Tourist arrivals to the Maldives have returned to growth in May after recording declines in March and April amid regional travel disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.

Latest tourism statistics show arrivals for May had increased by 2.6 per cent as of 27 May. This follows declines of 20.7 per cent in March and 24.4 per cent in April compared with the same periods last year.

A total of 923,984 tourists visited the Maldives so far this year, including 122,548 arrivals recorded during May.

Velana International Airport remained the country's main gateway, accounting for 97.3 per cent of all tourist arrivals. Maafaru International Airport and Gan International Airport each accounted for 0.4 per cent of arrivals, while 0.2 per cent entered through Hanimadhoo International Airport and Villa International Airport.

Resorts continued to attract the largest share of visitors, welcoming 640,988 tourists so far this year. Guesthouses received 218,773 visitors, while hotels recorded 23,112 arrivals. Tourist vessels hosted 19,766 visitors.

China remained the Maldives' largest source market, accounting for 15.6 per cent of total arrivals. Russia followed with 13.5 per cent, while the United Kingdom and Italy contributed 8.8 per cent and 7.6 per cent respectively.