euro Cup in June might “further reduce European arrivals” in the current month.
Earlier in January 2024, MATATO had lobbied for to increase investment in marketing campaigns through the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) – suggesting a threefold increase in spending with a more “structure approach”.
MATATO had also emphasized the need for enhanced destination marketing to meet current targets amidst intense competition from other tourism-heavy countries in the region as well.
The association also advocated for targeted advertising campaigns, especially during the tourism low season – which usually begins on April lasting until August – such as a Summer Campaign.
Additionally, MATATO highlighted importance on focusing on long-stay source markets to sustain the average length of stay, and stressed Maldives should adopt better marketing strategies and rely on data-driven metrics for decision-making.
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